Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)

Promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration since 1990.

Renewable Energy Training

We offer industry-leading professional training for solar PV, solar thermal, and small wind systems, for all experience levels. In response to COVID-19, we’ve transitioned all in-person training to online options in an effort to keep our students and teachers safe.

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Rise Up Midwest

Led by the MREA, Rise Up Midwest! is a coalition of businesses, individuals, organizations, jurisdictions, and workforce development partners working in coordination to create a groundswell of support to grow “Main Street” energy investment and grid modernization in response to the COVID-19 recession.

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Grow Solar

The Midwest Grow Solar Partnership helps communities expand access to solar through technical assistance, solar group buy programs, and training for inspectors and installers. Bring solar to your community.

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In August 2020, the Oregon School District completed the installation of this 646kW DC solar array on Forest Edge Elementary School, the first net-zero energy school in Wisconsin

Solar on Schools

Solar on Schools provides a range of free resources to Wisconsin K-12 schools interested in pursuing a solar PV system. This initiative includes a grant, an on-demand course, and technical assistance services.

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Featured News

11 Wisconsin Schools Go Solar in MREA Program’s First Year

Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Solar on Schools Initiative is Rewriting the Solar School Narrative: 11…

January 14, 2021Read More

Listen to Our Latest Podcast Episode: Energy Equity

How do we achieve a more equitable energy economy? If you ask Denise Abdul-Rahman with…

January 7, 2021Read More

Scholarship Opportunity: Clean Energy Leadership Award

MREA & Straubel Foundation Clean Energy Leadership Award In partnership with the Straubel Family Foundation,…

January 7, 2021Read More

Online Courses

Intro to System Advisor Model (SAM) (PV 430.01)

January 19 - February 7, 2021

PV System Operations and Maintenance (PV 425.01)

February 1 - February 21, 2021

Battery-Based PV System Design (PV 420.01)

February 22 - March 14, 2021

PV System Operations and Maintenance (PV 425.02)

April 5 - April 25, 2021

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Our Headquarters

Powered by an assortment of renewable energy systems, our Renew the Earth Institute (REI) in Custer, Wisconsin is our headquarters and primary training facility. In response to COVID-19 our physical office is temporarily closed, but our staff continue working remotely to serve our mission. Our EV charging stations are still available for use 24-7. Learn more