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

INTERVIEW: Rise Up Midwest effort to grow main street energy investments

Check out this interview of Nick Hylla by Joel Haskard of Minnesota’s Clean Energy Resource…

September 16, 2020Read More

Op-Ed the Workshop for Members: Oct. 14

Getting the Renewable Energy Message Out! Op-Ed Writing Workshop: Oct. 14, 2020 In partnership with…

September 14, 2020Read More

Annual MREA Membership Meeting: Sept. 29th

MREA Members are invited to attend our Annual General Membership Meeting. This year’s meeting will be a virtual webinar held…

August 25, 2020Read More

Online Courses

Battery-Based PV System Design (PV 420.05)

September 14 - October 4, 2020

PV System Operations and Maintenance (PV 425.04)

September 21 - October 11, 2020

PV Labs and Design Scenarios (PV 304.13)

October 3 - October 3, 2020

Intro to System Advisor Model (SAM) (PV 430.02)

October 19 - November 8, 2020

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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