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 organizations across the Midwest working in coordination to advance clean energy policy action and market development. We believe in the people of the Midwest and the places we live in and love. Let’s make the Midwest a global leader in clean energy.

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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

Nicky Hylla CollectiveSun Interview

Nick Hylla, Midwest Renewable Energy Association executive director, recently spoke with Sara Carbone at CollectiveSun…

July 23, 2021Read More

Coverage of Wisconsin Community Solar Proposal

Check out Madison.com’s coverage of a community solar bill in Wisconsin.

July 16, 2021Read More

Listen to Our Latest Podcast Episode: Back in the Game

What happens when a state task force spends the better part of a year developing…

June 30, 2021Read More

Online Courses

Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101)

January 1 - December 31, 2021

PV Site Assessment (PV 201)

January 1 - December 31, 2021

PV System Design (PV 202)

January 1 - December 31, 2021

PV System Operations and Maintenance (PV 425.04)

August 9 - August 29, 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