The MREA promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration. Together with partners around the Midwest, we work to expand renewable energy adoption through innovative programs, renewable energy training, and educational events. The MREA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
About the MREA
Our Driving Forces
Our Mission
Our Vision
The MREA provides high quality renewable energy education and training. Our programs and services respond to evolving energy issues, empower people to make wise lifestyle choices, and are accessible to the broadest possible audience. We share our success with other like-minded organizations, as we are stronger when we all work together.
Our Commitment to Diversity
As proponents of the just energy transition, the MREA values justice, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. We work to ensure our organization reflects the diverse communities we serve, because we believe that we need meaningful participation from people with a wide variety of perspectives and experiences to achieve our mission.
Our History
Like many great things, the idea of the MREA began in a kitchen. Inspired by a call to action from Richard Perez in Home Power Magazine, a group of friends gathered around a farmhouse table in central Wisconsin and began planning what would become the First Annual Energy Fair—held at the Amherst fairgrounds in 1990.
Despite the threat of rain, the Energy Fair was a resounding success. Shortly afterward, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear and lasting mission: to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
Our organization grew steadily over the years, and in 1999 we established our permanent home—the ReNew the Earth Institute (REI)—in Custer, Wisconsin.
Today, the MREA manages educational programs and partnerships across the Midwest, working to grow the renewable energy market and shift public perception of clean energy from “alternative” to essential. As a member-supported nonprofit, we are deeply grateful for your continued support.
An aerial photo of the 2003 Energy Fair.
Our Home
The ReNew The Earth Institute is located in the rolling hills of Custer, WI, and serves as MREA’s headquarters, educational facility, demonstration site, and event space. It’s powered by an assortment of renewable systems, including solar electric, storage, solar hot water, solar hot air, wind, and EV charging. Host your next event at our location, and check out our equipment rentals. Guided tours are available upon request.
Learn MoreOur Team
Our work is carried out by our dedicated team of MREA staff and instructors, guided and supported by our Board of Directors and Advisory Board members. Together, we move the clean energy transition forward — creating a brighter future every day.
Cris Folk
Instructor
Cris is a self-employed energy consultant, and owner of Master Training Specialist, LLC. He provides design, installation, maintenance, and service…
Ellen Barlas
Managing Director of Education & Training, Slipstream, Inc. | Sturgeon Bay, WI
Ellen Barlas is the managing director of education and training at Slipstream, Inc. As a former MREA employee, Ellen is…
Greta Ladenthin
MREA Training Director
Email: gretal@midwestrenew.org After leaving the MREA for a short while to pursue a career in the medical field, Greta is back…
Emmitt Muckles
MREA Instructor
Solar + Battery ESS Technical Application Engineer | LMS Manager | NABCEP-Affiliated Trainer | Fractional Solar Educator | Certified Commercial…
Christina Nichols
MREA Board Vice President | CEO, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) | Mount Rainier, MD
Christina Nichols is the CEO of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC). IREC builds the foundation for the rapid adoption…
Kris Schmid
Legacy Solar, LLC
Kris Schmid is the founder and owner of Legacy Solar, LLC, a solar energy company that has been designing and…
Kim Miller
Training Coordinator
Email: kim@midwestrenew.org Kim is MREA’s Training Coordinator, managing in-person and online courses to provide support in facilitating course registrations, outreach,…
Katie Collins
MREA Registration Manager
Email: collins@midwestrenew.org Katie first joined the MREA as a staff member in 2009 as the Receptionist/Office Manager. After a 10+…
Huda Alkaff
Founder & Director, Wisconsin Green Muslims & Michigan Green Muslims | Milwaukee, WI
Huda Alkaff is an ecologist, environmental educator, and the founder and director of Wisconsin Green Muslims (and Michigan Green Muslims),…
Robert Blake
Executive Director / Owner, Native Sun / Solar Bear | Roseville, MN
Robert Blake is the owner of Solar Bear a solar installation company located in Minneapolis, MN, the Ojibwe pronunciation is…
Eric Rehm
Project Director, McKinstry | Victoria, MN
Eric Rehm is a Project Director at McKinstry’s National Energy & Technical Services team. In this role, Eric collaborates with…
Jack O’Donohue
MREA Board President | La Grange, IL
John “Jack” O’Donohue began his shift from commercial real estate to a green career by focusing on efficiency first. Jack…
Alex Jarvis
President, Solar Systems of Indiana, Inc. | Bloomington, IN
Alex Jarvis has been working in the renewable energy (RE) field since 2006. He has been an instructor for the…
Jenny Heinzen
MREA Curriculum Director
Email: jennyh@midwestrenew.org Phone: 751-900-2109 Jenny started her career as an Industrial Electrician, and later worked with residential wiring, farmstead rewiring, and…
Evonne Waugh
MREA Program Manager
Email: evonne@midwestrenew.org Evonne Waugh is Program Manager for Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Solar on Schools initiative, and she works with…
Corey Ziemann
Solar Program Coordinator
Email: Corey@midwestrenew.org Corey works on the Grow Solar team which promotes the use of solar energy, and spreads awareness about…
Nick Matthes
Creator & CEO, Illumination Solar
Nick is a NABCEP certified PV Installation Professional with WI master electrician and commercial electrical inspector licenses, and has a…
Brittany Waite
MREA Operations Manager
Email: brittany@midwestrenew.org As the Operations Manager, Brittany oversees day-to-day activities including administrative, financial, and personnel. With a love for organization…
Marina Minic
Solar Programs Coordinator, Citizens Utility Board (CUB) | Chicago, IL
Marina Minic joined Citizens Utility Board (CUB) as a Solar Programs Coordinator in February 2022 after graduating from UW Madison…
Grace Michienzi
Senior Director of Policy, Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) | Grand Rapids, MI
Grace Michienzi is the Senior Director of Policy for the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC) and the Institute…
Our Programs & Initiatives
Membership
MREA membership is the best way to stay involved with the MREA while supporting the future of clean energy. Available to businesses and individuals, an MREA membership has multiple benefits including free or discounted admission to some of our events, voting privileges at board elections, quarterly training discounts, and much more.
Training
The MREA is at the forefront of cultivating a skilled workforce that drives the future of clean energy. Whether you want to start a career in the renewable energy field, maintain a credential, or install solar on your home, the MREA has a variety of courses to advance your skills.
Grow Solar
This initiative helps communities make solar more affordable and accessible with group buy programs across the Midwest. Through collaboration with local partners, we offer a competitively vetted installer process, free consumer education events and resources, and additional rebates as more participants join the group buy program.
Events
MREA events are centered around renewable energy, accessibility, and fun! From our membership meet-ups, to our Demo Day workshops, to the various outreach events we attend, we strive to educate and celebrate clean energy and sustainable living through presentations, demonstrations, networking opportunities, and exhibits.
Solar on Schools
Solar on Schools aims to make Wisconsin K-12 schools a leader in solar PV. Whether a school is looking for grant opportunities or is interested in solar but unsure of where to begin, this initiative eases the solar process — creating a pathway to solar that saves money and the Earth.
Solar Jobs
The MREA supports the solar workforce through solarenergy.jobs, a Midwest solar job resource center that serves as a marketplace connecting job seekers pursuing a career in the solar energy industry with solar companies hiring in the industry. Search for solar jobs, post a job vacancy, or explore career resources.
The Rise Up Scholarship
The Rise Up Scholarship provides free solar workforce training to individuals from historically underserved populations. By bringing mobile, in-person courses to targeted communities, the program reduces barriers related to travel and cost, increasing regional access to high-quality solar training.
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