Established in 1990, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (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.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association will provide the highest quality renewable energy education and training experiences available. Our programs and services will respond to evolving energy issues, empower people to make wise lifestyle choices, and be accessible to the broadest possible audience. We will share our success with other like-minded organizations, recognizing that we are stronger when we all work together for our common goals.
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.
Like most good things, the idea of the MREA began in the kitchen. After reading a call to action by Richard Perez in Home Power Magazine, a group of friends took to the local farm kitchen and organized The First Annual Energy Fair, to be held at the Amherst, WI fairgrounds in 1990.
Despite a rainy forecast, the Fair saw tremendous success. Shortly after, the MREA was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with an unwavering mission to “promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.”
We grew steadily, and in 1999 we moved to our permanent headquarters, the ReNew the Earth Institute (REI), in Custer, Wisconsin.
We now manage education programs and partnerships throughout the Midwest in an effort to expand the market for renewable energy, making this once “alternative” energy our foremost option. We are a member-supported organization; we appreciate your support.
7558 Deer Rd. Custer, WI 54423
info@midwestrenew.org
715-592-6595
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 fairgrounds. 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.
Our team is made up of a dedicated group of staff, Board of Directors, Advisory Board members, and instructors.
MREA offers one of the nation’s top solar professional training programs. Online and in-person options are available year-round.
The Solar Corps is a workforce development project that connects aspiring solar professionals with work experience and opportunities.
Find information on our solar group buy programs, Solar Power Hours, technical assistance and more at our website growsolar.org.
Hosted in Custer, WI, each June, The Annual Energy Fair brings industry professionals and sustainable living enthusiasts together for a weekend-long celebration of renewable energy education and demonstration.
A movement to transition our energy economy into a local, resilient, clean, and reliable system that provides the greatest possible benefit to people and planet. Welcome to the world Rise Up!
Let’s make Wisconsin K-12 schools a leader in solar PV! Whether your school is looking for grant opportunities and are far along in your PV journey, or if your school is interested in solar but unsure of where to begin, this initiative is for you.
© 2023 · Midwest Renewable Energy Association.