Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)

The MREA promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.

Based in Custer, Wisconsin, the MREA has been working since 1990 to protect and improve the environment by educating the public about appropriate use of natural resources to meet our energy needs. The MREA provides education and training experiences to the broadest possible audience to help power the Just Energy Transition in the Midwest.   

Our programs and services respond to evolving energy issues and empower people to make wise lifestyle choices. We share our success with like-minded organizations, recognizing that we are stronger when we all work together towards our common goals. Together with partners around the Midwest, we work to expand renewable energy adoption through innovative programs, renewable energy training, and educational events. We are currently achieving our mission through five initiatives:    

1) Grow Solar is a coordinated effort among Midwest municipalities and organizations to build an open and advantageous solar market that provides long-term benefits to communities. Since 2013, the MREA has facilitated 50 Solar Group Buy programs, reaching over 11,600 individuals and resulting in over 17 megawatts of solar on more than 2,660 properties and counting. This includes 1,239 kW installed on 167 properties through our Grow Solar Twin Cities program alone.  

2) Rise Up Midwest is a people’s movement to stimulate “Main Street” energy investment and grid modernization in response to the COVID-19 induced recession. This coordinated call to action focuses on: 1) expense reduction for homes and businesses, 2) local job creation, 3) local infrastructure improvement, 4) human wellness, 5) grid resiliency, and 6) in-state investment. 

3) Through a vision and generous support from the Couillard Solar Foundation, MREA’s Solar on Schools initiative provides a range of free resources to Wisconsin K-12 schools interested in pursuing a solar photovoltaic system. The program boldly aims to help 100 Wisconsin schools realize the financial, educational, and community benefits of going solar. 

4) The MREA hosts professional training in a variety of formats, including 100% online courses, for all knowledge levels throughout the year. Experts in the renewable energy field instruct participants from varied backgrounds including homeowners, builders, educators, architects, engineers, contractors, electrical inspectors, and more. 

5) The Energy Fair is the longest-running energy education event in the nation and attracts an average of 9,000+ attendees to learn from experts in the fields of sustainability, energy, and community action. The 32nd Annual Energy Fair will take place June 23-25, 2023, in Custer, WI. 

To learn more, visit www.theenergyfair.org  Help us continue pursuing our mission of educating and empowering people to expand the possibilities for solar across the Midwest by donating today!