The Midwest Renewable Energy Association's monthly newsletter

Sunny Salutations,

Happy 2024! A new year means a new MREA monthly newsletter look. Introducing Watts Happening. Here you will receive a monthly update on what's going on at the MREA, how you can get involved, and what your support is helping to achieve. This month's newsletter is jam-packed with announcements and updates — keep scrolling to learn more!

We thank you for the part you played in 2023, and hope that we can count on your continued support in 2024. Let's create a brighter world together!

Shine On,

The MREA Team

It may be a new year, but our End of Year Giving Campaign is still accepting donations! Start your 2024 right by supporting the MREA's programs and initiatives with a tax-deductible donation today!

Up next in our End of Year video series is Training Manager Greta Ladenthin and Solar Project Manager Nick Matthes with an overview of MREA Training. Check back weekly for video updates to see how your support is making a difference.

Unable to donate today? Share this video on social media to raise awareness about the great work happening at the MREA.

NEW in 2024! The MREA is introducing the Consumers’ Guide to The Energy Transition. This new publication will serve as a year-round resource to help consumers best engage with the programs, technologies, practices, and advocacy efforts driving energy efficiency, electrification, and local clean energy development in the Midwest.

The Consumers’ Guide will be mailed to thousands of households in Spring of 2024, circulated online, and promoted at all MREA and partnering events. Ads will be available for sale starting Monday, January 8th.

In the midst of winter, nothing makes us feel as warm as reflecting on The Energy Fair. We are so grateful for every individual, family, and business that has attended the Fair over the last 32 years and made it such an important, special event. We are looking forward to The 2024 Energy Fair and want to announce how the Fair is evolving to keep up with the clean energy industry, consumer needs, and make the event even more sustainable. Energy Fair partners will receive further communications in the coming weeks. 

On Friday, June 21st, the MREA Events and Training teams are introducing The MREA Industry Demo Day, a brand new event where participants can engage in hands-on demonstrations, join networking and educational sessions, earn CEUs, and explore cutting-edge clean energy technologies. Held at the MREA fairgrounds in Custer, WI, this day will also feature interactive product demonstrations, topical panels, and an Industry Social.

In 2024, The Annual Energy Fair will be a single day event. Held on Saturday, June 22nd, the Fair will feature a familiar and competitive selection of workshops, exhibitors, hands-on demonstrations, and all of the live music, food, and special events that make the Fair so special. Our team is hard at work to honor the history of the event while making strong changes to create an even better experience for everyone involved.

Looking for NABCEP advanced PV training, recertification, or renewal credit hours? Sign up for our Solar Plus Storage training package to learn about a variety of cutting-edge solar energy storage products and applications. This is a two-day, in-person course held at MREA's Energy Storage Tech Center in Custer, WI. Class times are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT.

Prerequisites: Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101)
Course Instructor: Nick Matthes
Total Course Hours: 16

Join MadiSUN and the MREA for a one-day, entry-level training for anyone interested in joining the solar workforce. No prerequisites required — not to mention, it's FREE! Take advantage of one of three dates: January 24, February 7, or February 28 at the Latino Academy for Workforce Development. 

SunPeak is a full-service solar PV provider specializing in the design, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance of commercial solar systems. Using an ISO 9001-certified quality management system, SunPeak works with businesses, schools, non-profit organizations, and municipalities to help them achieve their cost savings and sustainability goals with roof and ground-mounted solar. SunPeak has proudly supported MREA since 2014.

Use the button below to learn more or inquire about a solar project for your site.

EDP Renewables North America Launches the Close the Loop Program

Green hydrogen could make Minnesota a leader in climate-friendly steel

Minnesota agency in hiring mode as it prepares to roll out new energy programs

US faces ‘adapter hell’ on way to a Tesla charging future

Why the U.S. needs a grid that’s ‘bigger than the weather’

Transmission rulings pave path for renewable energy

‘Latest battleground’: How politics seized the electric grid

And to our business members who joined in December: 

Clean Fuels Michigan • Energize, LLC • Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) • Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC • Mechatron Solar Inc.