At the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), we believe in the power of hands-on learning. That’s why we offer comprehensive in-person solar training sessions throughout the year at our headquarters in Custer, WI. These courses are designed to equip participants with the practical skills and expertise needed to excel in the fast-growing solar industry.
In 2024, we hosted several in-person solar training sessions, with courses ranging from entry-level NABCEP PV Associate credentials to advanced training on off-grid and grid-tied PV system design, as well as roof-mounted solar installations.
While online learning continues to be popular, over 100 students joined us in person across three seasons—spring, summer, and fall—traveling from all over the Midwest and beyond to enhance their solar careers.
Level Up Your Solar Career in 2025 – Register for Training Today!
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Growing a Skilled Solar Workforce: Entry-Level PV Associate Training
Our entry-level PV Core Course provides a comprehensive foundation in solar PV systems, qualifying students to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate exam and earn their entry-level solar credential in just one week. 33 students from diverse backgrounds qualified to sit for the exam, with 32 passing—reflecting a remarkable 97% success rate. We take pride in our training approach and the quality instruction provided at these sessions, which is evident in our pass rates.
Hear from our Alumni PV Associate Alumni!
We’re growing the solar workforce, and are so proud of our Alumni! The best way to understand the value of MREA’s in-person PV Core Course Package is to hear first-hand from those who have experienced it.
“Obtaining my NABCEP PVA credential with the MREA as my education provider was a driving factor in being hired in my current role in solar design & sales at Northwind Solar. I felt well-equipped going into exam day to gain my certification. MREA’s instructors were fantastic both when it came to delivering the content and being responsive to questions.” – Kyle G.
Specialized Solar Skills: Hands-On Advanced Training
Our Advanced Hands-on Solar Training courses saw diverse participation from industry professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and educators. These specialized courses allow students to develop advanced skills in solar design, installation, and troubleshooting.
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Design and installation best practices
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Understanding NEC guidelines
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Hands-on experience installing a roof-mount PV system on our training roof
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Hands-on experience building a grid-tied and a battery-based system with our award-winning Mobile Solar Training Lab provided by Illumination Solar
All advanced courses are approved for NABCEP Continuing Education Credits (CECs) and many are also approved by state licensing agencies.
Alumni Insights: Advanced Training Experiences
We had the opportunity to speak with participants about their experiences in our advanced courses. Here’s what some of them had to say about their training at MREA!
Looking Ahead: 2025 Course Schedule Now Available
Our 2025 course schedule is now live! Don’t miss out on securing your spot for the upcoming training sessions. Whether you’re looking to build foundational knowledge or dive into specialized areas of solar, we offer a range of online and in-person courses to support your learning journey. Join us in shaping the future of solar energy. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our upcoming training sessions!
