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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
Celia Sweet
MREA Engagement Director
Email: celia@midwestrenew.org Phone number: 715-900-2111 As Engagement Director at the MREA, Celia leads Membership, Events, and Outreach initiatives and oversees Fund Development,…
Christina Nichols
MREA Board Vice President | Senior Program Director, Groundswell | Mount Rainier, MD
Christina Nichols is the Executive Director of Renewables Forward, a national organization dedicated to driving action for diversity, equity 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,…
MeLena Hessel
Director of Policy, Elevate | Chicago, IL
MeLena Hessel is the Director of Policy, IL at Elevate. Elevate is a non-profit organization that designs and implements programs…
Jane McCurry
MREA Finance Officer | Executive Director, Clean Fuels Michigan | Lansing, MI
Jane McCurry is the Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing clean mobility. In…
Leon has been the MREA’s Site Manager since 2017, working as a project manager for various renewable energy installations onsite.…
Jeff Schneider
MREA Solar Program Coordinator
Email: jeff@midwestrenew.org Jeff joined MREA in 2021 as the AmeriCorps Solar Program Coordinator, and he came on board as a…
Clay Sterling
Assistant Professor, Kankakee Community College
Clay is currently an associate professor for electrical engineering technology and renewable energy at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee IL.…
Jp Jones
Professor, Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA
Prof. John-Paul “Jp” Jones is a Native Iowegian from the Rathbun Lake area of Appanoose and Monroe Counties in Southeastern…
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…
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…
Nick Hylla
MREA Executive Director
Email: nickh@midwestrenew.org Nick Hylla is the Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association where he works in partnership with…
Mike Joyce
Instructor, Project Engineer, Full Spectrum Solar
Mike is currently a PV Project Engineer for Full Spectrum Solar in Madison, WI, where he designs and manages both…
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…
Anica Graney
MREA Communications Manager
Email: anica@midwestrenew.org As communications manager, Anica is excited to promote the MREA and it’s energizing mission of renewable energy along…
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.
Get Involved
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