Midwest Solar Expo
2025-06-09 - 2025-06-11 | Westin Chicago Lombard Hotel, 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL, 60148, United States
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association along with other industry leaders, innovators, and clean energy enthusiasts for the 2025 Midwest Solar Expo.
With three days of cutting-edge presentations, policy updates, networking opportunities, hands-on training, and exhibition showcasing the latest solar innovations, this event promises to illuminate the future of renewable energy in the heart of the Midwest.

Shine On: Solar in Your Community (Vesper, WI)
2025-06-10 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Vesper Community Center, 6554 Cameron Avenue, Vesper, WI, 54489, United States
Tuesday, June 10 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Vesper Community Center | 6554 Cameron Avenue, Vesper, WI 54489
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) for an educational session on solar energy and how you can engage with it. Our team will walk you through how solar energy works, and have open conversations about your questions, concerns, and what you should know.
There is no cost to attend. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available throughout the event. Questions? Email info@midwestrenew.org
Let us know you’ll be attending! Fill out the following form to RSVP and submit any specific questions you may have.
RSVP

2025 Membership Meeting
2025-06-14 15:00 - 16:30 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
Saturday, June 14 | 3–4:30 p.m. | 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI

Join us at the MREA’s Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, June 14. Come to learn about the MREA’s initiatives in 2025. MREA staff and board will speak on these topics and many more regarding accomplishments and goals of the last year and the year to come. Time will be reserved near the end of the meeting for questions and discussion.
As a member-based organization, we greatly value your attendance and feedback. We count on our members to continue supporting the growth of the MREA and its mission. There is no cost to attend, though we do ask that you RSVP. Must be an MREA member.
RSVP TO ATTEND

MREA Celebration Dinner
2025-06-14 17:30 - 20:30 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
Saturday, June 14 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI

Join us for the first MREA Celebration Dinner as we commemorate 35 years of the MREA. We look forward to the opportunity to come together on the MREA grounds once again to share in the industry and movement that connects us. Our meal will be a celebration of local farmers, growers, producers, chefs, and Central Wisconsin crops. In addition to dinner, we welcome you to enjoy local beverages and the live music of Yas and the Jewelers as dinner concludes.
This is a ticketed event. Members: $75/ticket. Non-members: $90/ticket. Dinner includes a complimentary welcome beverage. Cash bar to follow.
In an effort to reduce our event’s environmental impact, we’re opting for a primarily plant-based menu. You will have the option to swap the plant-based protein for meat for one of the entrees during your meal selection. Our meal will be prepared by Rockmans Catering out of Plover, WI. Items from the dishes will be provided by local growers and makers such as Segura and Sons Mushrooms, Stevens Point Sauce Company, and Central Waters Brewing with additional partners to be announced!
PURCHASE TICKETS

The State of Rooftop Solar in Wisconsin Webinar
2025-06-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join MREA’s Solar Program Coordinator, Corey Ziemann, for a presentation on current successes and challenges for rooftop solar in our state. Learn about the advantages of distributed solar generation and how group buy programs make solar more accessible.
REGISTER TO ATTEND

PV Associate Core Course Package (PV 255.03)
2025-07-21 09:00 - 2025-07-25 17:00 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
Kickstart Your Solar Career with MREA’s NABCEP PV Associate Core Course Package
Fast-Track Your Solar Career: Earn the NABCEP PV Associate Credential in Just One Week!
Join Us for PV Week at MREA in Custer, WI
Ready to launch your career in solar energy? MREA’s PV Week in Custer, WI, is your one-stop opportunity to earn your NABCEP PV Associate Credential in just five days. This immersive, in-person program is taught by NABCEP-certified solar professionals who will guide you through the fundamentals of solar PV systems. By the end of the week, you’ll be qualified and ready to sit for the NABCEP PV Associate Exam. Earning your entry-level solar credential gives you a competitive edge in the industry.
What You’ll Learn During PV Week:

Monday: Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101)
Tuesday: PV Site Assessment (PV 201)
Wednesday & Thursday: PV System Design (PV 202)
Friday: PV Exam Prep (PV 220) & NABCEP PV Associate Exam (optional)

Each day, classes run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Learn More / Course Details
Register

Solar in Your Community — Amherst, WI (Jensen Community Center)
2025-07-30 17:30 - 19:00 | Jensen Community Center, 487 N Main Street, Amherst, 54406, United States
Wednesday, July 30 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Community Room | 487 N Main Street, Amherst, WI
Join the MREA’s Solar in Your Community presentations to get clear, credible answers from our renewable energy experts. These free educational events are designed to provide you with the latest facts, data, and insight — so you can make informed decisions about the future of energy in your area.
We’re committed to open dialogue, and we welcome your questions, ideas, and concerns. Join us at our upcoming events to be part of the conversation.
There is no cost to attend. Local beverages will be available throughout the event. If you know you will be attending, please consider RSVPing and submitting any questions you may have ahead of time to be addressed during the session.
LEARN MORE

PV Labs & Design Scenarios (PV304.02)
2025-08-06 09:00 - 17:00 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
PV Labs & Design Scenarios (PV 304): Hands-On Solar Training for System Design

Elevate Your Solar Skills with Practical, In-Person Training
Course Overview
The PV Labs & Design Scenarios (PV 304) course offers a one-day, hands-on experience focused on PV system design and installation. This course is ideal for solar professionals looking to gain practical skills in building and commissioning two types of PV systems: grid-tied and battery-based.Using a portable lab set up at ground level (no climbing required), you will:

Work with line diagrams, manufacturer data sheets, and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Build and test both a grid-tied system and a battery-based system.
Learn to verify and test mechanical and electrical connections to ensure proper system commissioning.

Course Details

Duration: 1 Day (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT)
Format: In-person, hands-on training (no climbing required)

Whether you’re preparing for the NABCEP certification exam, upgrading your skills, or simply looking for practical experience in solar system installation, this course provides the essential training you need to succeed in the rapidly growing solar industry.

Prerequisites Required: PV 101-201-202 or NABCEP PV Associate Credential

Learn More / Course Details
Register

Solar in Your Community — Stevens Point, WI (CREATE Portage County)
2025-08-06 17:30 - 19:00 | CREATE Portage County, 1300 Maria Drive Suite B, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, United States
Wednesday, August 6 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Community Room – Front Patio Entrance | 1300 Maria Drive Suite B, Stevens Point, WI
Join the MREA’s Solar in Your Community presentations to get clear, credible answers from our renewable energy experts. These free educational events are designed to provide you with the latest facts, data, and insight — so you can make informed decisions about the future of energy in your area.
We’re committed to open dialogue, and we welcome your questions, ideas, and concerns. Join us at our upcoming events to be part of the conversation.
There is no cost to attend. Local beverages will be available throughout the event. If you know you will be attending, please consider RSVPing and submitting any questions you may have ahead of time to be addressed during the session.
LEARN MORE

Roof-Mount PV System Design & Installation Lab (PV 312.02)
2025-08-07 09:00 - 2025-08-08 17:00
Roof-Mount PV System Design & Installation Lab (PV 312)
Hands-On Solar Training: Design, Install, and Test Roof-Mounted PV Systems
Course Overview
The Roof-Mount PV System Design & Installation Lab (PV 312) is a 2-day, hands-on course where you’ll design, install, and test a roof-mounted PV system.
During the course, you will:

Learn key layout considerations for roof-mounted systems
Understand component specifications and mechanical integration best practices
Apply NEC (National Electrical Code) requirements, including voltage, current, and power calculations
Gain hands-on experience in designing, wiring, and commissioning a grid-connected solar system

This course takes place at MREA’s Training Roof in Custer, WI—one of Wisconsin’s first Travel Green Destinations—providing you with a real-world learning environment powered entirely by renewable energy.
Course Details:

Duration: 2 Days
Format: In-person, hands-on training
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (both days)
Location: MREA Training Roof, Custer, WI

Prerequisites: PV 101, PV 201, PV 202 (or equivalent training) or NABCEP credential
Learn More / Course Details
Register

Grow Solar Power Hour: Bloomington-Normal — August 13
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Ecology Action Center, property owners in DeWitt and McLean counties can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable.
Join us at an upcoming Power Hour to learn more:
Wednesday, August 13 | 12:00 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Central Wisconsin — August 13
2025-08-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Central Waters Brewery, 351 Allen St, Amherst, WI, 54406, United States
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the City of Stevens Point, property owners in Marathon, Lincoln, Portage, Waushara, Waupaca, and Wood Counties can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable.
Join us at an upcoming Power Hour to learn more:
Wednesday, August 13 | 5:30 p.m. | Central Waters Brewery | REGISTER TO ATTEND
Learn More

Solar Next Door: An Overview of Solar in Southeastern Wisconsin
2025-08-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Whitewater Innovation Center, 1221 Innovation Dr, Whitewater, WI, 53190, United States
Monday, August 18 | 5–8 p.m. | Whitewater Innovation Center
Join the Wisconsin Farmers Union for a community information session on large scale solar.

Overview of existing and potential known projects
Adjacent landowner considerations
Lease negotiation education
Community power, protections, agreements, and maximizing benefits

To help plan for refreshments, please RSVP to Tara by calling or texting 715-492-0329

Midcontinent Energy Summit
2025-08-19 - 2025-08-20 | Marriott Indianapolis North, 3645 River Crossing Parkway, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association at the Midcontinent Energy Summit on August 19-20 in Indianapolis, IN.
The Midcontinent Region is on the brink of a historic transformation, with an ambitious goal of adding 17 GW of new resources annually for the next 20 years and a $32 billion transmission buildout in motion. This is the largest grid expansion in U.S. history, opening the floodgates to unparalleled investment and development opportunities across the energy sector.
From renewables and gas generation to firming power, utility-scale projects, and DERs, MISO needs it all—and fast. But navigating this rapidly evolving landscape requires more than just ambition. Success demands a laser-focused strategy, addressing critical challenges like:

Interconnection queue uncertainties—Stay ahead in a shifting regulatory landscape
Siting & permitting roadblocks—Learn how to overcome development hurdles
Finance & tax equity strategies—Gain a deeper understanding of current trends in project finance and the tax equity/transferability markets
Risk mitigation in project development—Identify the risks in project development and learn how to protect your investments

Infocast’s premier event is your gateway to mastering the MISO region’s evolving energy landscape. Join an unmatched faculty of policymakers, regulators, LSEs, developers, financiers, tax equity experts, and other industry leaders as they provide insider intelligence on the dynamics shaping the development of utility-scale wind and solar, thermal resources, storage, community solar, DERs, and emerging decarbonization technologies in the MISO states.
This is where deals are made and futures are shaped. Don’t miss your chance to gain the competitive edge—check out the agenda and secure your spot today!

Grow Solar Power Hour: Door County — August 20
2025-08-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier and more affordable. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Climate Change Coalition of Door County, property owners throughout Door County can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable.
Join us at an upcoming Power Hour to learn more:
Wednesday, August 20 | 1:00 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: La Crosse — August 20
2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the cities of Onalaska and La Crosse, and La Crosse County, property owners in La Crosse county can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable.
Join us at an upcoming Power Hour to learn more:
Wednesday, August 20 | 3:00 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Jasper + Poweshiek Counties — August 20
2025-08-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Brooklyn Opera House, 115 Jackson St, Brooklyn, IA, 52211, United States
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 1000 Friends of Iowa and the Nature Conservancy in Iowa, with community support from Jasper County, the City of Newton, the City of Prairie City and Imagine Grinnell, property owners in Jasper and Poweshiek counties can pool their buying power to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable.
Join us at an upcoming Power Hour to learn more:
Wednesday, August 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Brooklyn Opera House | REGISTER TO ATTEND
Learn More

RE+ 2025
2025-09-08 - 2025-09-11 | Las Vegas, Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association at RE+ on September 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
RE+ brings the modern energy industry together to foster a cleaner future. 2024 marked its 20th year as the largest and most comprehensive event in North America for the clean energy industry. What began as Solar Power International (SPI) has evolved into RE+, uniting an extensive alliance of renewable energy leaders for multiple days of programming and networking opportunities. Today, RE+ incorporates business opportunities and education content across the clean energy industry including solar, energy storage, hydrogen, microgrids, EV charging and infrastructure, and wind energy.
Developed by the nation’s leading clean energy organizations, the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), RE+ reflects an ongoing entrepreneurial approach to renewing best practices across the clean energy landscape as the marketplace evolves. Unlike other industry events, all proceeds from RE+ events support the expansion of the energy industry through SEIA and SEPA’s year-round research and education activities, and extensive advocacy and advisory efforts. RE+’s primary mission is to deliver on the missions of both SEIA and SEPA in a way that strengthens the industry domestically and globally, through networking and education, and by creating an energetic and engaging marketplace to connect buyers and suppliers.

Renewable Energy at the MREA Campus
2025-09-19 16:00 - 16:40 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association on Friday, September 19 at 4:00 p.m. for a special tour of its renewable energy and sustainability systems as part of the national Sun Day day of action.
The tour takes place at the ReNew the Earth Institute (REI) in Custer, Wisconsin — MREA’s headquarters, training facility, and year-round event site. Designated as one of Wisconsin’s first Travel Green Destinations, the REI is a 4,200-square-foot building powered entirely by renewable energy. Features include passive solar design, solar hot air and PV systems, in-floor radiant heat, energy-efficient lighting, a timber-framed lobby, and more.
Address: 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI 54423
After the tour, we invite you to make your way to Whitefeather Organics to learn about their farm, wood boiler heating system, and grid-tied solar electric system starting at 5:00 p.m. located just a few miles away from the MREA at 2239 Sky View Rd, Custer, WI.
Sun Day celebrates the power of clean energy to lower costs, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Learn more about the movement and find events near you.

St. Croix County Large Scale Solar Community Information Session
2025-09-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Northwood Technical College, 1019 S Knowles Ave, New Richmond, WI, 54017, United States
Join the MREA at this upcoming information session on large-scale solar presented by the Wisconsin Farmers Union.

Date: Tuesday, September 23
Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: Northwood Technical College, New Richmond, WI

This hybrid session will provide an overview of Wisconsin large-scale solar policy, considerations for local communities, and context on the Tenmile Creek Solar Project. Experts will share insights on energy policy, the electrical grid, and project impacts, with Q&A opportunities throughout.
The event is educational in nature and planned by individuals with diverse perspectives to ensure balanced, accurate information. Follow-up community discussions will be available for those interested. The session will be recorded. Please note: Xcel Energy has been notified of the event but is not hosting, and staff attendance is not guaranteed.
Register to Attend

MnSEIA 2025 Gateway to Solar Conference
2025-10-07 - 2025-10-08 | InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport, 5005 Glumack Dr, Minneapolis, MN, 55450, United States
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association at the MnSEIA 2025 Gateway to Solar Conference on October 7–8, 2025 in Minneapolis, MN!
The Gateway to Solar Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA), is one of the Midwest’s biggest and best solar + storage conferences. Each year solar installers and developers, manufacturers, distributors, financiers, engineers, utilities, job trainers, trade unions, non-profits, government agencies, and more gather for quality networking, education, and fun off-site events.
The MREA will be presenting three NABCEP approved courses on October 7:

10:30-11:30 a.m. — PV 451: Energy Storage Fundamentals – In the New Economy
2:00-3:00 p.m. — PV 425: Transitioning to Effective PV System Operations & Maintenance
3:30-4:30 p.m. — PV 604: Inspecting PV Systems – 2025 and Beyond

Meet industry professionals from across the state and country, hear from state officials, regulators, and legislators, and gain in-depth insight into Minnesota’s booming market and where it’s headed during this exciting two-day conference.

2025 Member Convening
2025-12-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
There’s no doubt 2025 has been an impactful year. As we prepare for what 2026 may hold, we feel it is essential to come together, share resources, and update you on where the MREA is going as we continue our work in expanding renewables in the Midwest.
With that in mind, we hope you will join us for the 2025 MREA Member Convening on Tuesday, December 9th.

Doors to the MREA headquarters (7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI 54423) will open at 5:15 for those attending in-person.
The virtual meeting will kick off at 5:30 for those attending virtually.
We expect the meeting itself will begin at 5:45 at the latest.

This event is open to all MREA Members. Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly; seats may be limited. If you have any questions leading up to the event, please contact celia@midwestrenew.org.
