Midwest Renewable Energy Association

Grow Solar Power Hour: Green Bay Fox Valley — May 20
2026-05-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in the Green Bay and Fox Valley area 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, May 20 | 1 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
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Grow Solar Power Hour: Central Wisconsin — May 20
2026-05-20 17:30 - 18:30 | WI
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in central Wisconsin 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, May 20 | 5:30 p.m. | Marathon County Public Library, Wausau Branch
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Grow Solar Power Hour: Door County — May 21
2026-05-21 17:30 - 18:30 | WI
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in 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:
Thursday, May 21 | 5:30 p.m. | MUSE in Sturgeon Bay
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Grow Solar Power Hour: East Central Iowa — May 26
2026-05-26 17:30 - 18:30 | WI
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in the east central Iowa area 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:
Tuesday, May 26 | 5:30 p.m. | Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City
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MREA Webinar Series — Grow Solar: Energizing Your Community
2026-05-26 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
WHEN: Tuesday, April 28 starting at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Online via Zoom
The MREA’s May webinar will feature Nick Hylla, Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, for an overview of the electrical grid, why your utility bills are increasing, and how you can engage in community programming to reduce those costs.
MREA staff will join the call to highlight partners from around the Midwest who are actively bringing these programs to their communities. The session concludes with a live Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to submit questions and learn directly from one of the Midwest’s most experienced clean energy educators. If you’re interested in investing in solar for your home or business to reduce your utility bills and increase resiliency, this is the webinar for you.
Nick Hylla is the Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association where he works in partnership with organizations throughout the Midwest to advance solar energy education and market development initiatives. Nick holds an MS degree in natural resource management, has 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, and has served as the Principal Investigator on 6 US Dept. of Energy assistance agreements to support solar workforce development and help reduce the “soft costs” of solar energy development in Midwest states.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Can’t make it to the live webinar? No worries! We’ll upload the recorded webinar to YouTube the next business day so you won’t miss out.

About the MREA’s Webinar Series:
Join the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) for a free, monthly webinar series exploring the renewable energy and sustainability topics you want to learn more about. These interactive sessions take place on the last Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. and are hosted virtually for easy access from anywhere.
The MREA was founded from our historic Energy Fair event — an annual gathering that brought together thousands of attendees to explore sustainability, clean energy, and actionable solutions for a greener future. While the Fair has since been retired, its spirit of education, connection, and action lives on. This monthly webinar series continues that legacy by creating space for learning, discussion, and community around today’s most relevant clean energy and sustainability topics.
These webinars are free and open to all. We do encourage participants to become MREA members to help support our work and ensure we can continue offering accessible education and advocacy across the Midwest.
Be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get updates on upcoming webinar topics, speaker announcements, and opportunities to suggest future subjects or organizations you’d like to hear from.

Grow Solar Power Hour: Bloomington Normal — May 28
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in the Bloomington-Normal area 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:
Thursday, May 28 | 1 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
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Energy in Your Township — Westby
2026-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Westby Community Center, 206 N Main St, Westby, WI, 54667, United States
Energy Education Sessions for Your Community

Have questions about utility-scale solar? Data centers? Rising energy costs? Wondering what resources are available for you and your community?
Join the MREA’s Energy in Your Township presentations to get clear, credible answers from our renewable energy experts. The session is designed to provide you with the latest facts, data, and insight, so you can make informed decisions about the future of energy in your community.
We’re committed to open dialogue, and we welcome your questions, ideas, and concerns. Join us at our upcoming event to be part of the conversation.
Westby

Thursday, May 28 | 6–8 p.m.
Westby Community Center | 206 N Main St, Westby, WI 54667
Complimentary snacks and soft drinks will be available.

Please RSVP as seats may be limited.
RSVP
Hosted in partnership with the Chaseburg Local Farmers Union and the Ethos Green Power Cooperative.

Grow Solar Power Hour: Milwaukee Waukesha — June 2
2026-06-02 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, property owners in the Milwaukee and Waukesha area 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:
Tuesday, June 2 | 12 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Door County — June 3
2026-06-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in 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, June 3 | 1 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Green Bay Fox Valley — June 9
2026-06-09 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, property owners in the Green Bay and Fox Valley area 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:
Tuesday, June 9 | 12 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: East Central Iowa — June 10
2026-06-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in the east central Iowa area 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, June 10 | 2 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
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Grow Solar Power Hour: Central Wisconsin — June 13
2026-06-13 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in central Wisconsin 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:
Saturday, June 13 | MREA Headquarters
Learn More

MREA Solstice Celebration
2026-06-13 13:00 - 21:00 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
A Gathering of Education and Community

Saturday, June 13 | 1–9 p.m. | 7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI
Join the MREA for our Solstice Celebration on Saturday, June 13. Hosted at our headquarters in Custer, WI, this free event brings our community together to explore clean energy topics, share practical resources, and spark actionable change.
The MREA was founded in 1990 amid the uncertainty of the Gulf War. More than three decades later, we find ourselves asking many of the same questions that inspired our beginnings: How do we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels? How do we accelerate the adoption of renewable energy? And how do we come together — as friends, neighbors, and communities — to keep moving forward and build a more resilient Midwest?
Join us in celebrating the power of the sun and people. We’ll gather on the MREA grounds to address urgent/current energy topics and share resources to utilize at home and in communities. Local and regional partners will participate to answer questions and connect with you on different ways to get engaged in what you care about. Live music, food, and beverages will provide the power you need to enjoy this semi-outdoor event. Come for the education; stay for the connection.

This event is free and open to all. If you’re able, we invite you to support our work by becoming an MREA member or making a donation.

RSVP

Event Details:
1:00 — Arrive at MREA Headquarters (7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI)
1:30-2:30 — MREA Membership Meeting
You’re invited to the annual General Membership Meeting — learn about the MREA’s 2026 initiatives, recent progress, and what’s ahead. All are welcome to attend, ask questions, and share feedback.
3:00-5:00 — Energy in Your Township Presentation & Panel Discussion
Join us for an engaging presentation and discussion on the electricity market, emerging trends, key energy issues, and opportunities for action. MREA Executive Director Nick Hylla will lead a conversation similar to those we’ve hosted in communities navigating large-scale solar and wind projects, data centers, and transmission development. Participants will hear from an expert panel of energy reporters, policy advocates, and organizers, while having the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives.
4:30-5:30 — MREA Grounds & Native Plants Tour
The MREA’s grounds are home to PV systems, EV car charging, solar batteries, a solar pergola, native plants, and much more. From solar and energy efficiency to the sustainability provided by our gardens, we can’t wait to show you all that the grounds have to offer. Nichole Good from Generation Native Plants will join us on the tour of the grounds to speak in depth about the function and benefits of native gardens.
5:00-6:00 — Grow Solar Power Hour
Thinking about going solar? Join MREA’s Grow Solar Power Hour to learn the basics, explore how solar can work for your home or business, and access group-buy savings — no obligation, just clear next steps.
5:30-6:00 — Native Plants Presentation
What if you could regenerate soil, sequester carbon, feed pollinators and wildlife, and restore ecosystems right in your own backyard? During this presentation, Nichole, owner of Generation Native Plants, will share how you can with native plants! Learn about how utilize native plants in home landscaping along with the connection between healthy ecosystems and flood mitigation.
6:00-7:00 — Cherryglow Performs
7:30-9:00 — Big Oil Performs

Thank You to our Event Partners!

Northwind Solar
OneEnergy Renewables
International Bank of Amherst
Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association
Briggs and Stratton
Current Electric
Emy J’s
Organic Valley
Point Brewery
Tigo Energy
Gimme Shelter Construction

Energy in Your Township Discussion with an Expert Wisconsin Energy Panel
2026-06-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI, United States
Join the MREA for an engaging presentation and discussion about the electricity market, current trends, major issues, and actions we can take. MREA Executive Director Nick Hylla will lead a presentation and discussion similar to events we’ve been hosting in communities addressing large-scale solar projects, wind projects, data centers, and transmission lines. You’ll participate in the presentation and conversation and get to hear perspectives and ask questions from an expert panel that is at the front lines of energy reporting, policy organizing, and advocacy.
The expert panel includes:

Paul Kiefer, Energy and Utilities Reporter – Wisconsin Watch
Erin Thompson, Policy Analyst – Wisconsin Farmers Union
Tom Content, Executive Director – Wisconsin Citizens Utility Board
Nick Hylla, Executive Director – Midwest Renewable Energy Association

We’ll share resources and perspectives to help you understand the history, status, and future of electricity in Wisconsin and Midwest States and take individual and collective action.

MREA Solstice Celebration

This Energy in Your Township presentation is part of the MREA’s Solstice Celebration on Saturday, June 13. Hosted at our headquarters in Custer, WI, this free event brings our community together to explore clean energy topics, share practical resources, and spark actionable change. Spend the day learning from experts, chatting with local partners, touring our grounds and native gardens, and discovering ways to take action at home and in your community. Stick around for live music, food, and drinks!
RSVP

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) Midwest
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-17 | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL, 60018, United States
Join the MREA along with industry leaders, innovators, and clean energy enthusiasts for Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) Midwest on June 15–17, 2026 in Rosemont, IL.

Formerly known as the Midwest Solar Expo, IESNA Midwest features three days of cutting-edge presentations, policy updates, networking opportunities, hands-on training, and exhibition showcasing the latest solar innovations.

Why Attend?

Explore Innovative Products & Solutions
Examine State-Level Policies & Market Trend
Meet & Learn from Clean Energy Leaders & Peers
Take Hands-On Training Sessions & Workshops
Schedule 1:1 Meetings with Potential Partners & Suppliers
Enjoy Engaging Networking Activities

MREA Training Sessions Available:

(PV130) Cybersecurity: Securing Energy Systems – This one-hour online course explores the wide range of challenges to secure electrical generation operating systems, with a focus on photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems. From natural disasters to human threats like cyber attacks, participants will learn how to secure energy management systems, monitoring equipment, and network access.
(PV 425) PV System O&M Fundamentals – Preventive maintenance is vital for maximum energy production, financial investment security, and overall customer satisfaction. This session will concentrate on some of the common causes of PV system failures and underperformance issues, their remedies, and how to avoid unscheduled downtime with regular O&M inspections and tasks.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Midwest Farm Energy Conference
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-17 | West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 State Hwy 329, Morris, MN, 56267, United States
Join the MREA at the 2026 Midwest Farm Energy Conference on June 16–17 in Morris, MN.
The theme of the conference is “The Age of Agricultural Intelligence: Ammonia, Agrivoltaics & Automation”, and will cover topics such as green ammonia as a farm fuel, electrifying the farm with robots, grazing cows under solar panels, what can we do with all the data, and much more.
Conference Details
Tuesday, June 16:

Doors open at noon; presentations begin at 1 pm.
Sessions will focus on green ammonia and agrivoltaics.
Keynote dinner and program.

Wednesday, June 17:

Doors open at 7:30 am for a light breakfast; presentations begin at 8 am.
Sessions will cover precision agriculture, electrification, and automation.
Lunch in the gardens followed by tours.

Other conference activities will include:

Electric vehicle showcase including an electric tractor.
Tour of WCROC research projects including solar agrivoltaics, agricultural robots, and newly commissioned green hydrogen/ammonia plant.
Opportunity to network with energy experts and professionals.

Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Door County — June 17
2026-06-17 17:30 - 18:30 | WI
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in 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, June 17 | 5:30 p.m. | Peninsula School of Art
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Grow Solar Power Hour: Green Bay Fox Valley — June 23
2026-06-23 17:30 - 18:30 | WI
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in the Green Bay and Fox Valley area 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:
Tuesday, June 23 | 5:30 p.m. | Kavarna Coffee House in Green Bay
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Grow Solar Power Hour: Central Wisconsin — June 24
2026-06-24 17:30 - 18:30 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in central Wisconsin 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, June 24 | 5:30 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Door County — June 30
2026-06-30 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in 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:
Tuesday, June 30 | 3:30 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Milwaukee Waukesha — July 2
2026-07-02 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, property owners in the Milwaukee and Waukesha area 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:
Thursday, July 2 | 12 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: East Central Iowa — July 9
2026-07-09 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, property owners in the east central Iowa area 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:
Thursday, July 9 | 3 p.m. | Virtual — attend via Zoom
Learn More

Grow Solar Power Hour: Green Bay Fox Valley — July 9
2026-07-09 17:30 - 18:30 | WI
Grow Solar is a solar group-buying and education program that makes going solar easier. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, property owners in the Green Bay and Fox Valley area 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:
Thursday, July 9 | 5:30 p.m. | Appleton Public Library
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Midcontinent Clean Energy Summit
2026-07-28 - 2026-07-29 | Marriott Indianapolis North, 3645 River Crossing Parkway, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46240, United States
Join the MREA for the Midcontinent Clean Energy Summit on July 28–29 in Indianapolis, IN.
Attend this conference to cement your place in the unparalleled development and investment opportunities in MISO’s evolving energy landscape. This strategic event goes beyond regulatory settings, attracting broad participation from a wide variety of stakeholders looking to understand MISO from a development-forward perspective. Join an unmatched faculty of developers, policymakers, regulators, LSEs, financiers, tax equity experts, and other industry leaders as they provide inside intelligence on the dynamics shaping transmission and interconnection, utility-scale wind and solar, firm resources, storage, community solar, DERs, and the policy to get us there in one of the most capital-intensive U.S. power markets.
This is where deals are made and futures are shaped. Don’t miss your chance to gain the competitive edge — check out our agenda and secure your spot today!
REGISTER TO ATTEND

2026 MnSEIA Gateway to Solar Conference
2026-09-29 - 2026-09-30 | InterContinental Minneapolis – St. Paul Airport, 5005 Glumack Dr, Minneapolis, MN, 55450, United States
Join the MREA at the 2026 MnSEIA Gateway to Solar Conference on September 29–30, 2026 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 and education.
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.
REGISTER TO ATTEND

Mayfield Renewables' Education Summit
2026-09-29 - 2026-09-30 | David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
The MREA is thrilled to support Mayfield Renewables’ third annual Education Summit this fall! Join us at this unique industry gathering dedicated to technical education, and let’s build safer systems while unlocking the full potential of PV+ESS and microgrids in the C&I solar-plus-storage space.
This year’s Summit will be a 2-day event. There will be four classrooms, each with four classes. Up to 5 NABCEP CEUs will be available on each day of training. Three main themes will be covered in the education sessions: PV & ESS codes and standards, PV & ESS design best practices, and microgrid feasibility, planning, and development.
REGISTER TO ATTEND

Chicago Build 2026
2026-10-28 - 2026-10-29 | McCormick Place, West Building, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Join the MREA for Chicago Build 2026 on October 28–29 in Chicago, IL.
Chicago Build offers a totally unique experience over the two days, featuring:

30,000+ attendees from contractors, architects, realtors, civil engineers, developers, government, house builders and construction professionals
450+ incredible speakers across 13 conference tracks
AIA CES approved workshops
The Festival of Construction with DJs, musicians, live performances, food and drinks tastings, entertainment and more
Architect’s Hub with project displays of upcoming projects from leading architects
Exclusive networking parties with key decision-makers
The USA’s largest networking event for Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction
An inclusive Ambassador Program supporting Women in Construction and Diversity in Construction
350+ exhibitors showcasing the latest services, products and innovations

REGISTER TO ATTEND
