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
In addition to MnSEIA’s packed agenda, MREA and partners will be providing four NABCEP Continuing Education Sessions:
Tuesday, September 29th

11am-12pm – Briggs & Stratton – Daniel Moyer

Battery Energy Storage and Generator Integration Design Considerations – Join trainers from Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions as they explore integrating standby generators and energy storage systems. They will explore the technical architecture of these hybrid systems, demonstrating how to significantly reduce generator fuel consumption and noise by leveraging battery energy storage systems. Attendees will gain practical experience through detailed wiring diagrams and two-wire signal to start configuration logic. This session will specifically focus on integrating Briggs & Stratton battery and generator solutions with inverters like Sol-Ark and EG4. By the end of this session, installers will be equipped to design and install systems where customers enjoy efficient, redundant, and truly off-grid capable power.

2:30-3:30pm – Roof Tech – Guy Wellman

Less Callbacks, More Efficient R&R Jobs: Choosing a PV Mounting System That Holds Up – Roof Tech brings 30+ years of on-the-roof, in-the-field experience to the growing wave of repair and reinstall work hitting the industry. This session covers our AlphaSeal mounting system, engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and extreme weather, so installs hold up long after the job is done — meaning fewer callbacks for you. We’ll also cover what to look for when choosing a mounting system for R&R jobs, plus how to get your crew certified through Roof Tech’s free online training classes.

Wednesday, September 29th

9:30-10:30am – MREA – Emmitt Muckles

(PV 604) PV System O&M Fundamentals + Q&A: This one-hour course explores reasons for and tasks associated with operation and maintenance (O&M) procedures for different types of PV systems: from grid-tied and stand-alone, to multimode and hybrid configurations.

11am-12pm – MREA – Emmitt Muckles

(PV 425) Inspecting Solar PV Systems + Q&A: This one-hour presentation reviews National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements, paying particular attention to Articles 690 and 705. It also covers equipment listing and labeling requirements, circuit calculations, wiring methods, grounding, overcurrent protection, system labeling requirements, and common Code violations. Electricians, electrical contractors, PV installers, and inspectors will learn about NEC requirements and best practices for PV systems.

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

MREA Webinar Series — What the Next Governor of Wisconsin Should do with Energy
2026-09-29 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
WHEN: Tuesday, August 29 starting at 5:30pm
WHERE: Online via Zoom
This month’s webinar features MREA’s Executive Director, Nick Hylla. Nick will host an engaging session focused on Wisconsin’s most urgent energy issues, the policies that impact them, and what the next Governor should prioritize.
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.

Navigating Energy Costs: Essential Tools for Small Business Success
2026-10-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin for an essential educational webinar designed to help Wisconsin small business utility customers navigate the 2026 energy landscape. In an era of evolving rate structures, shifting market demands, and emerging clean technology, managing your energy use is more critical than ever. This session will also include an overview of how Wisconsin utilities work, and ways for businesses to get more involved in the process of setting rates.
Learn more and register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/citizensutilityboardofwisconsin/event/smallbizwebinar2026/
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Wisconsin offers free, nonpartisan educational programming designed to help utility customers understand their energy bills, lower costs, and navigate energy efficient and clean energy options for their home, small businesses and farms. Learn more about us at : https://cubwi.org/

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
