Initiatives - Midwest Renewable Energy Association

Grow Solar

Led by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), the Grow Solar Partnership began in 2012 with funding from the US Department of Energy SunShot Initiative. With an initial focus on reducing PV systems permitting and inspection costs and advancing model financing in three Wisconsin cities, the partnership expanded efforts to Illinois and Minnesota with the expansion of the Power Pack Program and the development of the Solar Powering the Midwest Conference Series.

With renewed support from SunShot as part of the Rooftop Solar Challenge, Grow Solar is now working with a network of regional partners to leverage private, local, and state support to advance activities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan that 1) facilitate the adoption of solar permitting, planning, and zoning best practices by municipalities, 2) develop model finance arrangements for solar installations, 3) build workforce capacity to properly design, sell, and interconnect code-compliant PV systems, and 4) improve rules, standards and policies to provide a framework for sustainable solar market growth.

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Solar University Network

Solar University Network (SUN) is an initiative of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) with support from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative, which seeks to make solar energy cost-competitive with other forms of electricity by the end of the decade.

With nearly $450 billion in foundation investments, US universities represent a large potential source of investment to advance the growing clean energy market nationwide. Investment in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide myriad benefits to universities including energy savings, applied learning, research, resiliency, investment diversification, advancement of sustainability goals, and further engagement of alumni and donors.

To help university stakeholders realize these benefits, the MREA is piloting an approach with four Midwest universities that leverages the experience of our national solar technical assistance team. Through professional development events, the facilitation of campus solar development teams, training, and direct technical assistance, the MREA is supporting teams at the University of Minnesota, Illinois State University, and Purdue University to define roadmaps for on and off-campus solar investment.

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Solar on Schools

Through generous support from the Couillard Solar Foundation, MREA’s Solar on Schools initiative provides a range of free resources to Wisconsin K-12 schools interested in pursuing a solar PV system. The goal of Solar on Schools is to change the solar PV landscape in Wisconsin, one school at a time, by encouraging and assisting WI K-12 schools to install solar PV systems. Solar on Schools has a lofty goal of helping to make Wisconsin a leader in K-12 school solar PV.

The benefits of solar PV for K-12 schools are wide and with the surge of rapidly declining prices, now is the time for solar. For example, solar PV offers a unique source of financial savings for schools, without cutting any educational programming. Additionally, PV systems can provide hands on STEM classroom opportunities for engaging the next generation of solar installers.

The initiative has two tracks: a Solar on Schools Grant and MREA’s PV Development for WI K-12 Schools online and on demand course. The former is intended to lower the financial burden of a solar PV systems. The latter is intended for schools or school representatives that are interested in solar for their school, but unsure where to begin. It is intended to be used as a guide to begin your solar journey. Only Wisconsin K-12 schools are eligible for either track.

Solar on Schools is a hub of tools and resources for any Wisconsin K-12 school interested in solar PV, no matter what stage your school is in the process. We look forward to working with you.

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