Knowledge Is Power
MREA partners with the US Army’s 249th Engineer Battalion to strengthen military energy capabilities through customized solar and storage training.
At the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), we understand that knowledge is power. With educational training as one of our organizational pillars, we were happy to host the 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Custer, WI, to deliver customized solar training for their team of soldiers.
Their goal was clear: instill industry knowledge regarding the installation, operation, and maintenance of battery storage systems, giving each student the capability and understanding of integrating battery storage systems with other generation sources, such as diesel generation or photovoltaic systems, to design, operate, and maintain a microgrid power system.
About the 249th Engineer Battalion
As a versatile power generation battalion that provides commercial-level power to military units and federal relief organizations during full-spectrum operations, they are charged with the rapid provision of Army generators to support worldwide requirements.
Each line company has a headquarters and four to six platoons comprised of a warrant officer and fifteen noncommissioned officers. These platoons can set up, operate, and repair complete medium voltage power generation and distribution systems worldwide.
They offer a variety of services including: electrical power requirement assessment, power production; transformer inspection and test analysis; maintenance and repair of power plants, substations, and government owned or managed transmission and distribution systems, circuit breaker and relay maintenance; infrared surveys, medium-voltage electrical contractor oversight, and training for personnel to operate and maintain prime power distribution and generation equipment.
To help achieve their goal, MREA worked with the 249th Engineer Battalion to provide customized workforce training for its soldiers, including their prime power production specialists, who perform electrical assessments, facilities maintenance, QA/QC operations, and associated auxiliary systems and equipment.
“This training significantly expanded our knowledge in the areas of PV design, installation, operation, and maintenance – skills that are increasingly important as we encounter more residential systems during our NRF ESF3 mission inspections. Their training helped bridge the gap between conventional and renewable energy systems, directly enhancing our ability to evaluate and support a broader range of electrical infrastructure in the field.”
– Alexander Turton, SSG, USA, Prime Power Supervisor
Customized Training to Meet the 249th Engineer Battalion’s Needs
In July 2025, MREA delivered a 32-hour, hands-on training program that spanned four days, providing the team with the solar and storage knowledge needed to excel in their mission. The curriculum included a foundational course, Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101), as well as advanced courses: Energy Storage Fundamentals (PV 451), Designing Solar Plus Storage Systems (PV 452), and special lab course created for the team, Designing Solar Plus Storage and Generator Systems for Residential and Small Commercial Lab (PV 455), in order to meet the teams’ needs and goals.
“These courses offered both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills for designing, installing, and maintaining battery systems with and without solar, grid power, and a backup generator. Specialized curriculum related to cybersecurity issues was developed and presented by MREA instructor Alex Jarvis. As a result (since it’s timely and pertinent), that content is also now available as a 1-hour online course.“
– Jenny Heinzen, MREA Curriculum Director
“Working with the 249th US Army Power Battalion was a great experience … I learned from them as much as they learned from the course … a great hands-on lab for sure.“
– Alex Jarvis, MREA Instructor
Specialized Skills for the 249th Engineer Battalion
This customized training focused on specialized skills – available to all customers hoping for dynamic training by the MREA. By including hands-on skills, new curriculum, and tailor-made labs, the soldiers’ knowledge expanded in multiple areas.
“This training has improved both our individual competencies and our collective mission readiness. This program is perfect for anyone seeking a solid foundation in photovoltaic systems, as well as any technical professional looking to expand their knowledge into the PV field.”
– Alexander Turton, SSG, USA, Prime Power Supervisor
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our partnership with the US Army – 249th Engineer Battalion. Together, we are working toward ensuring their team is powered by knowledge, as well as equipped with specialized industry knowledge.
MREA Custom Group Training
MREA’s Customized Group Training delivers affordable, high-quality solar and renewable energy education tailored to your organization’s needs. Whether onboarding new hires, providing continuing education, or preparing municipal inspectors, we equip professionals with the skills and credentials to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy industry.
Training is available online, in-person at our Wisconsin facilities, on-site, or in hybrid formats, including hands-on labs. We also offer Illumination Solar’s Mobile Solar Training Labs, bringing practical, hands-on learning directly to you.
Interested in Customized Group Training? Fill out our interest form, explore our resources, and schedule a meeting with our Training Director to discuss your needs.