Whether you want to start a career in the renewable energy field, maintain a credential, or install solar on your home, MREA has a variety of courses to advance your skills. We offer online and in-person learning options to fit your busy schedule.
Our Training Services
Dedicated to growing the clean energy workforce through affordable, accessible, and accredited training.
Featured Training
Supplying Solar Skills and Accreditation
The solar industry has a bright future ahead, and the MREA is helping turn that future into a reality through our accredited training programs. Students can feel confident investing in professional training with the MREA as we align our curriculum with industry standards that are globally recognized.
We offer a robust roster of clean energy courses for all levels. Delivered via online, in-person, or hands-on formats, our flexible and up-to-date curriculum meets students wherever they’re at in their energy professional journey.
Training News
Hello! I’m Kris Schmid, an instructor for the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). I’ve had…
An update from Jenny Heinzen, MREA Curriculum Director — See her previous updates for background on…
The PV Technical Sales Professional (PVTS) Board Certification was created for those who have a…
Student Testimonial
“The courses are easily accessible and well-prepared. I found it a great way to learn about solar energy and prepare for the NABCEP PV Associate exam.”
– Brian Bischoff, MREA Alumni –
Student Resources
Check out our student resources for a list of frequently asked questions, handbook, and general information about your training journey with MREA! You can also contact us anytime by emailing courses@midwestrenew.org
Student ResourcesWe strive to establish the student-to-employee pipeline in our mission to grow the solar workforce. We manage the solarenergy.jobs employment and resource center for our students to connect with employers hiring in the industry.
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MembershipOur Instructors
Nick Matthes
MREA Solar Project Manager
Nick is a NABCEP certified PV Installation Professional with WI master electrician and commercial electrical inspector licenses, and has a…
Paul Gilman is a technical writer and trainer and has worked on projects for NREL and other clients since 2002.…
Kris Schmid
Legacy Solar, LLC
Kris Schmid is the founder and owner of Legacy Solar, LLC, a solar energy company that has been designing and…
Cris Folk
Instructor
Cris is a self-employed energy consultant, and owner of Master Training Specialist, LLC. He provides design, installation, maintenance, and service…
Jenny Conrardy
Arch Solar
Jenny Conrardy has been working in the solar industry since 2019. She is a fourth-year Electrical Apprentice in Wisconsin and…
Clay Sterling
Assistant Professor, Kankakee Community College
Clay is currently an associate professor for electrical engineering technology and renewable energy at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee IL.…
Ali Dirul
Founder & CEO - Ryter Cooperative Industries
With more than 15 years of power system design engineering experience, Ali Dirul is a clean energy visionary, innovator, and…
Matt Parks
Instructor, City of Madison
Matt teaches Intermediate PV, and PV Design and Installation Lab for the MREA. He also teaches in the Electrical Apprenticeship…
While earning his Bachelor of Science in Materials Science (Minnesota, 1989), Ralph developed a strong interest in photovoltaics. He decided…
Dan Carlson
MREA Instructor
Dan, a PV system designer and installer at Lake Michigan Wind and Sun, also serves as a Solar Lab Training…
Jenny Heinzen
MREA Curriculum Director
Email: jennyh@midwestrenew.org Phone: 751-900-2109 Jenny started her career as an Industrial Electrician, and later worked with residential wiring, farmstead rewiring, and…
Joaquin Thomas (JT) is the owner of Go Solar Construction LLC and Go Solar Education LLC. He is a Master…
Dan Fink
Buckville Energy Consulting - Masonville, CO
Dan Fink has lived 11 miles off the grid, high in the Colorado mountains, since 1991. He has been teaching…
Alex Jarvis
President, Solar Systems of Indiana, Inc. | Bloomington, IN
Alex Jarvis has been working in the renewable energy (RE) field since 2006. He has been an instructor for the…
Mike Joyce
Instructor, Project Engineer, Full Spectrum Solar
Mike is currently a PV Project Engineer for Full Spectrum Solar in Madison, WI, where he designs and manages both…
Joseph Smith
ADL Solutions, LLC
Joseph Smith is a Master Electrician and owner of ADL Solutions, LLC based out of Chicago, Illinois specializing in developing…