Midwest Renewable Energy Association Unclaimed
Nonprofit focused on renewable energy education, training, and community programs.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency through education, training, and community programs. The organization serves individuals, professionals, schools, and communities by offering NABCEP-certified training, online and in-person courses, curricula and certification resources, and access to hands-on facilities like the Energy Tech Center. MREA runs initiatives such as Grow Solar, Rise Up Scholarship, and energy planning projects, and operates a broad training ecosystem including online courses, in-person workshops, and custom group trainings. The organization emphasizes workforce development, credentialing, and consumer education to accelerate the adoption of clean energy, improve sustainability, and support a resilient energy future.
To educate and empower people to adopt renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions through accessible training, certifications, and resources.
What we offer
NABCEP PV Associate
Earn a recognized NABCEP PV Associate credential to launch your solar career.
midwestrenew.org/pva/Certification Packages
Streamline your path to NABCEP Board Certification with comprehensive training packages.
midwestrenew.org/certifications/Online Courses
Gain essential renewable energy knowledge through flexible online training.
midwestrenew.org/online-courses/In-Person Courses
Acquire practical skills in renewable energy through expert instruction.
midwestrenew.org/inperson-courses/Energy Tech Center
Enhance skills in renewable energy with hands-on training at a leading facility.
midwestrenew.org/energytechcenter/Curriculum Innovation Network
Enhances curriculum design for effective renewable energy training.
midwestrenew.org/curriculum-innovation-network/Energy Pro Series
Advanced Continuing Education For Renewable Energy Professionals.
midwestrenew.org/energy-pro/Grow Solar
Grow Solar empowers communities to adopt solar energy with education and resources.
growsolar.orgRise Up Scholarship
Provides financial assistance for renewable energy education.
midwestrenew.org/rise-up-scholarship/Energy Planning for Schools
Empowers schools to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability through targeted planning initiatives.
midwestrenew.org/energy-planning-for-schools/Market segments
Market size by segment
Growth potential (CAGR)
Continuing education and workforce training
Professional certificates, career training, and customized business training that upskill individuals and local workforces.
Contractor training and technical support
Hands-on training, manufacturer-authorized technical support, and resources for contractors to improve installation quality, service efficiency, and product knowledge.
Community solar programs
Programs that enable customers to subscribe to shared solar projects to receive bill credits and access solar without onsite panels; includes sign-up assistance and no-upfront-cost subscriptions.
Education sector energy planning and curriculum
Tailored energy planning, curricula, and scholarship programs for K–12 and higher education to integrate sustainability, hands-on learning, and workforce pathways.
More information about our offering
NABCEP PV Associate
Training program to earn the NABCEP PV Associate credential, offered online or in-person, as part of MREA's NABCEP-certified training ecosystem. Designed as a starting point for individuals new to solar and providing guidance towards further NABCEP Board Certifications.
- Recognizes Fundamental KnowledgeThe credential validates your knowledge of photovoltaic systems' design, installation, and operation, essential for starting a career in solar.
- Flexible Learning OptionsStudents can choose their preferred learning format to best fit their schedules, whether through online courses or hands-on in-person training.
- Progression into Advanced CertificationsThe program provides a clear path to pursue additional credentials in photovoltaic systems, equipping students for higher qualifications and career growth.
Certification Packages
Structured training packages to help navigate NABCEP Board Certification requirements. The packages group related training and continuing education into convenient bundles for effective learning.
- Navigate Board CertificationsReceive tailored guidance and resources for successfully achieving NABCEP Board Certifications.
- Streamline Your CredentialingOur structured approach helps you understand the steps towards obtaining your NABCEP credentials with clarity.
- Learn on Your TermsAdapt your training experience to your schedule with both online and in-person class offerings.
- Receive Constant SupportBenefit from ongoing resources and assistance even after course completion to ensure your success.
Online Courses
Flexible online renewable energy training that accommodates busy schedules. Courses include NABCEP-aligned content available online and offer a diverse range of topics.
- Learn At Your Own PaceCourses can be taken at any time, allowing learners to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
- Access Online AnytimeStudents can engage with course materials wherever they are, making it easier to learn at their own pace.
- Explore Various TopicsStudents can choose from a wide range of topics to suit their educational needs, from fundamentals to advanced techniques.
In-Person Courses
Hands-on PV training delivered on the MREA campus. Courses are aligned with NABCEP credentialing and designed to enhance practical skills.
- Learn At MREA CampusGain direct experience and knowledge on-site, enhancing the learning process.
- Engage In Practical WorkParticipate in hands-on activities that solidify understanding and application of PV systems.
- Prepare For NABCEP CertificationCourses designed to help participants meet the requirements for NABCEP certification.
- Choose Your Course DateSelect from a range of classes scheduled throughout the year to fit personal availability.
Energy Tech Center
Energy Tech Center is MREA's state-of-the-art facility supporting training and hands-on learning, facilitating real-world experience.
- Facilitates Real-World ExperienceThe Energy Tech Center offers a space where students can gain practical skills through direct engagement in laboratory and field scenarios.
- Earn Valuable CredentialsStudents gain certifications that are recognized throughout the industry, enhancing their career prospects in renewable energy.
- Provides Cutting-Edge ResourcesEquipped with advanced technology, the Energy Tech Center ensures that trainees are exposed to the latest tools and practices in the renewable energy industry.
- Accommodates Busy SchedulesStudents can choose between attending in-person sessions or participating in online courses, making it easier to fit training into their lives.
Curriculum Innovation Network
Network for curriculum development within MREA's training ecosystem, facilitating cohesive training across programs.
- Encourages Collaborative Curriculum DesignBrings together educators and industry experts to enhance and update training materials, ensuring relevance and quality.
- Enables Cohesive TrainingFacilitates seamless connections between various training areas, optimizing the learning experience.
- Provides Essential Curriculum ResourcesSupplies instructors with necessary materials, templates, and guidelines to support their curriculum development efforts.
- Supports Diverse Training MethodsAllows for both online and in-person training, catering to the needs of different learners and environments.
Energy Pro Series
Pro-level continuing education program within MREA's accreditation framework, equipping professionals with the latest knowledge and skills.
- Meets Industry StandardsEnsures that participants receive recognized qualifications that enhance their professional credibility.
- Enhances Professional SkillsEquips professionals with the latest knowledge and skills to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.
- Choose Learning StyleParticipants can select the mode of learning that best suits their lifestyle and professional requirements, enhancing accessibility.
- Meet Organizational NeedsProvides groups with specialized training that addresses specific energy-related goals and challenges.
Grow Solar
Grow Solar is an initiative designed to help communities across the Midwest transition to solar energy through education, resources, and local partnerships.
- Educates CommunitiesBy engaging with local residents through educational sessions, Grow Solar builds understanding and support for solar energy adoption, fostering community involvement in renewable initiatives.
- Connects Local InstallersBy partnering with local installers, Grow Solar ensures that communities have accessible solutions tailored to their specific needs.
- Delivers Comprehensive ResourcesThe initiative provides extensive resources that equip users with essential knowledge to make informed decisions about solar energy.
Rise Up Scholarship
Scholarship initiative supporting renewable energy education, aimed at making education accessible and affordable for students pursuing careers in renewable energy.
- Offers Financial SupportThe Rise Up Scholarship provides significant financial assistance to students pursuing careers in renewable energy.
- Encourages Renewable Energy LearningTargeted at students and professionals in renewable energy fields, ensuring the next generation of experts is well-trained.
- Strengthens Community TiesBy funding local educational programs, the scholarship helps build a stronger community focused on sustainable energy practices.
Energy Planning for Schools
Initiative focused on energy planning for schools, helping them effectively manage and implement energy solutions for enhanced sustainability and efficiency.
- Promotes Sustainable PracticesSupports schools in adopting sustainable energy solutions and practices through comprehensive planning.
- Delivers Tailored StrategiesEnables schools to implement specific energy solutions suited to their operational needs.
- Enhances Staff KnowledgeEquips school staff with the skills necessary to effectively manage energy resources.
References
Methodology and sourcing behind the figures shown above.
Continuing education and workforce training
Estimate based on the Professional Development market report (aligned with workforce training and professional certificates) which explicitly values the global market at USD 573.25 billion (2024) with a 6.02% CAGR. Other search results show narrower continuing-education definitions (Credence: USD 6.23B, 8.23% CAGR) or alternative CPD estimates (BusinessResearchInsights: USD 119.5B in 2026; Arizton/U.S.: USD 66.9B in 2024). Differences reflect scope (broad professional development and corporate L&D versus narrower academic/continuing education), so the broader professional-development figure is used for this marketSegment.
Contractor training and technical support
Estimation anchored to published tech/technical support market figures in the search results. FactMR reports the global tech support services market at USD 73.1B (2025); MRFR reports technical support outsourcing at USD 20.41B (2024). Contractor training and manufacturer-authorized technical support is a niche subset (installation, hands-on training, field technical support) — conservatively estimated at ~3% of the broader tech support/services market (~3% of USD 73.1B ≈ USD 2.2B). Growth potential (CAGR ~7.5%) is set within the reported industry CAGR range (5.3%–8.12%) reflecting faster adoption of complex products, certification demand, and remote/AI-enabled support for contractors.
Community solar programs
Estimate uses a commercial market-research figure (global community solar panel programs market valued at $5.0B in 2025 with an 18% CAGR) as the primary numeric basis. Public data from DOE/NREL showing ~7.87 GW operational U.S. capacity (June 2024) and RMI/NREL forecasts (multi-GW to tens of GW potential) were used to corroborate a high-growth outlook driven by policy, utility programs, and expanding access.
- The Community Solar Panel Programs market was valued at 5.0 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach 9.2 Billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.00%.
- As of June 2024, there is approximately 7.87 GW of community solar in operation in the U.S.
- RMI sees an opportunity for an estimated 30 GW of community-scale solar by 2020 (high-potential scenario).
- Today 77 utilities administer 111 projects across 26 states, accounting for a combined capacity of about 106 megawatts (MW).
Education sector energy planning and curriculum
Primary source: BusinessResearchInsights estimates the global education market at USD 330.9B (2026) with a 9.5% CAGR. No explicit figures for "education sector energy planning and curriculum" were present in the search results, so I estimated the niche as a conservative ~0.5% share of the global education market (covers K–12 and higher-education curricula, professional development, scholarship programs, and employer-sponsored workforce pathways), yielding ~USD 1.65B (~1.7B). Given strong policy, renewable energy investment, workforce demand, and targeted program growth, the niche should grow faster than overall education; I estimate a near-term CAGR of ~12%.
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