MAMidwest Renewable Energy Association logo

Midwest Renewable Energy Association Unclaimed

Renewable Energy

midwestrenew.org

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

Service

Earn a recognized NABCEP PV Associate credential to launch your solar career.

midwestrenew.org/pva/

Certification Packages

Service

Streamline your path to NABCEP Board Certification with comprehensive training packages.

midwestrenew.org/certifications/

Online Courses

Service

Gain essential renewable energy knowledge through flexible online training.

midwestrenew.org/online-courses/

In-Person Courses

Service

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

Service

Advanced Continuing Education For Renewable Energy Professionals.

midwestrenew.org/energy-pro/

Grow Solar

Service

Grow Solar empowers communities to adopt solar energy with education and resources.

growsolar.org

Rise Up Scholarship

Service

Provides financial assistance for renewable energy education.

midwestrenew.org/rise-up-scholarship/

Energy Planning for Schools

Service

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

573.25 Billion USD6.02% CAGR

Professional certificates, career training, and customized business training that upskill individuals and local workforces.

Contractor training and technical support

2.2 Billion USD7.5% CAGR

Hands-on training, manufacturer-authorized technical support, and resources for contractors to improve installation quality, service efficiency, and product knowledge.

Community solar programs

5 Billion USD18% CAGR

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

1.7 Billion USD12% CAGR

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 Knowledge
    The credential validates your knowledge of photovoltaic systems' design, installation, and operation, essential for starting a career in solar.
  • Flexible Learning Options
    Students can choose their preferred learning format to best fit their schedules, whether through online courses or hands-on in-person training.
  • Progression into Advanced Certifications
    The 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 Certifications
    Receive tailored guidance and resources for successfully achieving NABCEP Board Certifications.
  • Streamline Your Credentialing
    Our structured approach helps you understand the steps towards obtaining your NABCEP credentials with clarity.
  • Learn on Your Terms
    Adapt your training experience to your schedule with both online and in-person class offerings.
  • Receive Constant Support
    Benefit 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 Pace
    Courses can be taken at any time, allowing learners to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
  • Access Online Anytime
    Students can engage with course materials wherever they are, making it easier to learn at their own pace.
  • Explore Various Topics
    Students 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 Campus
    Gain direct experience and knowledge on-site, enhancing the learning process.
  • Engage In Practical Work
    Participate in hands-on activities that solidify understanding and application of PV systems.
  • Prepare For NABCEP Certification
    Courses designed to help participants meet the requirements for NABCEP certification.
  • Choose Your Course Date
    Select 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 Experience
    The Energy Tech Center offers a space where students can gain practical skills through direct engagement in laboratory and field scenarios.
  • Earn Valuable Credentials
    Students gain certifications that are recognized throughout the industry, enhancing their career prospects in renewable energy.
  • Provides Cutting-Edge Resources
    Equipped 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 Schedules
    Students 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 Design
    Brings together educators and industry experts to enhance and update training materials, ensuring relevance and quality.
  • Enables Cohesive Training
    Facilitates seamless connections between various training areas, optimizing the learning experience.
  • Provides Essential Curriculum Resources
    Supplies instructors with necessary materials, templates, and guidelines to support their curriculum development efforts.
  • Supports Diverse Training Methods
    Allows 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 Standards
    Ensures that participants receive recognized qualifications that enhance their professional credibility.
  • Enhances Professional Skills
    Equips professionals with the latest knowledge and skills to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.
  • Choose Learning Style
    Participants can select the mode of learning that best suits their lifestyle and professional requirements, enhancing accessibility.
  • Meet Organizational Needs
    Provides 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 Communities
    By 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 Installers
    By partnering with local installers, Grow Solar ensures that communities have accessible solutions tailored to their specific needs.
  • Delivers Comprehensive Resources
    The 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 Support
    The Rise Up Scholarship provides significant financial assistance to students pursuing careers in renewable energy.
  • Encourages Renewable Energy Learning
    Targeted at students and professionals in renewable energy fields, ensuring the next generation of experts is well-trained.
  • Strengthens Community Ties
    By 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 Practices
    Supports schools in adopting sustainable energy solutions and practices through comprehensive planning.
  • Delivers Tailored Strategies
    Enables schools to implement specific energy solutions suited to their operational needs.
  • Enhances Staff Knowledge
    Equips 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.

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%.

Related Organizations