2013 Training Catalog

reNEWS
Newsletter of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association
2013 TRAINING
CATALOG
FEATURING
2013 Curriculum
Instructor Training
Site Assessor Certificate
Program
contents
Photovoltaic Listing - pg. 38

Photo credit: Clay Sterling
Solar Thermal Listing - pg. 49

Photo credit: Amiee Wetmore
Cover photograph:
Participants install a solar hot air collector. Photo: Chris

Talbot-Heindl. (Feature Box photo: Participants learn
how to properly wear personal protection equipment.
Model: Eric Krszjzaniek. Photo: Amiee Wetmore.)
About the cover:
The cover paper is from New Leaf Paper and is 100%

post-consumer waste recycled, processed chlorine free,
and ancient forest friendly.
About ReNews:
ReNews is a semiannual publication of the Midwest

Renewable Energy Association. Submissions can be
emailed to renews@midwestrenew.org.
This publication is a benefit of MREA membership.
To receive a copy in your mailbox, join today. Call
715-592-6595.
ReNews is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled
paper. Help us keep unwanted or duplicate newsletters
out of our landfills. If you do not wish to receive this
newsletter, please call us at 715-592-6595.
Advertising in ReNews:
Circulation of next issue: 15,000

Advertising deadline:
March 1, 2013
Distribution date:
May 1, 2013
Advertising rates and sizes vary. For current rates,
visit our website at www.midwestrenew.org, call
715-592-6595, or contact Gina Miresse at
ginam@midwestrenew.org.
Small Wind Listing - pg. 47

Photo credit: Neil Matthes
contents
About the MREA
From the Executive Director
Featured Courses
MREA Membership
Enrollment, Cancellations,
and Scholarships
Progression of Knowledge
Professional Credentials
ISPQ Accreditation
Midwest Solar Training Network
Continuing Education Units
Courses for Credit
Customized Trainings
Course Listing
Course Descriptions
Travel and Accommodations
MREA News
MREA Alumni Feature
MREA Marketplace
Site Assessor Directory
Adveriser Index
2
3
4
14
16
17
18
22
23
24
28
31
32
34
56
58
60
62
64
72
reNEWS
about the mrea

The Midwest Renewable Energy
Association promotes renewable
energy, energy efficiency, and
sustainable living through
education and demonstration. We
are a 501(c)(3) organization
incorporated in 1990.
Our Vision
The MREA will provide the highest

quality renewable energy education
and training experiences available.
Our programs and services will
respond to evolving energy issues,
empower people to make wise
lifestyle choices, and be accessible
to the broadest possible audience.
We will share our success with
other like-minded organizations,
recognizing that we are stronger
when we all work together for our
common goals.
Travel Green
The ReNew the

Earth Institute, is
certified as a green
travel destination
by Travel Green
Wisconsin. Guided
Tours are available Monday Friday
at 11:00 a.m. or by appointment,
for $3.00 per person.
The Energy Fair is also certified
as a green travel event. To learn
more about Travel Green visit:
www.travelgreenwisconsin.com
board of directors 2011:
Jeff Anthony (2014)

American Wind Energy Association
David Behnke-Seper (2013)
First Affirmative Financial Network
Thomas Brown, President (2014)
Thomas Brown Architect
Katie Collins (2014)
American Red Cross
Jason Edens (2014)
Rural Renewable Energy Alliance
Nathan Franklin (2013)
Dairyland Power Cooperative
Bob Hattier (2014)
Alternative Currents, LLC
Nick Hylla (Executive Director)
MREA
Don Keck, Financial Officer (2013)
Focus on Energy
John Kivlin (2014)
Helios Solar Works
Mark Klein (2013)
Gimme Shelter Construction
Alec Linde (2014)
Mid-State Technical College
Mark Morgan, Vice President
(2013)
Bearpaw Design and Construction
Benjamin Nusz (2013)
Ed Stoll (2014)
Pieper Electric
Green Power
MREA offsets 100% of its

electricity on site through wind
and solar.
MREA
7558 Deer Rd.

Custer, WI 54423
Tel: 715-592-6595
Fax: 715-592-6596
Email: info@midwestrenew.org
Web: www.midwestrenew.org
mrea leadership team:

Elizabeth Hittman
Milwaukee Director
Nick Hylla
Executive Director
Doug Stingle
Development Director
mrea staff:
Julie Brazeau
Instructor Development Coordinator
Sandy Crawford
Bookkeeper
Jenny Heinzen
Curriculum and Training
Coordinator
Ellie Jackson
Events Coordinator
Nick Korth
Market Development Coordinator
Kevin Kowalski
Training Programs Assistant
Greta Ladenthin
Operations Manager
Chris Leslie
Information Technology Manager
Gina Miresse
Membership Coordinator
Nicole Rice
Training Network Coordinator
Clay Sterling
Regional Training Officer
Chris Talbot-Heindl
Training Programs Coordinator
Dana Talbot-Heindl
Cleaning Assistant
Sarah Tanguay
Fund Development Coordinator
Amiee Wetmore
Office Manager
Mike White
Site Manager
MREA Milwaukee
1845 N. Farwell Ave. Ste 100

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Tel: 414-431-0758
Email: mke@midwestrenew.org
from the executive director

Welcome to a new year full of opportunity!
We just cant seem to curb our excitement for 2013. We dont let the
doomsayers get us down. Maybe it is because we know a few things that
they dont. For example, the U.S. market for solar and wind energy has
been growing steadily for the past 5 years and is forecasted to continue
this trend. Solar and wind energy are now more affordable than ever.
The public overwhelmingly supports the expansion of renewable energy
and the policies that will make it happen. And, many investors are
looking to the Midwest as the next growth market for solar and wind.
One of the best ways that the MREA can help this market grow is to
connect people with the education and training they need to start
projects, careers, and further the great work they are already doing.
Nick Hylla
Exective Director
Our 2013 Training Catalog is filled with opportunities for home and
business owners, design and installation professionals, sales professionals, instructors, architects, inspectors,
policy makers, advocates, and consumers. Take a look at some of the new additions:
We have a new series of online courses in Photovoltaics. People all over the world can now access
our low-cost Basic PV course, pursue their PV Site Assessment Certificate, and work toward their
NABCEP PV Technical Sales Training. You can read about these online courses on page 38.
With the addition of the solar space heating systems on the MREA headquarters, we are launching
an online Solar Thermal Conceptual Design course that will help heating professionals, facilities
managers, architects, and engineers integrate solar thermal into their heating strategies.
The MREA Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Site Assessment Certificates became one of the first
programs nationwide to earn accreditation from the American National Standards Institute and the
Interstate Renewable Energy Council under their new standard for Renewable Energy and Energy
Efficiency Certificate Program. You can read about these programs on page 18.
We expanded our clients and offerings for customized training, including technical sales training,
specialized training for inspectors and code officials, and entry-level training for businesses and
training organizations. You can read more about customized training on page 31.
We see a lot of opportunity to move the market for renewable energy and bring the Clean Energy Economy to
life. We are doing our part by providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education opportunities. I hope
youll join us in this effort.
Onward,
Nick Hylla, Executive Director

nickh@midwestrenew.org, 715-592-6595 ext. 107
reNEWS
featured courses
PVO 101 Basic Photovoltaics Online

Course Description:
This six-week online course uses a series of online presentations, webinars,
topic resources, assignments, and quizzes to teach the basics of solar electric
systems. Participants will learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems work, diagram
the four PV system types, describe and identify components, understand the
best application and limitations of system types, define the solar window,
make energy efficiency recommendations, estimate system loads, and
understand the basics of PV site assessment.
Prerequisites: None
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110
For more information, see the course listing on page: 38.
Register for PVO 101.01 on page 13.

January 14-February 24, 2013, Online
PVO 201 PV Site Assessor Training Online

Course Description:
This online course uses a series of online presentations, webinars,
topic resources, assignments, and quizzes to teach how to perform
a PV site assessment for a residential property. The course will cover
site assessment tools, load analysis, efficiency recommendations, array
placement options, basic system sizing, cost estimates, and evaluating
existing infrastructure. Participants will access online tools for solar
resource analysis, PV system performance calculators, and incentives.
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics and basic computer skills
Price: Member: $250
Non-Member: $270

February 25-March 24, 2013, Online
Instructor
Clay Sterling
Midwest Renewable Energy
Association
Clay has been instructing both PV
and wind courses at the MREA
for over ten years and is an ISPQ
Certified Instructor in both PV
and Small Wind energy. Clay has a
construction background gained
from working in his familys
plumbing shop and working nine
years as a commercial electrician
on large construction projects. In
2009, KEEP named him the NonFormal Energy Educator of the
Year.
Small Wind and Photovoltaics
Instructor
ISPQ Affiliated Photovoltaics
Instructor
ISPQ Affiliated Small Wind
Instructor
PVO 303 PV Conceptual Design Online

This online course will guide participants through the design process
for a utility interactive residential or small commercial PV system.
Participants will become familiar with the procedures, tools, and
resources used to select equipment, determine equipment location,
plan system layout, perform string sizing, determine breaker size, and
site the array. Participants will apply their knowledge by solving design
challenges in three PV system case studies.
Prerequisites:
PV 201 PV Site Assessor and PV 205 Intermediate PV or PV 701
Photovoltaic Technology Instructor Institute or equivalent
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
Instructor
Craig Buttke
North Wind Renewable Energy
Photovoltaics Instructor
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
Master Electrician
MREA Certified PV Site Assessor
Instructor

April 8-May 5, 2013, Online
PVO 405 Advancements in PV Online

Course Description:
This online course is designed to bring participants up-to-date on the
newest equipment and techniques used in PV installation. This includes
the latest gear (modules, inverters, charge controllers, mounting
structures, disconnection means, etc.) and the newest, most efficient,
and safest methods for installing PV systems that meet NEC code.
Prerequisites:
PV 205 Intermediate PV or PV 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor
Institute or equivalent
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
Instructor
Chris LaForge
Great Northern Solar
ISPQ Affiliated Independent
Photovoltaics Master Trainer

February 11-March 10, 2013, Online
reNEWS
featured courses
PV 210 Firefighter Safety and Renewable Energy

Systems
Course Description:
In the past, only firefighters in remote or rural areas ever expected
to see renewable energy systems during emergency responses.
Today, the proliferation of utility interactive photovoltaic systems
in urban, suburban, and interface areas means that all firefighters
and their commanders will encounter these systems eventually.
Participants in this course will learn suggested response guidelines for
firefighter safety with renewable energy systems, National Electrical
Code implications for both PV installers and firefighters, and discuss
scenarios to increase awareness of procedures critical to safety.
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics or PV 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor
Institute or firefighter
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
Register for PV 210.01 on page 13.

June 15, 2013, Custer, Wisconsin
SA 215 Water Pumping with Solar and Wind

Course Description:
In this one-day course, participants will learn the various types of solar
and wind water-pumping systems. Participants will learn to determine
the preferred application for each system. This course will also cover the
technical side including: pump types, solar and wind electrical inputs,
and energy storage. The course will describe how the variables of water
volume and pumping height determine the capacity and energy demands
for moving water.
Prerequisites: None
Price: Member: $180
Non-Member: $200
Register for SA 215.01 on page 13.

June 16, 2013, Custer, Wisconsin
Instructor
Dan Fink
Buckville Energy Consulting
Dan Fink has lived off the grid,
high in the Northern Colorado
mountains since 1991, 11 miles
from the nearest power pole or
phone line. He has spent 10 years
in the field as a renewable energy
system consultant, designer, and
installer, specializing in off-grid
power systems. He has been
employed as a renewable energy
technical author and educator
since the year 2000, and is the
Executive Director of Buckville
Energy Consulting, a NABCEP/
IREC/ISPQ accredited Continuing
Education Provider. Dan is coauthor of the book Homebrew
Wind Power, and his articles and
photographs frequently appear in
such magazines as Home Power,
Back Home, Solar Professional,
The Journal of Green Building, and
Lighting Today.
Photovoltaics and Small Wind
Instructor
PVO 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor

Institute
Course Description:
This online/hands-on hybrid course is designed for instructors who will
be offering photovoltaic technical training at their organization.
Participants will advance through lecture, hands-on installation, and
design work that covers the MREA course content for PV 101 (Basic
Photovoltaics), PV 205 (Intermediate Photovoltaics), and PV 301 (PV
Design and Installation Lab).
This is a 40-hour course consisting of eight hours of online lecture
materials in advance of four days of hands-on activities working on PV
systems in Central Wisconsin.
Prerequisites:
Participants must be affiliated with an active solar training program.
Price: Member: $1,180 Non-Member: $1,200

Tuesdays, May 21-June 11, 2013: online portion (PV 101 and PV 205)
June 17-20, 2013: onsite lab activities (PV 205 and PV 301)
Central Wisconsin locations
*Additional advanced trainings are planned in conjunction with The
Energy Fair, which begins on June 21, 2013.
Julie Brazeau
Neil Matthes
Instructors
Julie Brazeau
Association
Master Electrician
Commercial Electrical Inspector
IAEI Recognized Trainer
MREA PV Site Assessment
Certificate
Neil Matthes
Duck Creek Engineering, Inc.
Master Electrician
Matthew Parks
Pieper Electric
IBEW Master Electrician
IBEW Master Trainer
Instructor
Matthew Parks
reNEWS
featured courses
PVO 703 PV Curriculum Development

Course Description:
This online course is designed for instructors looking to design and
improve training programs for photovoltaic (PV) design, installation, and
sales technicians. The instruction and resources in this course are designed
for instructors looking to integrate PV content into their curriculum or
design a program of study for PV Design and Installation or PV Technical
Sales professionals. The course includes best practices for curriculum
development, solar content integration, student hands-on experience,
and career placement services. The course will share case studies of
successful programs throughout the US and strategies for training program
accreditation and professional certification for students. Participants
in this course will gain access to curriculum resources including
presentations, videos, manuals, and quizzes.
This is a 16-hour, online course with eight instructor contact hours and
eight hours instructor-guided, selfpaced work. The course includes
five, scheduled 90-minute online
presentations with live discussion.
Prerequisite:
PV 701 Photovoltaic Technology
Instructor Institute or equivalent.
Price: Member: $580
Non-Member: $600
Tim Wilhelm (Lead Instructor)

Kankakee Community College
Tims involvement in renewable
energy spans nearly 50 years
since he built his first solarpowered transistor radio receiver
at his eighth grade science fair
project. Tim has been involved
in innovative renewable energy
projects ever since, and became
the first solar PV dealer for
SunWize Technologies. He has led
the development of the electrical
technology program at Kankakee
Community College, including
a renewable energy technician
curriculum, which recently
received training program
accreditation by the Institute for
Sustainable Power Quality.
ISPQ Affiliated Master PV
Instructor
Register for PVO 703.01

on page 13.
July 1-29, 2013, Online
Instructors
Tim Wilhelm
Jenny Heinzen (Co-Instructor))

Association
Instructor
Master Electrician
Nick Hylla (Co-Instructor))

Association
Photovoltaics and Sustainable
Agriculture Instructor
Nick Hylla
Jenny Heinzen
PVO 705 Photovoltaic Site Assessment

Instruction Online
Course Description:
This online course is a requirement for instructors interested in teaching
MREAs accredited Photovoltaics Site Assessment Certificate program
(ANSI-IREC 14732:2012) at their institution. Participants are paired with
a technology subject expert as they learn to apply the tech mentoring
tools to practice site assessment reports. This course covers instructional
materials and tech mentoring strategies as well as procedures for the
MREAs Photovoltaics Site Assessment Certificate. This is a 16-hour,
online course with 8 instructor contact hours and 8 hours instructorguided, self-paced work.
To become a Recognized Training Provider and offer MREAs PV Site
Assessment Certificate Program at their institution, instructors are
required to hold a current MREA PV Site Assessment Certificate, sign a
Letter of Agreement, and pay a $300 fee. Recognized Training Provider
status is valid for three years.
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics, PV 201
PV Site Assessor Training, and one
approved tech mentored PV site
assessment report.
Price: Member: $580
Non-Member: $600
Instructors
Barb Basaj (Lead Instructor)

SunSpec, LLC
Barb was trained as a PV site
assessor in 2006, and went into
business as an independent solar
site assessor and sole proprietor
of SunSpec, LLC in January of
2007. She is also trained as a
solar thermal site assessor, and
performs both residential and
non-residential site assessments
for both solar technologies.
BPI Building Analyst
Certificate
MREA Solar Thermal Site
Assessment Certificate
Julie Brazeau (Co-Instructor)

Association
Register for PVO 705.01

on page 13.
May 13-June 17, 2013, Online
Julie Brazeau
Master Electrician
IAEI Recognized Trainer
Certificate
Nicole Rice (Online Facilitator)

Association
Manager of Site Assessment
Certificate Program
Barb Basaj
Nicole Rice
reNEWS
featured courses
ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

Course Description:
This one-day course uses a combination of lecture and classroom
activities to teach the basics of solar thermal systems with an emphasis
on northern climate systems. Participants will learn how solar domestic
hot water (SDHW) systems work, describe and identify components,
understand the best application and limitations of each system type,
define the solar window, make hot water efficiency recommendations,
and estimate system loads.
Prerequisites: None
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110
Register for ST 101.01 on page 13.

March 2, 2013, Madison, Wisconsin
ST 201 Solar Water Site Assessor Training

Course Description:
Participants in this one-day course will learn how to perform a solar
water heating site assessment for a home. The course will cover
how to define a sites solar window, interpret solar radiation and
temperature data, size a system, identify system components, and
determine the best location for collectors.
To receive a MREA Residential Solar Thermal Site Assessor Certificate,
participants will need to complete this course, two practice site
assessments, pass the written test, and pay a $50 exam fee.
Prerequisites:
ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water
Price: Member: $250
Non-Member: $270

March 3, 2013, Madison, Wisconsin
10
Instructor
Ross Padlin
Full Spectrum Solar
Today a full-time solar thermal
installer, Ross has served roles
as a bookkeeper and company
spokesman for Full Spectrum
Solar in Madison, Wisconsin.
His is a MREA Solar Thermal Site
Assessor Technology mentor.
Solar Thermal Instructor
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating
Installer
Master Plumber - Restricted
Appliance
MREA Certified Solar Water Site
Assessor

Course Description:
This one-day course uses a combination of lecture and classroom
activities to teach the basics of solar thermal systems with an emphasis
on northern climate systems. Participants will learn how solar domestic
hot water (SDHW) systems work, describe and identify components,
understand the best application and limitations of each system type,
define the solar window, make hot water efficiency recommendations,
and estimate system loads.
Prerequisites: None
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110

May 16, 2013, Custer, Wisconsin
ST 301 Solar Thermal Installation Lab

Course Description:
In this three-day course, participants will learn the basics of how to
properly install two solar domestic hot water heating systems suitable
for northern climates. Participants will work as a group to install both a
drainback and pressurized closed-loop system on a training roof.
Instructor
Mark Morgan
Bearpaw Design and
Construction
Mark has been building, installing,
and teaching sustainable
construction and renewable
energy for the last 35 years.
Passionate about teaching, he
has studied and taken classes on
accelerative learning and multiple
intelligences. Mark has led more
than 20 solar thermal installations
and teaches Solar Domestic Hot
Water, Solar Space Heating, and
Solar Hot Water Installation Lab,
as well as various Green Building
courses at the MREA.
Solar Thermal and Green
Building Instructor
ISPQ Affiliated Solar Thermal
Instructor
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $550
Non-Member: $570

May 17-19, 2013, Custer, Wisconsin
reNEWS
11
featured courses
STO 410 Solar Thermal System Conceptual

Design
Course Description:
This online course explores system design considerations, including
collector sizing and configuration, pipe sizing, component sizing,
solar fluid volume estimation, heat storage, heat delivery, code
considerations, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Participants will
apply design elements while working through five case study systems,
including space heating, commercial, and process heat applications.
Instructor
Benjamin Nusz
Solar Thermal Instructor
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating
Installer
MREA Certified Solar Thermal
Site Assessor
Prerequisites:
ST 301 Solar Hot Water Installation Lab or ST 701 Solar Thermal Technology
Instructor Institute or equivalent
Price: Member: $300
Non-Member: $320
For more information, see the course listing on page: 52
Register for STO 410.01 on page 13.

Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m., January 28-March 24, 2013, Online
WO 409 Math and Code for Small Wind Online

Course Description:
Participants in this course will learn to effectively reference and use
the National Electrical Code (NEC) with regard to the installation
of small wind energy systems, and to properly size conductors,
overcurrent protection, and associated equipment for grid interactive
and battery-based systems. Many of the calculations and processes in
this course align with the Job Task Analysis for the NABCEP Small Wind
Installer Certification.
Prerequisites:
W 101 Introduction to Wind Systems
Price: Member: $300
Non-Member: $320
Register for WO 409.01 on page 13.

September 3-October13, 2013, Online
12
Instructor
Jenny Heinzen
Association
Instructor
Master Electrician
featured courses registration

Course Name
Dates
Location

Circle One
Memb Non-Memb
PVO 101.01 Basic PV Online
Jan 4-Feb 24
Online
$90
$110
ST0 410.01 Solar Thermal System Conceptual

Design
Jan 28-Mar 24
Online
$300
$320
PVO 405.01 Advancements in PV Online
Feb 11-Mar 10 Online
$230
$250
PVO 201.01 PV Site Assessor Online
Feb 25-Mar 24 Online
$250
$270
ST 101.01 Solar Domestic Hot Water
Mar 2
Madison, WI
$90
$110
ST 201.01 Solar Water Site Assessor Training
Mar 3
Madison, WI
$250
$270
PV 210.01 Firefighter Safety and Renewable

Energy Systems
Jun 15
Custer, WI
$230
$250
PVO 303.01 PV Conceptual Design Online
Apr 8-May 5
Online
$230
$250
PVO 705.01 PV Site Assessment Instruction
May 13-Jun 16 Online
$580
$600
ST 101.02 Solar Domestic Hot Water
May 16
Custer, WI
$90
$110
ST 301.01 Solar Thermal Installation Lab
May 17-19
Custer, WI
$550
$570
PV0 701.01 PV Technology Instructor Institute
May 21-Jun 20 Online/WI
$1,180 $1,200
PVO 703.01 PV Curriculum Development Online
Jul 1-29
Online
$580
$600
Online
$300
$320
WO 409.01 Math and Code for Small Wind Online Sep 3-Oct 13
Register Today!
Send to MREA:
Purchase Information
MREA
7558 Deer Rd.
Name:
Custer, WI 54423
Company:
Address:
City:
State:
Phone:
Zip:
Email:
Total (add up circled course prices from above):

Check Number:
Credit Card:
Exp. Date:
CSV:
reNEWS
13
business members
MREA would like to thank our Green, Sustaining, and Pathfinder Business Members for helping
us fulfill our mission to promote renewable energy and sustainable living through education and
demonstration. Their assistance helps us host The Energy Fair, Wisconsin Solar Tour, SOLAR THERMAL
Conference, and hold year-round trainings and courses at an affordable price. Thank you for your
support!
Home Power Magazine
Pathfinder Member
Caleffi Solar
Milwaukee, WI
www.caleffisolar.us
Sustaining Members
A-A Exteriors.com, Inc.
Winneconne, WI
www.a-aexteriors.com
American Transmission Co.
Madison, WI
www.atcllc.com
Arista Power
Rochester, NY
www.aristapower.com
Central Waters Brewing Co.
Amherst, WI
www.centralwaters.com
Conserve School
Land O Lakes, WI
www.conserveschool.org
Full Spectrum Solar
Madison, WI
www.fullspectrumsolar.com
Gimme Shelter Construction
Amherst, WI
www.gimmeshelteronline.com
H&H Solar Energy Services
Madison, WI
www.hhsolarenergy.com
Helios Solar Works
Milwaukee, WI
www.heliossolarworks.com
HGA Architects
Milwaukee, WI
www.hga.com
14
Ashland, OR
www.homepower.com
Ingeteam
Milwaukee, WI
www.ingeteam.com
North Wind Renewable Energy,

LLC
Stevens Point, WI
www.northwindre.com
Organic Valley
La Farge, WI
www.organicvalley.coop
Quick Cable Corp.
Franksville, WI
www.quickcable.com
Renewableenergyworld.com
Peterborough, NH
www.renewableenergyworld.com
REpowerNOW Network
Madison, WI
www.repowernow.org
Solar America Solutions
Middlebury, IN
www.solaramericasolutions.com
Solar Pro Magazine
Ashland, OR
www.solarprofessional.com
SolarWorld
Camarillo, CA
www.solarworld-usa.com
Stiebel Eltron
West Hatfield, MA
www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com
Werner Electric Supply
Neenah, WI
www.wernerelectric.com
Wisconsin Public Service Corp.
Green Bay, WI
www.wisconsinpublicservice.com
Green Members
American Wind Energy
Association
Washington, D.C.
www.awea.org
Energy Law Wisconsin
Sun Prairie, WI
www.energylawwisconsin.
com
North Star Energy
Consulting
West Allis, WI
www.
northstarenergyconsulting.
com
Prairie Solar Power & Light
Steuben, WI
www.kickapoogreen.org
Sand Creek Consultants, Inc.
Amherst, WI
www.sandcreeksolar.com
join the mrea
As a member of the MREA, youll receive numerous

benefits to help you engage in a sustainable lifestyle
and stay up to date on industry standards. We offer our
members free primer courses explaining the basics of
renewable energy and why it works, as well as discounts
on in-depth hands-on trainings for those interested in
taking the next step.
Rise up and make a difference.
Join the MREA today!

To sign up, call 715-592-6595
or visit www.midwestrenew.org.
Personal Student/Senior Individual Family

BASIC
$30
EMPOWERED
$50
$80
$70
$100
LIFETIME
$500
$750
MREA/ASES Basic Professional

$79
$129
Personal Membership Benefits

BASIC
LIFETIME
Admission to The Energy Fair ($35 value)

Discounted admission to Solar Powering Your
Basic Benefits, plus

Lifetime admission to The Energy Fair and pre-Fair
Discounted admission to SOLAR THERMAL (20% off)

Monthly electronic newsletter, eReNews
Semiannual newsletter, ReNews
Free enrollment in MREA Primer courses
Discount on additional MREA courses
Special MREA glass tumbler ($15 value)

Lifetime Member Certificate for framing
MREA t-shirt for first year, available at The Energy Fair
Community Confernece (10% off)
($20 off each course)
10% off MREA Marketplace

Window decal/bumper sticker
Voting privileges at board elections
Networking Dinner ($45 value each year)
($15 value)
MREA/ASES
MREA Basic Benefits, plus
American Solar Energy Society membership
($39/$89 value)
EMPOWERED
Basic Benefits, plus
1-year subscription to BackHome, Home Power, Mother
1-year subscription to Solar Today

ASES conference discount (Professional level members
only, $100 discount)
Earth News, or Natural Home (up to $25 value)
MREA organic cotton t-shirt made in USA, available at

The Energy Fair ($15 value)
*The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is a national organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar energy for the
benefit of U.S. citizens and the global environment. Visit www.ases.org to learn more. More membership rates available.
For more information, including information on business memberships and

other ways to give, visit www.midwestrenew.org/supportus.
reNEWS
15
enrollment, cancellations, and

scholarships
Enrollment
MREA courses are open to the public on a firstcome, first-served basis. Class size is limited.
To register, call the office at 715-592-6595 or
register online at www.midwestrenew.org/
workshops. Full course tuition is due upon
registration.
Cancellations
To cancel a course you have registered for, email

registrations@midwestrenew.org or call the
office at 715-592-6595. The following fees apply:
Cancellation two weeks or more prior
to the course: The registrant forfeits a

processing fee of $25.
Cancellation less than two weeks prior
to a course: The registrant forfeits 50%

of the tuition. Remaining tuition will be
reimbursed to the course registrant.
Failure to show up to the course: The
registrant forfeits all of the tuition.
Transfers
If you are unable to attend your scheduled

course and would like to transfer to an
available section, you can do so by emailing
registrations@midwestrenew.org or calling 715592-6595. However, transfers will be treated
as cancellations and will incur the same fee
forfeiture.
Scholarships and Discounts
At the MREA, we work hard to provide our

participants with high-quality educational
experiences at an affordable cost. To help make
these courses more accessible, we offer the
following discounts and scholarships:
16
Member Discount
Individual members of the MREA receive a

discounted member price on all of our courses.
(Individual or Family memberships only. Business
memberships do not apply to course discounts.)
Members also receive free MREA Primer
courses. This is a great opportunity to learn
about renewable energy. To become a member,
contact Gina at 715-592-6595 or sign up online
at www.midwestrenew.org/join.
Scholarships
MREA is occasionally able to offer scholarships

through partner organizations. For an up-todate listing of scholarship opportunities, check
out our website at www.midwestrenew.org/
scholarship.
Workforce Investment Board Funding

Currently, MREAs site assessment training for
solar electric, solar thermal, and small wind are
eligible for Workforce Investment Board funding
in Wisconsin.
The Workforce Investment Act hosts
Wisconsins Statewide List of Eligible Training
Programs and Providers at this website: www.
wisconsinjobcenter.org/ita/presentation/
SearchBy.aspx.
Individuals need to check with a state
coordinator or caseworker through their local
Wisconsin Job Center to determine how to
apply for these funds in their region. To find a
Wisconsin Job Center near you, visit:
www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory/.
progression of knowledge
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association
offers introductory to advanced courses.
They are organized similar to college-level
courses and are designed to ensure that course
participants have adequate background in the
basics before advancing to more
technical courses.
Heres what you can expect at the
different levels:
000- and some 100-level courses are online
primer courses that provide introductory

information on renewable energy and
sustainable living topics. (Free to members!)
100-level courses provide an overview of
the basics of technologies and applications.
200-level courses cover specifics of
techniques and components lecture and

hands-on training.
300-level courses include both lecture and
a hands-on installation of a system at a

training facility.
400-level courses are advanced technical
courses designed for people with prior

experience and skill and often involve a
system installation or advanced lab.
500-level courses are the most advanced
level hands-on installations. Participants

direct the course of the installation in the
presence of a certified installer.
600-level courses are customized trainings
offered for specific audiences.
700-level courses are for instructors
looking to teach about renewable energy

technologies. These trainings are designed
for people with previous installation and
teaching experience.
Participants put together an evacuated tube collector, 2012

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17
professional credentials
Courses at the MREA are based on industry approved task analysis (when available) and are designed
to satisfy the knowledge and skill competencies for professional certification. The MREA provides
training aligned to the following professional credentials:
MREA Site Assessment Certificate

The MREA Site Assessment Certificate provides a framework for the workforce and skills training
needed by the growing body of professionals engaging consumers in the development of solar energy
systems for their home and business. Site assessors evaluate the energy consumption of a household
or business, as well as the solar or wind resource at the location. They help clients understand system
options and their benefits. They work with clients to recommend the site and size of the solar or
wind systems. Site assessors also estimate system production and identify the cost, incentives, and
financing options available.
MREA awarded nation-wide

accreditation
The MREA became one of the first organizations
nationwide to earn accreditation from the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc.
(IREC) pilot accreditation program for education
programs within the energy efficiency and
renewable energy industries. The ANSI-IREC
accreditation program evaluated MREAs
Site Assessment Programs in Photovoltaics
and Solar Thermal against requirements for
equipment, curriculum, facilities, administration,
and personnel set from in the IREC Standard
14732:2012. Accreditation under the ANSIIREC program demonstrates to participants,
policymakers, funders, and employers that
these programs have demonstrated meeting all
requirements in the Standard and have market
value.
For more information about MREAs Site
Assessment Certificate Program, contact Nicole
Rice (nicoler@midwestrenew.org) or visit www.
mreacsa.org.
18
Why pursue a
Site Assessment Certificate?
The MREA Site Assessment Certificate is an
entry-level credential. All certificate holders
have completed the required MREA training,
have had their practice assessments approved by
a technology mentor, and have passed the site
assessment exam.
The site assessment certificate is a valuable
credential that:
establishes an entry-level competency that
is valuable to employers in the renewable

energy field
serves as an add-on certificate to other
principal skills or credentials in the green

jobs industry, including: system design,
installation, sales, finance, research,
and policy
is a benchmark in the training and
experience required for NABCEP PV

Technical Sales certification
How to get started

The first step to earning a MREA Site Assessment
Certificate is for course participants to enroll in
the introductory-level courses of the technology
for which they desire a certificate (solar
photovoltaics, solar domestic hot water, or small
wind energy). From there, participants may take
the 201-level site assessment course for the same
technology.
Once participants have completed their course
requirements, they will assess two sites and
provide practice site assessment reports to
their technology mentor, who will review their
assessments and approve them once they are
deemed satisfactory.
Once the practice reports are approved,
participants are eligible to take the site
assessment exam after paying the exam fee
of $50. Should they pass the exam, individuals
can upload their business information to the
Certificate Holder Directory, and then receive
the MREA Site Assessment Certificate for the
technology for which they were trained and
access the site assessment resource portal.
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19
professional credentials
NABCEP PV Technical
Sales Certification
The NABCEP PV Technical Sales

Certification is a voluntary
certification that provides
a set of national standards
by which professionals with
skills and experience can
distinguish themselves from
their competition. Competency
areas include customer
qualification, site analysis,
conceptual design, financial
modeling, performance
analysis, and proposal
development.
NABCEP Entry Level Exam

The NABCEP Entry Level Program is designed for those individuals
wanting to get into the solar field; achievement of the NABCEP Entry
Level Exam is a way for candidates to demonstrate that they have
achieved a basic knowledge of the fundamental principles of the
application, design, installation, and operation of photovoltaic (PV)
and solar heating systems.
Upon completion of the courses taught in accordance with the
NABCEP Entry Level learning objectives, and prior to taking the
NABCEP Entry Level Exam, participants should have demonstrated
a basic understanding of the principles outlined in the learning
objectives. The learning objectives for the exam are available at
www.nabcep.org.
Individuals passing the NABCEP Entry Level Exam should not be
confused with NABCEP Certified Installers. Taking the classes and
passing the exam does not qualify an individual to install systems.
NABCEP currently has entry-level exam programs in PV and solar
heating.
The MREA is a NABCEP Entry Level Exam Provider for PV and has
applied to become an exam provider for solar heating.
For a current schedule of Entry Level Exams offered at the MREA,
contact Amiee Wetmore at 715-592-6595 ext. 100.
20
NABCEP Installer Certification

The MREA specializes in providing hands-on renewable energy education. The MREA does not certify
installers, but rather provides training based on nationally recognized standards for certification.
Our courses, when taken in the recommended progression of knowledge, are shown to satsifty the
knowledge and skills necessary for professional competency in the solar industry.
The NABCEP PV, Solar Heating, and Small Wind Installer certifications are voluntary certifications
that provide a set of national standards by which installers with skills and experience can distinguish
themselves from their competition. The certifications are designed to: identify installers as
professionals, instilling consumer confidence in their work; validate extra resources spent on training
and gaining experience; allow for installer mobility as the market moves from state to state; allow
installers to distinguish their skills and experience in the field.
For more information about any other certifications through NABCEP, visit
www.nabcep.org.
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21
ISPQ Accreditation
The MREA An ISPQ Accredited
Training Program
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council

(IREC) uses the Institute of Sustainable Power
Quality (ISPQ) international framework to assess
content, quality, and resources across a range
of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and
weatherization training programs. The MREA
has achieved this accreditation for many of its
courses and instructors, a credential that shows
that rigorous standards have been met.
The MREA maintains the following accreditations
through ISPQ:
Accredited Training Program for Photovoltaics
Accredited Training Program for Solar Thermal
Continuing Education Provider for Intro to
Wind Energy Systems and Wind Site Assessor

Training
In addition to our accreditation, we have many

instructors who have received their instructor
certification through ISPQ, and still more
working toward their certification. Currently, the
following MREA courses are accredited by ISPQ
in three renewable energy technologies:
Commercial Solar Water Site Assessor

Solar Water Heating Installation Lab
Solar Space Heating Systems
Advanced Lead Installer Residential Solar
Thermal Installation
Solar Thermal Design
ISPQ Accredited Continuing Education in Wind

Intro to Wind Energy Systems
Wind Site Assessor Training
Currently certified in photovoltaic technology are:
Craig Buttke, North Wind Renewable Energy
Cris Folk, Madison College
Mike Joyce, Full Spectrum Solar
Chris LaForge, Great Northern Sun (Affiliated
Master Trainer)
Kurt Nelson, SOLutions
Jack ODonohue
Matthew Parks, Pieper Power
Clay Sterling, Midwest Renewable Energy
Association
Ed Zinthefer, Arch Electric (Affiliated Master
Trainer)
ISPQ Accredited Courses in Photovoltaics

Basic Photovoltaics
Residential PV Site Assessor
Commercial PV Site Assessor
Intermediate PV
Firefighter Safety and Renewable Energy
Systems
PV Design & Installation Lab
Advanced Lead Installer Residential PV
Installation
ISPQ Accredited Courses in Solar Thermal
Solar Domestic Hot Water
Residential Solar Hot Water Site Assessor
22
Currently certified in solar thermal technology are:

Andy DeRocher, Sustainable Engineering
Group
Mark Morgan, Bearpaw Design
& Construction
Currently certified in small wind technology is:

Clay Sterling, Midwest Renewable
Energy Association
Midwest Solar Training Network
The Midwest Solar Training Network (MSTN) is

entering its 3rd year with a lot of wind in our
sails. With continued support from the U.S.
Dept. of Energy SunShot Program, the MREA has
developed partnerships with training programs
in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan,
Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These partnerships
allow instructors from across the Midwest to
access professional development, curriculum
resources, and networks to help them develop
and improve their solar training programs.
To date, we have created solar program
development plans and training agreements
with 29 organizations and delivered 16 instructor
trainings, serving more than 250 participants.
We have expanded our instructor trainings,
including online offerings and a training
pathway for instructors to deliver the MREA
Site Assessment Certificate Program training to
their students. You can read more about our
instructor trainings on pages 44-46.
Becoming a Recognized
Training Provider
Throughout 2013, the MREA will be partnering
with educational institutions to launch the MREA
Site Assessment Certificate Program in seven
states throughout the Midwest. This program
will help institutions align their training to the
certificate standard, and offer the market-valued
certificate to their students.
The program will provide training to instructors
and supportive services to help align instruction
to the certificate standard.
In 2013, subsidies will be available to
organizations pursuing the PV Site Assessment
Certificate through the Midwest Solar Training
Network: www.midwestsolartraining.org.
For more information about becoming a
Recognized Training Provider and questions
about the Site Assessment Certificate Program,
please contact SAcertificate@midwestrenew.org
or 715-592-6595.
With additional support from the National

Science Foundation through a grant received
by Kankakee Community College, the MREA is
working to expand partnerships in an innovative
solar market development program. Over the
next three years, we will be working with seven
community colleges in the Midwest to develop
community outreach programs, student service
learning experiences, and industry partnerships
to help establish career pathways and expand
solar installation opportunities.
To find out more about MSTN, visit
www.midwestsolartraining.org.
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23
continuing education units

The MREA courses recognized for continuing
education by state licensing authorities and
trade organizations can be found here. As
courses are approved, the updated lists can be
found at www.midwestrenew.org/ceus.
Continuing Education Credits for NABCEP PV

Installer Certification
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics 8.0
PV 201 Residential PV Site Assessor 8.0
PV 205 Intermediate Photovoltaics 16.0
Many employers and professional organizations

recognize the listed CEUs as documentation of
continued professional growth. CEUs are offered
at no additional cost to course participants. We
provide transcripts upon request.

Systems 6.0
Please contact us at training@midwestrenew.org

if you hold a credential or license that requires
a CEU and you would like to take a MREA course
to meet that requirement. MREA staff will do
our best to submit the required paperwork
and fees to help make our courses even more
professionally valuable to course participants.
PV 403 PV and the NEC 16.0
Credentialing Organizations:
Institute of Sustainable Power Quality

(ISPQ)
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council

(IREC) uses the Institute of Sustainable Power
Quality (ISPQ) international framework to assess
content, quality, and resources across a range
of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and
weatherization training programs. The MREA
has achieved this accreditation for many of its
courses and instructors, a credential that shows
that rigorous standards have been met. More
information, and a list of accredited courses can
be found on page 22.
North American Board of Certified Energy

Practitioners (NABCEP)
MREAs ISPQ accredited courses are approved for
NABCEP continuing education credits (CEC). View
their website for more information on NABCEP
recertification at www.nabcep.org/continuing-edrecertification. Listed here are the MREA courses
that can be used for continuing education credits
for NABCEP Installer Certification in renewable
energy technologies:
24
PV 301 PV Design and Installation Lab 32.0

PV 305 PV System Design 7.0
PV 401 Advanced Residential PV Installation 40.0
PV 404 Grounding and Bonding 8.0
PV 405 Advancements in PV 7.0
PV 406 Code Primer for Officials and Installers
7.0
PV 407 Battery-Based PV Systems 7.0
PV 408 Case Study in Commercial Design 8.0
PV 410 PV Conceptual Design for Solar EV
Charging 16.0
PV 501 Lead Installer Training PV 40.0
Continuing Education Credits for NABCEP Solar

Heating Installer Certification
ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water 8.0
ST 201 Residential Solar Water Site Assessor 8.0
ST 301 Solar Hot Water Installation Lab 21.0
ST 401 Advanced Solar Thermal Installation 32.0
ST 409 Solar Space Heating Systems 8.0
ST 410 Solar Thermal System Conceptual Design
7.0
ST 501 Advanced Solar Thermal Installation 32.0
Classroom Training Hours toward

NABCEP Small Wind Installer
W 101 Introduction to Wind Systems 8.0
W 201 Small Wind Site Assessor Training 32.0
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Health, Safety, Welfare and Sustainable
Development Learning Units
G 101 Introduction to Renewable Energy 3.5

GB 102 Sustainable and Natural Building
Materials and Methods 6.5
GB 103 Intro to Straw Bale Construction 6.5
PV 101 and PVO 101 Basic PV 6.5
PV 103 Electrical Load Analysis 4.0
PV 201 PV Site Assessor Training 6.5
SA 215 Water Pumping with Solar and Wind 6.5
ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems 6.5
ST 105 Solar Air Heat Introduction 6.5
ST 403 High-Mass Sand Beds and Other Seasonal
Solar Thermal Storage 6.5
ST 410 Solar Thermal System Conceptual Design
13.0
W 101 Intro to Wind 6.5
Building Performance Institute (BPI)

PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics 3.75

PV 201 PV Site Assessor Training 3.75
North American Technician Excellence

Credits (NATE)
Core: Installer and Service Credits

STO 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Online 8.0
Heating - Hydronics - Gas: Installer and Service

Heating - Hydronics - Oil: Installer and Service

HVAC Efficiency: Senior

State Licensing Agencies for

Electricians, Plumbers, Inspectors,
and Construction Trades:
Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Select MREA courses are recognized by the

Wisconsin Department of Commerce as
continuing education for licensed professionals:
All numbers refer to number of credit hours.
Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification
PV 101 Basic PV 8.0
PV 201 Residential PV Site Assessor 8.0
ST 201 Solar Water Site Assessor Training 12.0
W 101 Intro to Wind 8.0
W 201 Wind Site Assessor 12.0
WI Commercial Electrical Inspector

Certification
PV 101 Basic PV 7.5
PV 301 Design and Installation Lab 32.0
PV 310 Inspecting Solar Electric Systems 3.0
PV 401 Residential PV Installation 40.0
7.5
PV-W 310 Inspecting Solar and Wind Electric
Systems 6.0
W 409 Math and Code for Small Wind 16.0
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25
continuing education units

WI Beginner Electrician Registration
WI UDC Electrical Inspector Certification
PV 101 Basic PV 7.5

Systems 6.0
W 306 Wind Turbine Design and Construction

(Homebrew Wind) 24.0
WI Journeyman and Master Electrician

Certification
PV 101 Basic PV 7.5
PV 205 Intermediate PV 14.0
7.5
Systems 6.0
WI Industrial Journeyman Electrician License

7.5
Systems 6.0
WI Journeyman and Master Plumber License

ST 301 Solar Water Heating Installation Lab 18.0
WI Journeyman and Master Plumber

Restricted Appliance License
WI Journeyman and Master Plumber

Restricted Service License
WI UDC Plumbing Inspector Certification


Systems 6.0
WI UDC HVAC Inspector Certification

WI Residential Journeyman and Master

Electrician LIcense
Systems 6.0
26

Iowa Department of Public Health
Select MREA courses are recognized by the Iowa

Department of Public Health as continuing education
for licensed professionals:
Plumbing License
HVAC License
ST 410 Solar Thermal Design Considerations 4.5
Hydronics License
ST 410 Solar Thermal Design Considerations 4.5
Minnesota Department of Labor

and Industry
Select MREA courses may be recognized by the
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as
continuing education for licensed professionals:
Check the course you wish to take to see if it is
approved for credit hours.
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27
courses for credit

CERET Courses
Through a partnership with Madison College, participants can

receive experiential credits for select MREA courses through
the Consortium for Education in Renewable Energy Technology
(CERET) program. For more information about the CERET program,
call 608-246-6812.
Participants seeking credit are still responsible for any
prerequisites that may be necessary for credit courses.
The following courses are available for credit:
Solar Thermal:
ST 201 Solar Water Site Assessor Training
ST 401 Advanced Solar Thermal Installation
Photovoltaics:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics
PV 201 Residential PV Site Assessor
PV 205 Intermediate Photovoltaics
PV 301 PV Design and Installation Lab
PV 401 Advanced Photovoltaic Installation
Wind:
W 201 Wind Site Assessor Training
W 401 Wind System Repair and Maintenance
Additional courses may be available for credit. Some advanced

courses are offered under elective categories. For an updated
listing, please visit the CERET program website at www.ceret.us.
28
WE BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE

StarMax V collector
Five outlet flat plate collector

Two internal headers which are sloped to
the center for draining out bottom outlet
Drainback or standard pressurized
Weather tight welded corners
Injected molded foam insulation
SRCC OG100 certified
Patent pending
www.calef.us Milwaukee, WI 414-238-2360
reNEWS
29
We do efficiency from high to super colossal.

99% Efficient Tankless Electric
We invented tankless electric almost 90
years ago. Since then we keep making it
better.
Whole house & point-of-use from 236 kW

Electronically-controlled for silent operation
Exclusive design prevents dry firing
High-limit switch with manual reset
250% Efficient Heat Pump Water Heater
2.51 energy factor
Accelera 300 is #1 in its Energy Star Class and is COPs from 3 to 6 typically
78.6 gallon first hour rating
the only true heat pump water heater.
Multiple unit installs for greater output
749% Efficient Solar Thermal

Complete SOLKits and individual
components for residential to light
commercial.
RE T HAN
U FA C T U R
AP
24
AN
SEA
PROVAL S
I
19
ESS ELECT
MO
20
KL
Solar thermal EF is based on a T *Sol calculation

annual figure for a representative system.
Sol 27 is a Top-10 SRCC Clear Day C

rating glazed flat plate collector
Extremely efficient solar tanks
Perfectly integrated pump stations
& controllers
Rugged extruded-aluminum racks
Stiebel Eltron has been at the forefront of

water heating technology since we started in
Germany in 1924. As a leader in the field we
have no intention of standing still.
Simply the Best

800.582.8423
www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com
30
MADE IN
GERMANY
customized trainings
Most members are familiar with MREA
delivering high-quality training in the Upper
Midwest-Wisconsin and the fringes of
surrounding states. What members probably
dont know is that for the past four years,
MREA has been hired to deliver its programs
to places far and wide in the lower 48 states.
Clients include: The Housing Authority of the
City of Milwaukee; Milwaukee Community
Service Corps; State of Indiana; Heartland
Community College in Bloomington/Normal,
Illinois; Metropolitan Community College in
Omaha, Nebraska, University West Virginia
Parkersburg; Werner Electric Supply in
Wisconsin and Minnesota; and Van Meter
Electric Supply in Iowa.
Milwaukee Community Service Corps

Photo Credit: Clay Sterling
UWV-Parkersburg
For more information on how MREA can

provide training for your business or institution,
check out our website www.midwestrenew.org/
customizedtraining.
Business training requests have continued

at a steady growth as renewable energy
becomes more competitive with traditional
electrical power generation. MREA will again
be offering customized training to businesses,
organizations, and community colleges that
want to get their foot in the door and begin
training their entire staff on renewable energy
technologies so they can add renewable energy
to their slate of services.
reNEWS
31
course listing
Our 2013 course offering is listed below. To view the 2013 schedule of courses, please visit our
website, which is updated on a daily basis at www.midwestrenew.org/workshops. If you do not
have Internet access and would like for us to print and mail a copy of the course schedule to you,
please call 715-592-6595.
Primer Courses
Photovoltaic Courses
AT 105
G 050

G 055
G 060
G 101
G 102

G 103
GB 050

GB 055
GB 102

GB 103
GB 105
PV 050
PV 055

PV 104
SA 050

SL 140

ST 050
ST 105
W 050
W 055
PV 101
See pages 34-36 for more details.

Introduction to Biofuels
Primer on Steps to Manage a
Successful Renewable Energy Project
Primer on Connecting to the Grid
Primer on Electrical Load Analysis
Introduction to Renewable Energy
Being a Smart Solar Energy
System Consumer
Electrical Load Analysis
Primer on Renewable Energy
and Building Design
Primer on Solar Safe Roofs
Sustainable and Natural Building
Materials and Methods
Introduction to Straw Bale Construction
Introduction to Cordwood Construction
Primer on Solar Electricity
Primer on Common Mistakes
in PV System Design
Working with Electricity
Primer on Renewable Energy Options
for a Farm
The Self-Sustaining Lifestyle Series
(in various topics)
Primer on Solar Water Heating
Solar Air Heat Introduction
Primer on Wind Electricity
Primer on Selecting a Wind Turbine
Green Building Courses

See pages 37 for more details.
GB 301
GB 305
32
Straw Bale Construction

Site-Based Installation (in various topics)

Basic Photovoltaics

PV 201
Residential PV Site Assessor
PVO 201 Residential PV Site Assessor Online
PV 205
Intermediate Photovoltaics
PV 207
PV System Commissioning

and Decommissioning
PVO 209 Solar Electric Vehicle Charging

for Home and Business
PV 210
Firefighter Safety and

Renewable Energy Systems
PV 211
PV System Inspection
PV 301
Photovoltaic Design

and Installation Lab
PV 305
PV System Design
PV 310
Inspecting Solar Electric Systems

Systems
PV 401
Advanced Photovoltaic Installation
PV 403
PV and the NEC
PV 404
Grounding and Bonding
PVO 405 Advancements in PV
PV 406
Code Primer for Officials and Installers
PV 407
Battery-Based PV Systems
PV 408
Case Study in Commercial PV Design
PV 409
PV Math
PV 410
PV Conceptual Design for

Solar EV Charging
PV-STO 411 PV and Solar Thermal Structural

Considerations Online
PV 501
Lead Installer Training Residential PV
PV 502
NABCEP Test Prep
PVO 701 Photovoltaic Technology

Instructor Institute
PV 702
Model PV Training Program Institute
PVO 703 PV Curriculum Development Online
PVO 705
PV 710
PV 711
PV 715

Site Assessment Instruction Online

PV Training Lab Design
PV Training Lab Design and Installation
Advanced Topics in PV Training
(in various topics)
Small Wind Courses

W 101
WO 101
WO 201
W 307

PV-W

W 401
WO 409
Introduction to Wind Systems

Introduction to Wind Systems Online
Small Wind Site Assessor Training Online
Introduction to Tower Climbing
and Safety
Inspecting Solar and Wind Electric
Systems
Wind System Repair and Maintenance
Math and Code for Small Wind Online
Renewable Energy and Sustainable

Agriculture Courses
See pages 54 for more details.
SAO 110
SA 205
SAO 210

SA 215
SA 230
SA 235
Understanding Stray Voltage Online

Biodiesel Production on the Farm
Whole Farm Renewable Energy Design
Online
Water Pumping with Solar and Wind
Solar Aquaponic Systems
Small Scale Biodigesters
Solar Thermal Courses

ST 101
Solar Domestic Hot Water
STO 101
Solar Domestic Hot Water Online
ST 201
Residential Solar Water

Site Assessor Training
STO 201
Residential Solar Water Site

Assessor Training Online
ST 301
Solar Hot Water Installation Lab
ST 401
Advanced Solar Thermal Installation
ST 403
High-Mass Sand Beds and Other

Seasonal Solar Thermal Storage
ST 406
Solar Water Systems Commissioning

and Testing
ST 407
Solar Water Systems Decommissioning
STO 409 Solar Space Heating Systems Online
STO 410
Solar Thermal System

Conceptual Design Online

ST 501
Solar Thermal Advanced

Lead Installation
ST 701
Solar Thermal Technology

STO 705
Site Assessment Instruction
Solar Air Panel Installation 2012

Photo credit: Chris Talbot-Heindl
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PRIMER
primer course descriptions

AT 105 Introduction to Biofuels
G 101 Introduction to Renewable Energy
Course Description:
Course Description:
In this half-day course, participants will receive a
broad overview of what renewable energy is, how it
works, and what it can do for you. Topics will include
passive solar design, solar electric systems, solar
thermal systems, and wind electric systems.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
GREEN BUILDING
This primer will provide information about the basics

of biofuels, including ethanol, B100, and used cooking
oil, among others. Participants will learn about oilseed
production and how they can use biofuels to fuel
vehicles, generators, and everything in between.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
G 050 Primer on Steps to Manage a Successful

Renewable Energy Project
G 102 Being a Smart Solar

Electric System Consumer
Course Description:
Course Description:
In this primer, participants will learn to decipher what
they are shopping for. The course will discuss common
financing, net metering, and monitoring strategies to
help participants choose wisely.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
PHOTOVOLTAICS
In this primer, participants will learn about the steps

needed to ensure a successful renewable energy
project. Participants will receive a step-by-step guide
to renewable energy project management.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
G 055 Primer on Connecting to the Grid

Course Description:
SMALL WIND
In this primer, participants will learn about

connecting a renewable energy system to the
grid. Participants will learn about grid interactive
systems, how to use the grid as a back-up system,
and connection requirements.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
SOLAR THERMAL
G 060 Primer on Electrical Load Analysis
AGRICULTURE
Course Description:
Participants in this one-day course will learn the basics
of performing an electrical load analysis and how
to reduce energy usage through energy efficiency
measures. This course will cover how to determine
energy needs with a load profile, choose appliances
to meet certain needs, determine which loads are
appropriate for electricity and which are appropriate
for other sources, and how reduced energy
consumption can recoup money for an eventual
renewable energy system.
Price: Member: Free
34
Non-Member: $20
G 103 Electrical Load Analysis

Course Description:
Participants in this primer will learn the basics of
performing an electrical load analysis and how to
reduce energy usage through energy efficiency
measures. This primer will cover how to determine
the energy needs with a load profile, choose
appliances to meet certain needs, determine which
loads are appropriate for electricity and which are
appropriate for other sources, and how reduced
energy consumption can recoup money for an
eventual renewable energy system.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
GB 050 Primer on Renewable Energy

and Building Design
Course Description:
In this primer, participants will learn the
implications of solar and wind energy systems on
building design including: building orientation,
building integrated technologies, structural
considerations, utilities, and aesthetics.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
Course Description:
This primer will provide an overview of the main

considerations that should be addressed when
installing solar electric and solar thermal arrays on
residential and commercial roofs.
This primer will introduce the concept of solar

electricity also known as photovoltaics (PV).
Participants will learn the basic definition of PV, how
PV systems work, and how PV systems can add to
the value of any home or business.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
Price: Member: Free
GREEN BUILDING
PV 050 Primer on Solar Electricity
Course Description:
PRIMER
GB 055 Primer on Solar Safe Roofs
Non-Member: $20
GB 102 Sustainable and Natural Building

Materials and Methods
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Course Description:
In this course, participants will learn about different
types and styles of alternative construction and
sustainable building techniques. Topics will include
foundations, local material, wall systems, stick
framing, post and beam, timber frame, steel and
living roofs. Materials covered will include wood, clay,
sand, stone, straw bale, straw-clay, cob, cordwood,
earth bag, rammed earth, and rammed tire.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member $20
GB 105 Introduction to
Cordwood Construction
PV 104 Working with Electricity

Course Description:
This course provides participants with an overview
of the fundamental skills and concepts to help
prospective PV installers develop competent and
safe work practices when dealing with photovoltaic
systems. This course will help provide an overview
of electrical theory, Ohms Law and power formulas,
and series circuits/parallel circuit configurations.
Participants will become familiar with common
electrical tools and learn how to safely and accurately
measure electricity in a circuit. This course is highly
recommended for non-electricians interested in PV
system installation.
Price: Member: Free
AGRICULTURE
Course Description:
In this course, the main focus will be using cordwood
construction to build a house or cabin using codeapproved techniques. Participants will learn the
timelines for wood prep, site prep, foundation
options, and wall types as well as mortar mixes,
insulation options, and wood treatment.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
Participants on the PV Training Roof 2012

SOLAR THERMAL
Course Description:
This course will provide participants the A through
Z of building with straw bales: from creating
foundations to putting on a roof. Topics will include
different ways to work with straw, as well as discuss
the different types of plasters. Participants will also
learn how to keep fire, mold, mildew, and rodents
away.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
SMALL WIND
GB 103 Introduction to
Straw Bale Construction
Non-Member: $20
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PRIMER
primer course descriptions

SA 050 Primer on Renewable Energy Options
for a Farm
W 050 Primer on Wind Electricity
Course Description:
This primer will introduce the concept of wind

electricity. Participants will learn basic definition
of wind electricity, how small wind electric systems
work, and how wind systems can add to the value of
any home or business.
GREEN BUILDING
In this primer, participants will learn the different

options for renewable energy integration on a farm.
The primer will present the need and importance
for renewable energy, the types of systems that are
available, and strategic planning for integration of
renewable energy on a farm.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
PHOTOVOLTAICS
SL 140 The Self-Sustaining Lifestyle Series

(in various topics)
Course Description:
SMALL WIND
This course will be dedicated to endowing

participants with the knowledge and skills to lead
them toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Topics
will vary and may include: canning, home energy
efficiency, bike maintenance and commuting,
seed saving, herbal ointments and tinctures, food
dehydration, backyard chickens, and
tool maintenance.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
ST 050 Primer on Solar Water Heating

Course Description:
SOLAR THERMAL
In this primer, participants will be introduced to

the concept of solar water heating. Participants will
learn the basic definition of solar water heating,
how solar water heating systems work, and how
solar water systems can add to the value of any
home or business.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
ST 105 Solar Air Heat Introduction

Course Description:
AGRICULTURE
In this primer, participants will learn the basics of

solar air heating. Participants will learn how solar
air panels work, describe and identify components,
define the solar window, and estimate system
production.
Price: Member: Free
36
Non-Member: $20
Course Description:
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
W 055 Primer on Selecting a Wind Turbine

Course Description:
This primer will overview the physics, practicality,
and performance of horizontal axis, roof-top, and
vertical axis wind turbines.
Price: Member: Free
Non-Member: $20
GB 103 Introduction to Straw Bale Construction

Price: Member: TBD
Non-Member: TBD
Course Description:
Throughout the year, MREA instructors are involved
in a variety of construction projects suitable for
hands-on learning. These projects include straw bale
walls, cordwood walls, living roofs, earthen floors,
etc. Installation workshops run from 2-5 days and
involve approximately 25% lecture and 75% hands-on
work. Over the years, these installations have proven
to be an excellent opportunity to gain experience and
identify the building materials and methods right for
participants.
Check the MREA website, www.midwestrenew.org/
workshops, for the topics, dates, and locations of this
years site-based installation workshops.
Prerequisites:
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Course Description:
In this course, participants will learn about the history of
straw bale construction and other sustainable practices,
and get the ins and outs of straw bale construction.
Participants will do hands-on work with straw stacking,
stitching, and plastering.
Prerequisites:
GB 305 Site-Based Installation

(in various topics)
GREEN BUILDING
GB 301 Straw Bale Construction
PRIMER
green building
course
descriptions
GB 102 Sustainable and Natural Building Materials

and Methods and TBD by course topic
Price: Member: TBD
Cooperation
s a cooperative of
organic family farmers,
were excited to join in
celebrating 2012 as the
International Year of
Cooperatives. At Organic
Valley, we share your
commitment to nurturing
health and harmony
between all living things
and together we will
continue to strive for a
brighter future for all.
www.organicvalley.coop
SOLAR THERMAL
Farming for the future
AGRICULTURE
Organic Valley 2012-12023
Powering a 50-cow organic dairy

with 20 kilowatts of pure Wisconsin
sunshine, Organic Valley's Blatz farm
family is a proud sponsor of MREA.
SMALL WIND
Celebrating
Non-Member: TBD
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PRIMER
photovoltaic course descriptions
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Course Description:
This six-week online course uses a series of
online presentations, webinars, topic resources,
assignments, and quizzes to teach how to perform
a PV site assessment for a residential property. The
course will cover site assessment tools, load analysis,
efficiency recommendations, array placement options,
basic system sizing, cost estimates, and evaluating
existing infrastructure. Participants will access
online tools for solar resource analysis, PV system
performance calculators, and incentives.
Prerequisites: None
SMALL WIND
PVO 201 Residential PV Site Assessor Online
Course Description:
This six-week online course uses a series of online
presentations, webinars, topic resources, assignments,
and quizzes to teach the basics of solar electric systems.
Participants will learn how photovoltaic (PV) systems
work, diagram the four PV system types, describe and
identify components, understand the best application
and limitations of system types, define the solar window,
make energy efficiency recommendations, estimate
system loads, and understand the basics of PV site
assessment.
SOLAR THERMAL
PV 201 Residential PV Site Assessor
GREEN BUILDING
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics

Course Description:
This one-day course uses a combination of lecture
and classroom activities to teach the basics of
solar electric systems. Participants will learn how
photovoltaic (PV) systems work, diagram the four
PV system types, describe and identify components,
understand the best application and limitations of
system types, define the solar window, make energy
efficiency recommendations, estimate system loads,
and understand the basics of PV site assessment.
Prerequisites: None
Continuing Education Units:
8.0 CECs for NABCEP PV Installer Certification
6.5 LUs for AIA HSW/SD
8.0 CHs for WI Dwelling Contractor Qualifiers
7.5 CHs for WI Commercial Electrical Inspectors
7.5 CHs for WI Journeyman and Master Electricians
7.5 CHs for WI UDC-Electrical Inspectors
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110
To receive the MREA PV Site Assessor Certificate,

participants will need to complete this course, two
practice site assessments, pass the written test, and
pay a $50 exam fee.
AGRICULTURE

Price: Member: $90
38
Non-Member: $110
Course Description:
Participants in this one-day course will learn how
to perform a PV site assessment for a residential
property. The course will cover site assessment tools,
load analysis, efficiency recommendations, array
placement options, basic system sizing, cost estimates,
and evaluating existing infrastructure. Participants
will access online tools for solar resource analysis, PV
system performance calculators, and incentives.
To receive the MREA PV Site Assessor Certificate,
participants will need to complete this course, two
practice site assessments, pass the written test, and
pay a $50 exam fee.
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $250
Non-Member: $270
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $250
Non-Member: $270
PRIMER
PV 205 Intermediate Photovoltaics
Prerequisites:
PV 205 Intermediate PV or PV 701 Photovoltaic
Technology Instructor Institute or equivalent
Price: Member: $180
Non-Member: $200
Course Description:
In the past, only firefighters in remote or rural
areas ever expected to see renewable energy
systems during emergency responses. Today, the
proliferation of utility interactive photovoltaic
systems in urban, suburban, and interface areas
means that all firefighters and their commanders
will encounter these systems eventually.
Participants in this course will learn suggested
response guidelines for firefighter safety with
renewable energy systems, National Electrical Code
implications for both PV installers and firefighters,
and discuss scenarios to increase awareness of
procedures critical to safety.
SOLAR THERMAL
Course Description:
In this one-day course, participants will learn about
PV system commissioning and decommissioning,
including, safe start up procedures, coordination
with utility and inspection officials, system
monitoring and maintenance, performance
assessment, troubleshooting, and proper
documentation. This course will help to define and
build the skills required to ensure a professional
installation that meets the needs of the customer,
the utility, and installation standards enforced by
local authorities.
PV 210 Firefighter Safety and

Renewable Energy Systems
SMALL WIND
PV 207 PV System Commissioning and

Decommissioning
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics or PV 701 Photovoltaic
Technology Instructor Institute
Price: Member: $180
Non-Member: $200
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics and PV 104 Working with
Electricity or equivalent experience
Price: Member: $380
Non-Member: $400
Course Description:
This online course is designed for home and
business owners looking to power electric vehicles
with photovoltaic (PV) systems. With an overview of
available products, participants will learn to analyze
options, discuss trends in the market, estimate
costs, and model the finances of electric vehicle and
solar electric systems.
GREEN BUILDING
Course Description:
This two-day course uses lecture and hands-on
classroom activities to teach the basic principles
of PV system design and installation. Participants
will learn system sizing, system layout, battery
connections, safety, and basic installation
techniques. Participants will size, connect, and test
a small stand-alone system and a utility interactive
system. This class is recommended for participants
working toward NABCEP Certification or planning on
attending MREA advanced classes.
PVO 209 Solar Electric Vehicle Charging

for Home and Business
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics or PV 701 Photovoltaic
Technology Instructor Institute or firefighter
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
AGRICULTURE
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PRIMER

PV 211 PV System Inspection
GREEN BUILDING
Course Description:
A formal inspection of a photovoltaic system
ensures that the PV system installation conforms
to professional, legal, and regional electrical and
mechanical standards. In this course, participants
will become familiar with applicable standards that
ensure that system mounting and attachments,
electrical calculations, grounding, labeling, and
documentation meet existing codes.
Course Description:
This online course will guide participants through
the design process for a utility interactive residential
or small commercial PV system. Participants will
become familiar with the procedures, tools, and
resources used to select equipment, determine
equipment location, plan system layout, perform
string sizing, determine breaker size, and site the
array. Participants will apply their knowledge by
solving design challenges in three PV system case
studies.
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
PV 205 Intermediate Photovoltaics or PV 701
Photovoltaic Technology Instructor Institute or
Electrical Inspector
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PV 301 Photovoltaic Design and Installation Lab
SOLAR THERMAL
SMALL WIND
Course Description:
This four-day course offers participants an
advanced level of lecture and hands-on learning
that will prepare them for field installations and
other advanced courses. Participants will learn
how to correctly design, size, and select PV system
components and identify and interpret National
Electric Code (NEC) articles that pertain to the
installations. While working on a training roof,
participants will learn safety procedures, system
design and layout, component selection and
specification, electrical and mechanical integration
techniques, and troubleshooting.
AGRICULTURE
Prerequisites:
PV 205 Intermediate Photovoltaics or PV 701
equivalent
32.0 CHs for WI UDC Electrical Inspectors
Price: Member: $700
Non-Member: $720
40
Prerequisites:
PV 201 PV Site Assessor and PV 205 Intermediate PV or
PV 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor Institute or
equivalent
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PV 305 PV System Design

Course Description:
This one-day course provides an advanced level
of lecture that prepares the participants for
designing photovoltaic (PV) systems. In-depth
discussion topics include product specification,
product integration, system design capabilities and
limitations, major system design issues, common
mistakes, and solutions.
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
Course Description:
This installation course offers participants an
advanced level of lecture and hands-on learning as
they install a permanent residential or commercial
utility interactive PV system from the ground up.
Participants will learn sizing, component selection,
system layout, NEC calculations and requirements,
and real world installation techniques.
Prerequisites:
PV 301 Design and Installation Lab or PV 701
equivalent
Price: Member: TBD
Non-Member: TBD
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
Must be an electrical inspector or PV installer.
3.0 CHs for WI Beginner Electrician Registration
3.0 CHs for WI Industrial Journeyman Electricians
3.0 CHs for WI Residential Journeyman and Master
Electricians
Price: Member: $55
Non-Member: $75
GREEN BUILDING
Course Description:
This three-hour course will include a review of
NEC Articles 690 and 705. The course will also
cover equipment listing and labeling requirements,
code compliant calculations and system labeling
requirements. This course is intended to inform
Electrical Installers and Inspectors of code
compliance requirements for solar electric systems.
PRIMER
PV 310 Inspecting Solar Electric Systems
SMALL WIND

Systems
AGRICULTURE
Prerequisites:
Must be an electrical inspector or renewable installer.
Electricians
Price: Member: $110
Non-Member: $130
SOLAR THERMAL
Course Description:
This six-hour course will include a review of NEC
Articles 690 and 705. The course will also cover
equipment listing and labeling requirements,
compliance requirements for renewable electric
systems.
Participants learn about the Balance of System, 2012

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PRIMER

Course Description:
This two-day course will cover the NEC
requirements necessary for safe and codecompliant PV electrical installation. Topics include:
the layout, building blocks and navigation of NEC,
and code compliant calculations for conductor
ampacity, overcurrent protection, conduit fill, box
fill, and voltage drops. The course will conclude with
a utility interactive PV case study in which students
will calculate all the necessary components.
GREEN BUILDING
PV 403 PV and the NEC
Course Description:
This online course is designed to bring participants
up-to-date on the newest equipment and techniques
used in PV installation. This includes the latest gear
(modules, inverters, charge controllers, mounting
structures, disconnection means, etc.) and the
newest, most efficient, and safest methods for
installing PV systems that meet NEC code.
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $430
Non-Member: $450
PV 404 Grounding and Bonding
SMALL WIND
Course Description:
This one-day course will identify the general
requirements of NEC Article 250 Grounding and
Bonding of electrical systems, including terminology
and specific requirements for PV systems.
AGRICULTURE
SOLAR THERMAL
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
42
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PV 406 Code Primer for Officials

and Installers
Course Description:
This course presents an in-depth analysis of issues
for photovoltaic (PV) systems relating to National
Electrical Code (NEC) Section 690. Code issues
in PV system design and specification will be
covered as well as issues concerning product listing
requirements, wiring, grounding, and labeling.
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PRIMER
PV 409 PV Math
Course Description:
PV systems that employ batteries require significant
design considerations. Whether using batteries with
a bimodal or stand-alone system, battery selection
and sizing is challenging. This course will provide a
comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding the
use of batteries for PV applications.
Course Description:
This course will focus on code compliant calculations
required for PV system design. Using a combination
of lecture and classroom activities, the course will
review all pertinent mathematics, although much of
the focus will be directed by participants in order to
address their areas of concern. Recommended for
understanding the math portions of the NABCEP PV
Installer Certification Exam.
PV 408 Commercial PV Design
Course Description:
This two-day course uses a combination of lecture
and classroom activities to teach the fundamentals
of electric vehicle (EV) charging, and how to use PV
to do it. An overview of the EV industry will cover
requirements and policies for utility integration
and NEC requirements. Participants will learn how
to site an EV charging station, which balance of
system components are needed, charging load
requirements, and how to install the EV charging
station. The course will also cover troubleshooting,
post installation support, and maintenance.
SOLAR THERMAL
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PV 410 PV Conceptual Design for

Solar EV Charging
SMALL WIND
Course Description:
This one-day course will guide the participant
through the step-by-step process of reading and
interpreting blueprints of a 1MW ground-mounted
utility interactive photovoltaic (PV) commercial
project. Participants will discuss topics including
electrical integration, NEC compliance, sizing a PV
Source and PV Output circuit conductors and their
overcurrent protection, conduit fill, voltage drop
calculations, PV module and inverter electrical
characteristics, inter-row shading, enclosure and
equipment grounding, and mechanical integration.
Prerequisites:
PV 301 PV Design and Installation Lab or PV 701
equivalent
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
GREEN BUILDING
PV 407 Battery-Based PV Systems
Prerequisites:
Continuing Education Units: TBD
Price: Member: $430
Non-Member: $450
AGRICULTURE
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PRIMER
GREEN BUILDING
Course Description:
assignments, and quizzes to teach the structural
considerations involved in solar installations.
Participants will learn about local building codes,
construction permitting, structural integrity of
buildings and roofs, structural integrity of solar
systems under various weather conditions, and NEC
code considerations.

PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PV 501 Lead Installer Training

Residential PV
SOLAR THERMAL
SMALL WIND
Course Description:
This 6-12 day course allows each participant to be
the lead installer on one system (of multiple to be
installed) which can be used to meet Focus on
Energy and/or North American Board of Certified
Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) systems installation
experience requirements. The lead installer will
review the site assessment and system performance
analysis. As crew leader, each participant will
direct system siting, design, installation, and
commissioning activities with emphasis on safety
and documentation. Each participant will work as a
crewmember on the remaining systems.
AGRICULTURE
Prerequisites:
equivalent
40.0 CHs for WI UDC Electrical Inspectors
Price: Member: TBD
Non-Member: TBD
44
PV 502 NABCEP Test Prep
Course Description:
This two-day intensive class will present
participants with knowledge and tools to prepare
them to take the NABCEP PV Installer Certification
exam. Participants will work through content
related to the NABCEP task analysis to give a clear
understanding of the knowledge and competencies
required in the exam. Preference will be given
first to applicants who are registered for the next
NABCEP PV Installer Certification exam and then
to those who have fulfilled the complete list of
requirements to sit for the exam.
Prerequisites:
equivalent
Continuing Education Units: TBD
Price: Member: $300
Non-Member: $320
PVO 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor

Institute
This online/hands-on hybrid course is designed
for instructors who will be offering photovoltaic
technical training at their organization.
Participants will advance through lecture, hands-on
installation, and design work that covers the MREA
course content for PV 101 (Basic Photovoltaics), PV
205 (Intermediate Photovoltaics), and PV 301 (PV
Design and Installation Lab).
This is a 40-hour course consisting of eight hours
of online lecture materials in advance of four days
of hands-on activities working on PV systems in
Central Wisconsin.
Prerequisites:
Participants must be affiliated with an active solar
training program.
PRIMER
PV 702 Model PV Training Program Institute
PVO 703 PV Curriculum Development Online
Prerequisites:
PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics, PV 201 PV Site Assessor
Training, and one approved tech mentored PV site
assessment report.
Price: Member: $580
Non-Member: $600
PV 710 PV Training Lab Design

Course Description:
This one-day course is designed for instructors
looking to design and build training labs for use in
their photovoltaic training program. Participants
will review training lab designs found at institutions
throughout the Midwest, discuss best practices for
training lab design, construction, and use.
SOLAR THERMAL
Prerequisites:
equivalent
Price: Member: $280
Non-Member: $300
AGRICULTURE
This is a 16-hour, online course with 8 instructor

contact hours and 8 hours instructor-guided, selfpaced work. The course includes five, scheduled
90-minute online presentations with live discussion.
To become a Recognized Training Provider and offer

MREAs PV Site Assessment Certificate Program at
their institution, instructors are required to hold a
current MREA PV Site Assessment Certificate, sign a
Letter of Agreement, and pay a $300 fee. Recognized
Training Provider status is valid for three years.
SMALL WIND
Course Description:
This online course is designed for instructors looking to
design and improve training programs for photovoltaic
(PV) design, installation, and sales technicians. The
instruction and resources in this course are designed
for instructors looking to integrate PV content into
their curriculum or design a program of study for
PV Design and Installation or PV Technical Sales
professionals. The course includes best practices for
curriculum development, solar content integration,
student hands-on experience, and career placement
services. The course will share case studies of
successful programs throughout the US and strategies
for training program accreditation and professional
certification for students. Participants in this course
will gain access to curriculum resources including
presentations, videos, manuals, and quizzes.
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
equivalent
Course Description:
This online course is a requirement for instructors
interested in teaching MREAs accredited
Photovoltaics Site Assessment Certificate program
(ANSI-IREC 14732:2012) at their institution.
Participants are paired with a technology subject
expert as they learn to apply the tech mentoring
tools to practice site assessment reports. This course
covers instructional materials and tech mentoring
strategies as well as procedures for the MREAs
Photovoltaics Site Assessment Certificate. This is
a 16-hour, online course with 8 instructor contact
hours and 8 hours instructor-guided, self-paced work.
GREEN BUILDING
Course Description:
This four-day institute is designed for instructors
with experience teaching photovoltaics in a lecture
and hands-on environment. This course is designed
to bring together leaders in PV training from
across the Midwest to share best practices and
sustainable program models. Participants will share
and review curriculum, develop resources for use
in their classrooms, work on training lab designs,
form strategies to build partnerships, and identify
approaches for getting onsite experience for their
students.
PVO 705 Photovoltaics Site Assessment

Instruction Online
Prerequisite:
PV 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor Institute
Price: Member: $580
Non-Member: $600
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PRIMER

PV 711 PV Training Lab Design
and Installation
GREEN BUILDING
Course Description:
This three-day hands-on installation workshop is
designed for instructors looking to design and build
training labs for use in their solar training program.
Participants will review training lab designs found
at institutions throughout the Midwest, discuss best
practices for training lab design, construction, and
use, and work with the MREA to install a PV system
on a mock training roof for use in a Midwest schools
solar training program.
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
equivalent
PV 715 Advanced Topics in PV Training

Course Description:
These Advanced Topics in PV Training courses are
designed for instructors who want to develop
advanced PV content that their educational
institutions can offer to students. Topics will vary to
meet requests and needs.
Prerequisites:
equivalent
Courses that Qualify:
PV 207 PV System Commissioning and
Decommissioning
PVO 209 Solar Electric Vehicle Charging for Home
and Business
Systems
PV 211 PV System Inspection
PV 305 PV System Design
SMALL WIND

PV 403 PV and the NEC
PV 404 Grounding and Bonding
PV 407 Battery-Based PV Systems
SOLAR THERMAL
PV 408 Commercial PV Design

PV 409 PV Math
PV 410 PV Conceptual Design for Solar EV
Charging
PV 501 Lead Installer Training - Residential PV
AGRICULTURE
PV 502 NABCEP Test Prep
Participants on the PV Training Roof, 2012

46
WO 201 Small Wind Site Assessor Training
Course Description:
Course Description:

and classroom activities to teach the basics of wind
electric systems. Participants will learn how to
define wind energy and how residential wind energy
systems work. This course will provide a basis for
making informed decisions about the design, sizing,
and siting of wind energy systems.
Participants in this online/hands-on hybrid course

will learn how to perform a site assessment for a
small wind system. The course will cover how to
evaluate a sites wind energy potential, determine
wind speeds at proposed heights, make a load
profile for a clients energy needs, determine
appropriate tower heights, and estimate kWh
output for a system based upon wind resources.
Prerequisites: None
Continuing education units:
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110
WO 101 Introduction to Wind Systems Online

Course Description:
Prerequisites:
W 101 Introductions to Wind Systems
32.0 classroom training hours toward NABCEP Small
Wind Installer Certification
Price: Member: $550
Non-Member: $570
SMALL WIND

assignments, and quizzes to teach the basics of
wind electric systems. Participants will learn how to
define wind energy and how residential wind energy
systems work. This course will provide a basis for
making informed decisions about the design, sizing,
and siting of wind energy systems.
To receive a MREA Wind Site Assessor Certificate

you will need to perform two practice site
assessments, pass a written test, and pay a $50
exam fee.
PHOTOVOLTAICS

GREEN BUILDING
PRIMER
small wind course descriptions
Prerequisites: None
SOLAR THERMAL

Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110
AGRICULTURE
3.6 Jacobs Wind Turbine Repair 2012

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47
PRIMER
small wind course descriptions

W 307 Introduction to Tower Climbing
and Safety
W 401 Wind System Repair and Maintenance
Course Description:
Participants in this two-day course will perform

repairs and annual maintenance on a selection of
area wind turbines and systems. This is a working
course with optional tower climbing. Machines from
1 kW to 20 kW may be covered, including work on
freestanding, guyed lattice, and tilt-up towers.
GREEN BUILDING
This one-day course will focus on the fundamentals

of tower climbing and safety. Participants will be
educated in climbing mechanics, hazard assessment,
fall protection, basic knot tying, and more. The
course will conclude with a climb on a tower
practicing the safety procedures and knowledge
learned in class.
Prerequisites: None
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Price: Member: $180
Non-Member: $200

Systems
SMALL WIND
Course Description:
This three-hour course will include a review of
NEC Articles 690 and 705. The course will also
cover equipment listing and labeling requirements,
compliance requirements for renewable electric
systems.
AGRICULTURE
SOLAR THERMAL
Prerequisites:
Must be an electrical inspector or renewable installer.
Electricians
Price: Member: $110
Non-Member: $130
48
Course Description:
Prerequisites:
W 101 Introduction to Wind Systems and W 307 Tower
Climbing Safety
Price: Member: $380
Non-Member: $400
WO 409 Math and Code for Small Wind Online

Course Description:
Participants in this course will learn to effectively
reference and use the National Electrical Code
(NEC) with regard to the installation of small wind
energy systems, and to properly size conductors,
overcurrent protection, and associated equipment
for grid interactive and battery-based systems.
Many of the calculations and processes in this
course align with the Job Task Analysis for the
NABCEP Small Wind Installer Certification.
Prerequisites:
Price: Member: $300
Non-Member: $320
STO 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Online

Course Description:

and classroom activities to teach the basics of solar
thermal systems with an emphasis on northern
climate systems. Participants will learn how solar
domestic hot water (SDHW) systems work, describe
and identify components, understand the best
application and limitations of each system type,
define the solar window, make hot water efficiency
recommendations, and estimate system loads.
Prerequisites: None

assignments, and quizzes to teach the basics of solar
thermal systems with an emphasis on northern
climate systems. Participants will learn how solar
domestic hot water (SDHW) systems work, describe
and identify components, understand the best
application and limitations of each system type,
define the solar window, make hot water efficiency
recommendations, and estimate system loads.
Prerequisites: None
8.0 CECs for NABCEP Solar Heating Installer

Certification
7.0 CHs for IA Plumbing License
8.0 CHs for WI Dwelling Contract Qualifiers
8.0 CHs for WI UDC HVAC Inspectors
4.0 CHs for WI UDC Plumbing Inspectors
7.0 CHs for WI Journeyman and Master Plumbers
7.0 CHs for WI Journeyman and Master Plumber
Restricted Appliances
Non-Member: $110

Certification
8.0 CHs for WI Dwelling Contract Qualifiers
8.0 CHs for WI UDC HVAC Inspectors
Price: Member: $90
SMALL WIND
Price: Member: $90
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Course Description:
GREEN BUILDING
PRIMER
solar thermal course descriptions
Non-Member: $110
SOLAR THERMAL
AGRICULTURE
Caleffi Solar Installation 2012

reNEWS
49
PRIMER
STO 201 Residential Solar Water Site Assessor

Training Online
Course Description:
Course Description:
Participants in this one-day course will learn how

to perform a solar water heating site assessment
for a home. The course will cover how to define a
sites solar window, interpret solar radiation and
temperature data, size a system, identify system
components, and determine the best location
for collectors.
GREEN BUILDING
ST 201 Residential Solar Water

Site Assessor Training

assignments, and quizzes to teach how to perform
a solar water heating site assessment for a home.
The course will cover how to define a sites solar
window, interpret solar radiation and temperature
data, size a system, identify system components,
and determine the best location for collectors.
To receive a MREA Residential Solar Thermal Site

Assessor Certificate, participants will need to
complete this course, two practice site assessments,
pass the written test, and pay a $50 exam fee.

Certification
1.0 CHs for IA HVAC License
1.0 CHs for IA Hydronics License
8.0 CHs for WI UDC-HVAC Inspectors
12.0 CHs for WI UDC-Plumbing Inspectors
SMALL WIND
Prerequisites:
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Prerequisites:
To receive a MREA Residential Solar Thermal

Assessor Certificate, participants will need to
complete this course, two practice site assessments,
pass the written test, and pay a $50 exam fee.
Non-Member: $270
AGRICULTURE
SOLAR THERMAL
Price: Member: $250

50

Certification
Price: Member: $250
Non-Member: $270
Course Description:
In this three-day course, participants will learn the
basics of how to properly install two solar domestic
hot water heating systems suitable for northern
climates. Participants will work as a group to install
both a drainback and pressurized closed-loop system
on a training roof.
PRIMER
ST 301 Solar Hot Water Installation Lab
ST 403 High-Mass Sand Beds and Other

Seasonal Solar Thermal Storage
Course Description:
Prerequisites:
ST 201 Solar Water Site Assessor or ST 301 Solar

Hot Water Installation Lab or ST 701 Solar Thermal
Price: Member: $550
Non-Member: $570
ST 401 Advanced Solar Thermal Installation

Course Description:
ST 406 Solar Water Systems Commissioning

and Testing
Course Description:
solar water system commissioning and testing,
including verification, pressure testing, monitoring,
documentation, maintenance, performance
assessment, and troubleshooting. This course will
help to define and build the skills required to ensure
a professional installation that meets the needs of
the customer and installation standards enforced
by local authorities. Toward the end of the course,
participants will take part in the commissioning and
testing of a solar domestic hot water system.
Prerequisites:
ST 301 Solar Hot Water Installation Lab or ST 701 Solar
Thermal Technology Instructor Institute or equivalent
Price: Member: $230
Prerequisites:
Non-Member: $250
SOLAR THERMAL
In this on-site installation course, participants

will be involved in various steps in the installation
of a solar hot water system, including mounting
collectors, plumbing and insulating copper pipe, and
installing a storage tank, heat exchanger, circulation
pump, and other components.
Price: Member: $230
SMALL WIND

Certification
18.0 CHs for WI Journeyman and Master PlumberRestricted Appliances
18.0 CHs for WI Journeyman and Master PlumberRestricted Services,
PHOTOVOLTAICS
GREEN BUILDING
Prerequisites:
In this one-day course, participants will discuss

in-depth different solar thermal storage options.
Presentation and discussion will teach techniques
on how to store summer heat during winter months
and topics including storage types, methods,
storage system sizing, and installation strategies.
Non-Member: $250

Price: Member: TBD
AGRICULTURE

Certification
Non-Member: TBD
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51
PRIMER

Course Description:
Course Description:
This online course explores system design
considerations, including collector sizing and
configuration, pipe sizing, component sizing,
solar fluid volume estimation, heat storage, heat
delivery, code considerations, troubleshooting,
and maintenance. Participants will apply design
elements while working through five case study
systems, including space heating, commercial, and
process heat applications.
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites:


Price: Member: $230
PHOTOVOLTAICS
STO 410 Solar Thermal System Conceptual

Design Online

solar water system decommissioning. Whether
you are asked to decommission an existing solar
water system, to replace an existing systems
parts, or have a seasonal system that needs to be
decommissioned each winter season, this course
will help you learn how to decommission a system
safely. Toward the end of the course, participants
will take part in the decommissioning of a seasonal
solar domestic hot water system.
GREEN BUILDING
ST 407 Solar Water Systems Decommissioning
Non-Member: $250
STO 409 Solar Space Heating Systems

Course Description:
SMALL WIND
In this online course, participants will learn the

basics of liquid-based solar thermal space heating
systems with emphasis on northern climate
installations. Presentations and discussion will cover
system types, heat storage methods and strategies,
heat exchange methods, boiler and furnace
integration, high mass systems, system sizing and
large and split array collector mounting strategies.
Prerequisites:
SOLAR THERMAL
ST 201 Solar Water Site Assessor or ST 301 Solar

Hot Water Installation Lab or ST 701 Solar Thermal
Certification
AGRICULTURE
Price: Member: $230
52
Non-Member: $250

Certification
Price: Member: $300
Non-Member: $320
PV-ST0 411 PV and Solar Thermal Structural

Course Description:
assignments, and quizzes to teach the structural
considerations involved in solar installations.
Participants will learn about local building codes,
construction permitting, structural integrity of
buildings and roofs, structural integrity of solar
systems under various weather conditions, and NEC
code considerations.
Prerequisites:
Photovoltaic Technology Instructor Institute or ST 301
Solar Hot Water Installation Lab or ST 701 Solar Thermal
Price: Member: $230
Non-Member: $250
PRIMER
ST 501 Solar Thermal Advanced Lead

Installation
STO 705 Solar Thermal Assessment Instruction
Course Description:
This online course is a requirement for instructors

interested in teaching MREAs accredited Solar
Thermal Site Assessment Certificate program (ANSIIREC 14732:2012) at their institution. Participants are
paired with a technology subject expert as they learn
to apply the tech mentoring tools to practice site
assessments reports. This course covers instructional
materials and tech mentoring strategies as well
as procedures for the MREAs Solar Thermal Site
Assessment Certificate. This is a 16-hour, online
course with 8 instructor contact hours and 8 hours
instructor-guided, self-paced work.
Prerequisites:

Certification
Price: Member: TBD
Non-Member: TBD
Course Description:
Prerequisites:
ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water, ST 201 Solar
Water Site Assessor Training, and one approved tech
mentored solar thermal site assessment report.
SOLAR THERMAL
This five-day solar thermal technology intensive is

designed for instructors looking to gain experience
with solar thermal systems. Participants will
advance through lecture, site evaluation, hands-on
installation, and design work that covers the MREA
course content for ST 101, ST 201, ST 301, and ST
410.
To become a Recognized Training Provider and offer

MREAs Solar Thermal Site Assessment Certificate
Program at their institution, instructors are
required to hold a current MREA Solar Thermal Site
Assessment Certificate, sign a Letter of Agreement,
and pay a $300 fee. Recognized Training Provider
status is valid for three years.
SMALL WIND
ST 701 Solar Thermal Technology

PHOTOVOLTAICS
ST 301 Solar Hot Water Installation Lab or ST 401

Advanced Solar Hot Water Installation or ST 701 Solar
GREEN BUILDING
This 3-12 day course allows each

participant to be the lead installer on one system
which can be used to meet NABCEP systems
installation experience requirements. The lead
installer will review the site assessment and ensure
safety and system performance as they lead system
siting, installation, testing, and activation.
Course Description:
Prerequisites:
Participants must be affiliated with an active solar
training program in the Midwest.
Price: Member: $1,180
Non-Member: $1,200
AGRICULTURE
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53
PRIMER
sustainable agriculture
course descriptions
Course Description:
This online course is intended to help the

participant understand, define, and explain stray
voltage as it pertains to farm wiring and renewable
energy systems. Although used widely and often
incorrectly, there is a USDA definition of stray
voltage, and many states have adopted rules, limits,
and mitigation policies surrounding the subject.
Participants will learn basic electrical properties
and terms, and apply that to grid electricity and
distributed generation on the farm.
In this one-day course, participants will learn the

various types of solar and wind water-pumping
systems. Participants will learn to determine the
preferred application for each system. This course will
also cover the technical side including: pump types,
solar and wind electrical inputs, and energy storage.
The course will describe how the variables of water
volume and pumping height determine the capacity
and energy demands for moving water.
Prerequisites: None
PHOTOVOLTAICS
SA 215 Water Pumping with Solar and Wind
Course Description:
GREEN BUILDING
SAO 110 Understanding Stray Voltage
Price: Member: $180
Price: Member: $55
Course Description:
SOLAR THERMAL
SMALL WIND
This course provides hands-on training for making

fuel from locally produced resources for use in
diesel engines, fuel oil burners, and generators.
The course will include demonstrations of oilseed
cleaning and pressing and biodiesel production
methods using two different processors. Topics
covered include SVO and conversion kits,
economics of on-farm fuel production, regulatory
considerations, safety, fuel quality, and usage.
Participants will make their own small batch of
biodiesel and perform basic quality tests.
Prerequisites: None
Course Description:
AGRICULTURE
In this online course, participants will gain a

perspective of how to design their farm in a
sustainable manner that utilizes renewable energy
solutions. Participants will learn the intricacies of
farm layout to make the most out of renewable
energy sources.
Prerequisites: None
54
SA 230 Solar Aquaponic Systems

Course Description:
In this one-day course, participants will gain a
general understanding of how solar thermal systems
can be utilized in aquaponic systems. Participants
will learn what aquaponic systems are, how they can
benefit from the solar thermal systems, and identify
limitations and requirements involved in a solar
aquaponic system.
Prerequisites: None
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member: $110
SA 235 Small Scale Biodigesters

Course Description:
Non-Member: $110
SAO 210 Whole Farm Renewable Energy Design
Price: Member: $75
Non-Member: $200
Non-Member: $75
SA 205 Biodiesel Production on the Farm
Price: Member: $90
Prerequisites: None
Non-Member: $95
In this one-day course, participants will overview

the process of anaerobic digestion and review
proven technologies, applications, feedstocks, and
digestate end uses. The course outlines realistic
energy and financial expectations for digesters and
looks at case studies that detail the experiences of
farms using small-scale digesters.
Prerequisites: None
Price: Member: $90
Non-Member $110
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55
travel and accommodations

Accommodations are not included in your course
tuition, so please make your own arrangements.
Below youll find information on ground, air,
and rail services to help you plan your trip and
lodging.
The MREA currently has two offices in Wisconsin.

Our headquarters, the Custer office, is nestled
in the central Wisconsin countryside, seven
miles east of Stevens Point. This is the site for
The Energy Fair, which draws 20,000 attendees
each year. The Milwaukee office was opened in
2009 and is located in the shared office space of
the Milwaukee Environmental Consortium near
downtown Milwaukee.
Custer:
Travel
Our Custer office is seven miles east of Stevens

Point. Most people who attend our courses
will find accommodation and transportation in
Stevens Point since Custer is quite rural.
For the most up-to-date travel information,
including taxi services, air transportation, and
railway transportation, see our Vist page at
www.midwestrenew.org/visit.
CENTRAL
WISCONSIN
AIRPORT
MINNEAPOLIS
STEVENS
POINT
IOWA
MADISON
MILWAUKEE
DUBUQUE
CHICAGO
Access to course kitchen located on the north
side of the Main REI Building during office

hours (roughly 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.)
Access to permaculture courtyard
Picnic table at each site
Wireless internet access for an additional $5
Campsites are first-come, first-served and cost
$15/night. RV spaces are also available in the
field in front of the MREA for $15/night.
Food and Events
For a complete listing of local restaurants and

events in the area, visit the Stevens Point Area
Visitors Burea website at
www.stevenspointarea.com.
For a complete listing of accommodations in the

Custer area, including hotels and motels, bed
and breakfasts, and area camping, see our Visit
page at www.midwestrenew.org/visit.
Camping at the Custer Office
The Custer location has low-cost camping

available to all course participants. We have a
total of 20 rustic tent sites nestled east of the
Institute in a wooded area.
56
APPLETON
MINNESOTA
Accommodations
Camping features include:

Woodchip path leading to indoor showers
and toilets available to course participants 24
hours a day, located on the north side of the
North Education Building
CUSTER
Camping in the Norway pines.
Milwaukee:
Travel
Since our second office is located in Milwaukee,

a lot of our off-site courses are offered in this
lovely city.
Food
For a complete listing of dining locations in the

Milwaukee area, visit Visit Milwaukee at www.
visitmilwaukee.org/visitors/dining-nightlife..
For the most up-to-date travel information,

including transportation groups, buses, shuttles,
taxi services, amtrak, car rentals, and air
transportation, visit Visit Milwaukee at
www.visitmilwaukee.org/visitors/transportation.
Accommodations
For a complete listing of accommodations

in the Milwaukee area, including hotels and
motels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, area
camping, residence halls, and resorts, visit Visit
Milwaukee at www.visitmilwaukee.org/visitors/
where-to-stay.
Photo credit: Visit Milwaukee
Full Spectrum Solar is a locally owned, environmentally conscious company focused on providing our
customers the best solar energy installations possible
since 2002.
Owned and operated by UW-Madison mechanical
engineering graduates, brothers Mark and Burke
ONeal, our staff includes engineers, NABCEP certified installers and Wisconsin-licensed electricians
and plumbers.
Includes everything except 4 pipe & panels
1240 East Washington Madison, WI 53703
(608) 284-9495 www.fullspectrumsolar.com
reNEWS
57
mrea news
The Energy Fair
By: Ellie Jackson, MREA Events Coordinator

Declare your independence this June 21-23, 2013
at The 24th Annual Energy Fair! The Midwest
Renewable Energy Association will host The
Energy Fair at the MREA headquarters in Custer,
Wisconsin. Reserve your campsites, exhibitor
booths, and workshop sessions all online, and
mark June 21-23, 2013 on your calendars today!
The Energy Fair is the largest and longest-running
energy and sustainable living education event
in the nation. Each year we host amazing and
knowledgeable workshop presenters, as well as
informational exhibitors to connect you with top
of the line renewable energy and sustainable
living information and products. How can you get
involved with The Fair? Learn. Act. Connect.
Learn:
The Energy Fair features over 200 sustainable

living workshops throughout the event. To view
the 2012 workshop offerings, please visit our
website.
The MREA is currently soliciting workshop
proposals for The 2012 Energy Fair. If you have a
project youd like to present on, please submit a
workshop proposal at www.midwestrenew.org/
fairworkshops.
two hours a day volunteering, and well get you

into The Energy Fair for free that day. Want to
be Hardcore? Become a Hardcore Volunteer
by volunteering 12 hours for the week leading
up to or during The Energy Fair, and get a free
weekend pass into The Energy Fair, as well as a
Hardcore Volunteer t-shirt.
Membership: The Energy Fair is a great time to
become an MREA Member! Join as a member
and youll get into The Energy Fair for FREE!
Youll also get discounts on awesome Energy
Fair t-shirts, coffee mugs, and other MREA
merchandise. Visit www.midwestrenew.org.
Connect:
From our delicious Networking Dinner, to our

hands-on Green Home Pavilion demonstrations,
there are many ways to plug into The Energy
Fair.

Alternative Transportation

Back to the Land Live Auction

Donor Dinner

Educators Tent

Green Home Pavilion

Networking Dinner

Rainbows End

Sustainable Tables

Young Adult Workshops
Act:
Exhibitors: Dont miss your opportunity to shop

around at 275 sustainable living vendors, as well
as learn from some of the best educational and
non-profit organizations in the world.
Exhibitor spaces are available now! For more
information on exhibiting, please visit www.
midwestrenew.org/fairexhibitors, or contact
Ellie Jackson at 715-592-6595 and elliej@
midwestrenew.org.
Volunteer: The Energy Fair is only as great as the
people that make it happen, and we need YOU!
Become an Energy Fair Volunteer and spend
58
Photo Credit: Tom Brown
Solar Powering Your Community
Power Pack
The MREA, as part of the Grow Solar Wisconsin

team, was tasked to organize an initiative to
educate communities in the state about solar
energy. Through this, the MREA organized a
conference called The Solar Powering Your
Community Conference (SPYC Conference).
The MREA is spearheading an innovative solar

program called the Power Pack. The Power
Pack is a purchasing program supporting local
economic growth through small businesses and
manufacturing, all while helping to drive down
the cost of solar for consumers.
The mission of the conference was to help

overcome barriers to widespread adoption
of solar energy technologies, and to be a
resource to assist these local governments and
stakeholders in designing and implementing
a strategic local solar plan. The conference
attracted not only many of the solar industry
stakeholders in the state, but political leaders,
over 50 state authorities having jurisdiction
(AHJs), and many other utility and municipal
representatives.
The Power Pack

launched to an
extremely successful
trial run in Milwaukee.
After forming strategic
partnerships with
Ingeteam and Helios
Solar Works, the MREA along with Milwaukee
Shines, a partner of the Grow Solar Wisconsin
team, educated consumers at Outpost Natural
Food locations in the Milwaukee area. These
Power Hour educational seminars informed
homeowners of how solar systems worked, what
incentives are available and how they could get a
system of their own.
By: Nick Korth, Market Development Coordinator
Elizabeth Hittman, MREAs Milwaukee Director

and the organizer of the conference had this to
say of the daylong event:
We would like to give a big THANK YOU to
everyone who attended, presented, sponsored,
or exhibited at this new conference. Nearly
200 attendees learned from our knowledeable
presenters, who included: James Tong of Clean
Power Finance, Joseph F. Wiedman from Keys,
Fox & Wiedman, Chris Taylor, Wisconsin State
Representative from the 48th Assembly District,
and Bradley Klein from the Environmental Law
and Policy Center.
We are sincerely thrilled with the valuable
information that our presenters shared. Now,
almost 200 people have the tools and resources
they need to assist them in designing and
implementing a strategic solar plan in their
communities.
The Grow Solar Wisconsin program and the
SPYC Conference were made possible by a
U.S. Department of Energy grant through the
SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge.
By: Nick Korth, Market Development Coordinator
The Milwaukee Power Pack led to six direct

installations at more than thirty percent
cost savings over installed solar systems in
the Milwaukee area last year! The MREA will
continue to expand the reach of the Power
Pack, and continue to educate consumers about
solar energy and its benefits. The Grow Solar
Wisconsin program and the Milwaukee Power
Pack were made possible by a U.S. Department
of Energy grant through the SunShot Initiative
Rooftop Solar Challenge.
Solar Powering Your Community Conferences

Photo Credit: Nick Korth
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59
mrea alumni feature

Jim Northey and Sonia Goltz,
Course Participants
Q. You recently installed a system at your home.

Tell us a little about that.
We have the benefit of having friends, Terry and

Peg McNinch of Houghton, who have lived offgrid using a photovoltaic system for more than
20 years. Terrys knowledge and their experience
were incredibly important in educating us and
setting our expectations for off-grid living.
A. We bought our property in the UP about 12
years ago. The folks we bought it from had a

very small photovoltaic system that used four
12 volt deep cell batteries. The system was not
operational. We really didnt require power on the
rare occasions we used the property, but our plan
was always to move to the property full time.
Starting in 2010 we started a major renovation of
the main log cabin, which had been built in 1975.
We wanted to reduce our consumption and gain
some independence from utilities and fossil fuels.
Fortunately for us, our local utility provider was
able to provide significant incentives for us to
move off the grid; the cost estimate to connect
to the grid was about $35,000.00. This gave us
an incredible budgetary number to work with in
providing our own off-grid system.
The original goal was to build an off-grid system
for between $25,000.00 to $30,000.00. We ended
up designing a 4kW photovoltaic system with a
propane generator backup.
Partial installation of balance of systems

Photo credit: Jim Northey
The entire renovation was focused on reducing

energy requirements. Our designer was Dave
Bach from Houghton, who is committed to
efficient design. We wanted to minimize the need
for supplemental fuel, in our case propane, by
building a battery bank that could support our
daily energy requirements for 3 to 5 days.
A. Well, we are now independent of the most
One particular lighting design we are particularly

proud of is four recessed lighting fixtures on the
main level of the cabin equipped with 3 watt
LED mini-flood lights that is switched from any
of the entries to the cabin and the second floor.
This gives us full first floor lighting for 12 watts!
Dave Bachs excellent open design and the choice
of polymer foam insulation has greatly reduced
heating requirements.
60
Q. What are your future goals for your home?

incredible machine built by mankind - the U.S.
electrical grid. However, we are dependent on
propane. We need to work on finding ways to
reduce our consumption of this fuel.
We live in the UP of Michigan, actually well into
Lake Superior on the Keweenaw Peninsula. This
means that there are stretches of cloud cover
that lasts for days, sometimes weeks. Long term
we are considering bringing in 2 to 4 kW of wind
capacity. Given the size of the battery storage in
place, the favorable wind patterns on the lake,
it might be possible to be truly independent
of fossil fuel. We would love to be able to tell
folks when they see our state of the art 8.5kVA
propane generator that it never runs.
Dustin and Jill Denkins, owners of SuburbSolar

and Waterfront Solar of Manistique, Michigan,
whom we met through MREA, have a solar
thermal green house at their off-grid home. This
is definitely one of our next projects to try and
achieve a low energy consumption approach for
year round growth of vegetables and greens.
Lastly, we are about 20 minutes away from our
jobs in Houghton. We would like to be able to
move to a plug-in hybrid or electrical vehicle
and use solar to generate the majority of the
electrical for these vehicles.
Q. How did the MREA and the courses they
provided help you obtain your current system

and influence your future goals?
I ended up taking the Solar Site Assessor course,

taught by Clay Sterling. What a great way to
formally do your own site assessment while
taking the class.
There is a saying that life rewards action. I
chose to attend the course on September 10th in
Custer, Wisconsin, even though I had to depart
for a business trip to Nigeria on the Eleventh.
Attending the course was a gentleman from
the UP, Dustin Denkins. Turns out Dustin was a
student of ours at Michigan Tech. Dustin and his
wife Jill are committed to renewable energy and
low consumption living. The bonus to attending
the course, in addition to the learning, was we
found our solar installer.
A. Well, I have to say we finally started
participating in the MREA about a year and a half

ago. The overall experience has been incredible.
We first took the Working with Electricity
course to provide a basic understanding of
electrical systems, especially from a safety
perspective. The course, taught by Julie Brazeau,
was an excellent introduction. I then took the
Basic Photovoltaic course.
We attended the MREA Energy Fair for the first
time this year. We cant begin to tell you the
amount of education and information we gained
from attending The Energy Fair. At one of the
sessions a gentleman attending the session, who
turned out to be an engineer, spoke up about
his analysis of electrical requirements. After
the session he shared with me his detailed load
analysis worksheet. I used this as a model for our
own estimation.
4 kW pole-mounted PV arrays
Photo credit: Jim Northey
Like other folks probably, the Kill-A-Watt meter

became a bit of a video game equivalent.
Wonder how much energy that consumes?
Amazing how many misconceptions on energy
consumption can be corrected by a very small
simple to use power meter.
reNEWS
61
mrea marketplace
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association offers a variety of resources to help you learn more
about renewable energy and sustainable living. Listed below are a few of the books we sell that are
specific to the courses we offer. Please note that member prices qualify only for those with Personal
Membership Levels. For a complete listing of Marketplace items, please visit our website.
To order:
Visit the Marketplace online at www.midwestrenew.org
Call 715-592-6595 ext. 100
BOOKS
Homebrew Wind Power
By Dan Bartmann and Dan Fink
Price: $39.95
Member Price: $35.96
A step-by-step, illustrated guide
on how to build a wind generator
in a home workshop. Even if you
dont plan on building your own
turbine, this book is packed with
valuable information for anyone
considering wind energy.
Mike Holts Illustrated

Guide to Understanding
NEC Requirements for Solar
Photovoltaic Systems, Based
on the 2011 NEC
By Mike Holt
Price: $46.00
Mike addresses possible conflicts
or confusing NEC requirements,
tips on proper electrical
installations, and warnings of
dangers related to improper
electrical installations. He cant
eliminate confusing, conflicting, or
controversial Code requirements,
but he can put them into sharper
focus to help you understand
their intended purpose. Youll also
learn how to cross reference the
code requirements to understand
how they relate to one another
62
National Electrical Code

(NEC) 2011
By National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA)
Price: $85.00
Member Price $76.50
Safe, efficient, code-compliant
electrical installations are made
simple with the latest publication
of this widely popular resource.
The National Electrical Code is
adopted in all 50 states, and is an
essential reference for those in
or entering careers inelectrical
design, installation, inspection,
and safety.
Photovoltaic Systems, Second

Edition
By ATP, in partnership with NJATC
Price: $85.00
Photovoltaic Systems is a
comprehensive guide to the
design, installation, and evaluation
of residential and commercial
photovoltaic (PV) systems. The
textbook covers the principles
of photovoltaics and how to
effectively incorporate PV systems
into stand-alone or interconnected
electrical systems.
BOOKS continued
Solar Water Heating: A
Comprehensive Guide to Solar
Water and Space Heating
Systems
By Bob Ramlow and Benjamin Nusz
Price: $24.95
Heating water with the sun is
almost as old as humankind itself,
and it is done all over the world.
This book reviews the history of
solar water and space heating
systems, covering the basics of
solar water heating.
EQUIPMENT
Kill A Watt
Price: $27.00
Kill A Watt meters help you
to find out what appliances you
own are power wasters and
decide whether or not those
are worth keeping plugged in.
Simply plug your appliances
into the meter to find out your
electrical expenses by the hour,
day, week, month, even an entire
year! Monitor the quality of your
power by displaying Voltage, Line
Frequency, and Power Factor.
Solar Pathfinder
Price: $275.00
The Solar Pathfinder has been
the standard in the solar industry
for solar site shade analysis for
decades. Its panoramic reflection
of the site instantly provides a
full year of accurate solar/shade
data, making it the instrument
of choice. Perfect for PV, solar
thermal, and passive solar design.
Includes case, stand, sun path
diagrams, and marking pen.
Solar Pathfinder Assistant

Software
Price: $175.00
The Solar Pathfinder Assistant
Software allows you to quickly
create accurate, customizable,
data-rich reports for customers
and all state rebate programs.
reNEWS
63
mreas site assessor directory
The following Renewable Energy Site Assessors can help you determine if your home or small business site is
appropriate for the installation of a renewable energy system (PV, solar domestic hot water, or small wind).
Each listing includes information about the assessor, including their contact information and technologies they
are recognized for. Check www.mreacsa.org for updated listings.
The MREA acknowledges that these individuals or businesses have met training and testing standards
developed by the MREA. They are not employees or subcontractors of the MREA, and we cannot be held
responsible for their actions.
Jeremy Aaron
Neighborhood Energy Connection
624 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-328-6220, 925-270-5617
jeremya@thenec.org
http://thenec.org
Certification Number: 192
Tech: Solar Electric Systems, Solar
Domestic Hot Water
Casey T. Bailey
Frontier Wind Energy
730 Deere Dr.
New Richmond, WI 54017
612-859-0027
caseyb@frontierwindenergy.com
www.frontierwindenergy.com
Tech: Small Wind
Barb Basaj
SunSpec
3359 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414-489-0826
sunspec@earthlink.net
www.sunspec.net
Certificate Number: 59
Domestic Hot Water
64
Bill Bayerl
Rivendell Energy
515 13th St. SE
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-308-1714
babayerl@sbcglobal.net
Tech: Solar Electric Systems
Julie Brazeau
1701 Reserve St.
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-343-9108
pvbrazeau@charter.net
Bill C. Bristoll, PG, LEED AP
Renewable Energy Solutions
Consultants LLC
437 S. Main
Hartford, WI 53027
262-854-0180, 262-670-9417
rescLLC@gmail.com
Michael R. Buckman
3365 N Dousman St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
414 446-2085
mbuckman@fullcirclepower.com
Benjamin Buschkopf
Dairyland Electric
4565 N 128th St.
Butler, WI 53007
262-783-1550, 262-424-6752
benjaminbuschkopf@yahoo.com
www.dairylandelectric.com
Domestic Hot Water
Patrick Carroll
Carrolls Cottage
3517 Lindermann Ave.
Racine, WI 53405
262-664-4167
patrickcarroll@carrollscottage.com
carrollscottage.com/Energy
Domestic Hot Water, Small Wind
Dan Chiras, PhD
Sustainable Systems Design, Inc.
3208 Pin Oak Rd.
Gerald, MO 63037
303-674-9688
danchiras@evergreeninstitute.org
Dan Christensen
Preferred Electric, LLC
5391 Steves Cheese Rd.
Denmark, WI 54208
920-615-6999
electric.preferred@gmail.com
Jesse Dahl
RE-Power
5385 Twin Lakes Loop 45
Aurora, MN 55705
218-235-0167
dahlsolar@gmail.com
www.hometownelectricinc.com/
Maureen Faller
Kettle View Renewable Energy, LLC
N544 Silver Creek Cascade Rd.
Random Lake, WI 53075
920-994-9433, 920-838-1428
maureen.faller@gmail.com
www.kettleviewre.com
Tech: Small Wind
Matthew Giovanelli
SolaRain, LLC
7133 W. Wells St.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
414-774-8952, 262-354-5027
solarain@wi.rr.com
www.solarain.net
Tech: Small Wind
Roger Dixon
Skylands Renewable Energy
3 Thads Hill Rd.
Hampton, NJ 08827
908-337-2057
roger.dixon@skylandsre.com
www.skylandsre.com
Tech: Small Wind
Todd Glenn Fink

Century College
3300 Century Ave. No
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-747-4042, 651-494-7320
todd.fink@century.edu
www.century.edu
Domestic Hot Water
Matthew Gladen
Prevailing Wind Group
1914 Sunnyside Dr.
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-643-6292
info@prevailingwindgroup.com
prevailingwindgroup.com
Tech: Small Wind
Brian Droege
5030 Nokomis Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
612-276-0151, 612-532-7410
bdroege@bitstream.net
Domestic Hot Water
Jim Erdman
Creative Energy Consulting
1317 Meadow Hill Dr.
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-235-8941
jiminwis@yahoo.com
Tech: Solar Electric Systems, Small
Wind
Brian Evans
Associated Housewrights, LLC
1217 Culman St.
Madison, WI 53713
608-345-7059
brian@housewrights.com
www.housewrights.com
Tech: Solar Domestic Hot Water
Reed Fitton
Oneota Solar Inspections
2236 Oil Well Rd.
Decorah, IA 52101
563-379-1497
reed.fitton@gmail.com
Technology: Solar Electric Systems
Peter Gephart
612-816-3565
peter.gephart@gmail.com
Jason C. Gideon
Energy Consultants Group, LLC
9635 230th Ave.
Anamosa, IA 52205
319-462-5600, 319-481-9635
jason@ecgllp.com
www.ecgllp.com
Mark Graham
Solar Site Assessors, LLC
PO Box 1048
Pearl River, NY 10965
845-735-4802
John Gutschenritter
414-375-8610, 262-370-9303
Ryan Harkins
Thermal Design, Inc.
100 Business Park Circle, Suite 201
Stoughton, WI 53589
608-873-8170, 608-712-7862
ryanh@thermaldesign.com
www.thermaldesign.com
Wind
reNEWS
65

Bob Hattier
Alternative Currents
4314 N Hamlin Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
773-960-8426
alternativecurrents@gmail.com
Ben Hommen
The Morse Group
1390 Gateway Blvd.
Beloit, WI 53511
608-299-0170, 608-208-9046
bhommen@themorsegroup.com
www.themorsegroup.com
Randall Inhoff
Unlimited Renewable Energies
801 13 St.
Prairie Du Sac, WI 53578
608-644-0130
info@unltdre.com
www.unltdre.com
Tech: Small Wind
Alex Jarvis
Solar Systems of Indiana
785 East Sample Rd.
Bloomington, IN 47408
812-336-2785
solarindiana@yahoo.com
www.solarsystemsofindiana.com
Brad Johnson
N6587 County Rd. C
Seymour, WI 54165
920-265-2598
bjohnson415@centurytel.net
66
Bryan Karel
Garlock-French Corporation
2301 East 25th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-722-7129
bkarel@garlock-french.com
www.garlock-french.com
Todd J. Lazich
Dodge County Renewable
Solutions, LLC
N 4041 State Rd. 67
Neosho, WI 53059
414-708-7181
todd.lazich@jci.coM
Josh Jon Kaurich

H&H Solar Energy Services, Inc.
818 Post Rd.
Madison, WI 53713
608-268-4315, 608-438-7354
jkaurich@hhsolar.org
www.hhsolar.org
Tech: Small Wind
Ray Lehman
Zone Products and Services
St Paul, MN
651-271-7003
raylehman@hotmail.com
Jack Kluempke
Array Solar
12777 Meadowvale Rd.
Elk River, MN 55330
763-241-1618, 320-224-0120
jkluempke@charter.net
www.arraysolar.co
Domestic Hot Water
Kevin Kuderer
Wehrs Electric, Inc.
707 N Mark St.
West Salem, WI 54669
608-786-1310, 608-792-8537
kevkuderer@hotmail.com
Mark Lydon
Artisan Energy, LLC
2065 Country Rd. T
Marshall, WI 53559
608-852-7742
mark@artisanenergy.com
www.artisanenergy.com
Tim Marcy
63418 Butterworth Rd.
Ashland, WI 54806
715-416-0857
tpmarcy@hotmail.com
Michelle L. Marley
WindSolarUSA, Inc.
111 North Church St.
Owaneco, IL 62555
217-825-4206
michelle@windsolarusa.com or
marley2557@gmail.com
www.windsolarusa.com
Domestic Hot Water
Brian Marvin
Krantz Electric, Inc.
2650 N Nine Mound Rd.
Verona, WI 53593
608-845-9156
bmarvin@krantzelectricinc.com
krantzelectricinc.com
Rick Mortimer
Magaw Electric
16055 W. Ryerson Rd. PO Box
510337
New Berlin, WI 53151
262-370-4413
rmortimer@magaw.com
Tech: Small Wind
Jonathan Nieuwsma
CS2 Renewable Energy
1408 Dempster St.
Evanston, IL 60202
312-546-4899
jonathan@cs2re.com
www.cs2re.com
Tech: Small Wind
Nicholas Matthes
Midwest Photovoltaics
PO Box 070293
Milwaukee, WI 53207
414-573-8340
midwestpv@yahoo.com
Ingrid Nahm
Appleton Solar, LLC
31 Bellevue Pl.
Appleton, WI 54913
920-470-6393
ingrid@appleton-solar.com
www.appleton-solar.com
Jason R. Novak
SUNY Ulster
One Development Ct.
Kingston, NY 12401
845-616-1904
novak.jason@yahoo.com
Joseph Abbott Maurer

Next Step Energy, LLC
124 1/2 Graham Ave.
Eau Claire, WI 55047
715-830-9337, 715-456-7157
joe@nextstepenergy.com
www.nextstepenergy.com
Warren B. McKenna
Farmers Electric Cooperative
Kalona
1959 Yoder Ave. SW
Kalona, IA 52247
319-683-2510, 319-325-7510
wmckenna@feckalona.com
www.feckalona.com
Mark Miller
Mach 2 Solar
N1145 Pines Rd.
Fremont, WI 54940
920-303-1121
Mark@Mach2Solar.com
Patrick Nahm
Appleton Solar, LLC
31 Bellevue Pl.
Appleton, WI 54913
920-470-6393
patrick@appleton-solar.com
www.appleton-solar.com
Kurt Nelson
SOLutions
P.O. Box 309
Cornucopia, WI 54827
715-742-3406, 715-209-0215
sunwiseanswers@gmail.com
Robert Nelson
P.O. Box 264
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-879-5521, 218-310-5521
bob.nelson@netzero.net
Domestic Hot Water
Benjamin Nusz
Artha Sustainable Living Center
9767 Cty Rd K.
Amherst, WI 54406
715-281-4771
benjaminnusz@charter.net
Zachary D. Olson
Zach Olson Solar Assessments
520 8th Ave S. Apt. # 12
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
715-560-0044
roohawk69@hotmail.com
Ross Padlin
Full Spectrum Solar
100 S. Baldwin St. Suite 101
Madison, WI 53703
608-284-9495
ross@fullspectrumsolar.com
reNEWS
67

Dudley Parkinson
WoodWeaver Building
220 7th St. East
Hastings, MN 55033
715-377-5560
dudleyparkinson@me.com
Tech: Residential Solar Electric
Systems, Solar Domestic Hot Water
Jon Passi
Solar Alternatives
S6263 N Lyster Ln.
Readstown, WI 54652
608-632-4446, 608-632-4446
jon.passi@gmail.com
Domestic Hot Water
Thomas R. Piazza, CCM
Murray and Trettel, Inc.
600 N. 1st Bank Dr.
Palatine, IL 60067
847-934-8230, 630-899-0032
thomas.piazza@weathercommand.
com
www.weathercommand.com
Tech: Small Wind
Jon J. Prigge
EcoManity, LLC
P.O. Box 285
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
920-876-4020, 920-285-3464
jonprigge@yahoo.com
www.eco-manity.com
68
Scott R. Randall
Apex Solar
1025 Minnesota Blvd. SE
Saint Cloud, MN 56304
320-259-4893, 320-259-4893
scott@apexsolar.co
apexsolar.co
Domestic Hot Water
Lee Schwartz
Piping Plover Home Energy
Solutions, LLC
3509 Strawberry Loop
Middleton, WI 53562
608-826-HOME, 608-698-0120
lee@pipingploverenergy.com
PipingPloverEnergy.com
Bethany Reinholtz
GDS Associates, Inc.
1487 Boyd St.
Green Bay, WI 54301
608-354-0188, 920-246-8453
bethany.reinholtz@gdsassociates.
com
www.gdsassociates.com
Neil Sheaffer
Patriot Energy Assessments
12390 Broadgauge Rd.
South Vienna, OH 45369
937-207-3525
patriotea@ymail.com
Tech: Small Wind
Alarik (Rik) Rosenlund

Midwest Solar Power, LLC
405 Bordner Dr.
Madison, WI 53705
608-354-2063, 608-354-2063
rik@mwsolarpower.com
mwsolarpower.com
Lisa Schaal
Sol Power and UrbanRe Vitalization
Group, LLC
4249 N 18th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-364-5422, 414-364-5422
LSCHAAL1@wi.rr.com
www.urbanrevitalizationgroupllc.
com
Sam Simonetta
Lean, Clean Energy
N8363 Onota Hill Rd.
Deerton, MI 49822
906-892-8504
L-CES@hotmail.com
Tech: Small Wind
Mark Smith
Morgan Satellite & Electronics
8265 Schroeder Rd.
Oconto Falls, WI 54154
920-490-1694
morgsat1@gmail.com
Gary K. Sorrelle
Atech Energy
150 Whiteside Dr.
Oxford, PA 19363
800-785-5420, 610-368-5433
gsorrelle@AtechEnergy.com
AtechEnergy.com
Tech: Small Wind
Michael Stapleton
Door County Solar, LLC
P.O. Box 401
Egg Harbor, WI 54209
920-495-1266
Mike@DoorCountySolar.com
DoorCountySolar.com
Domestic Hot Water
Greg Walthers
gridLIFT, LLC
1300 W Belmont Ave. #221
Chicago, IL 60657
312-622-5773
gwalthers@gmail.com
www.gridlift.com
Clay Sterling
Sterling Solar
PO Box 312
Amherst, WI 54406
715-252-3368
sterlingsolarworks@gmail.com
Mark Warnick
Full Spectrum Solar
100 South Baldwin St, Suite 109
Madison, WI 53703
608-284-9495
markw@fullspectrumsolar.com
Amy Taivalkoski
ALT Energy & LED Lighting
W231 N7458 E. Stoneridge Ct.
Sussex, WI 53089
262-246-0795
altenergy@wi.rr.com
Wind
Laura West
West Winds Renewable Resources,
LLC
2611 Post Rd.
Plover, WI 54467
715-498-7225
lauraannwest@gmail.com
Tech: Small Wind
Myron Smith Tanner

Seventh Generation Energy
Systems
100 South Baldwin, Ste. 308
Madison, WI 53703
608-333-7001, 608-516-5682
tanner@seventhgenergy.org
www.seventhgenergy.org
Tech: Small Wind
Terry W. White
A New Day
519 Catlin Ave.
Superior, WI 54880
715-394-7328, 218-393-9418
twmillwhite@yahoo.com
Edward C. Zinthefer
Arch Electric
W4499 Sumac Rd.
Plymouth, WI 53073
920-893-8388
archelectric@excel.net
www.archelectricllc.com
Oasis Montana Inc. Designs, sells

and installs (locally) renewable
energy power systems using photovoltaic power and offers efficient
and gas appliances. We provide
residential, commercial, remote and
utility tied power systems and also
focus on solar water pumping. Our
main customer base is North America but we have happy customers all
over the world. Call us today!
1-877-627-4768 (877-OASISMT)
Email: info@OasisMontana.com
www.OasisMontana.com
olar
The Sker
Trac any
p
Com
Fully Adjustable
Commercial Trackers
Dual-Axis Tracker
40% More Efcient

Pole-mounted/More Efcient/Runs Cooler
W
Up To 288 sq. ft.~ 4--5 KW Systems
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w
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AR
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(A
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00
R
608-326-8406 ~ 608-326-4233 (fax)
www.dhsolar.net ~ 800-627-9443
reNEWS
69
70
reNEWS
71
advertiser index
A-A Exteriors
Caleffi
Central City Credit Union
DH Solar
Energy Fair, The
Full Spectrum Solar
GreenStar Home Performance
H&H Solar Energy Services
Home Power Magazine
Lakeshore Technical College
MMK Solar Thermal, LLC
MREA Contract Training
Oasis Montana
Organic Valley
Prairie Solar Power & Light
REPowerNOW
Stiebel Eltron
U.S. Solar Mounts
72
55
29
70
69
71
57
Inside Front Cover
36
Back Cover
Inside Back Cover
63
27
69
37
72
28
30
57
SAFER training
right here
in Wisconsin
Safe: Access, Fall protection,

Evacuation and Rescue
certification at LTC
The most realistic training environment
available outside of a working wind farm.
Two-day wind turbine safety seminar
Offered multiple times throughout the year
gotoltc.edu
Lakeshore Technical College does not discriminate on any unlawful basis, to include race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, in employment,
admissions or in its programs or activities. All inquiries regarding the Colleges nondiscrimination policies, should be directed to the Human Resources Director.
Non Profit Org.

US Postage
PAID
Permit No 7
Custer, WI
The Magazine Dedicated to

Renewable Energy Education
Independently published since 1987, Home Power is like a training course thats
delivered to your mailbox six times every year. Whether youre a do-it-yourselfer or not,
off-grid or on-grid, homeowner or business owner, were here to help you make informed
decisions about your energy use with extensive how-to instruction, product information,
testimonials, buyer advice, and detailed illustrations.
Subscribe today! | One year (6 issues) for $14.95 | homepower.com/subscribe | 800-707-6585

2013 Training Catalog

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reNEWS

Newsletter of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association

Photovoltaic Listing - pg. 38

Solar Thermal Listing - pg. 49

Participants install a solar hot air collector. Photo: Chris

About the cover:

The cover paper is from New Leaf Paper and is 100%

ReNews is a semiannual publication of the Midwest

Circulation of next issue: 15,000

Small Wind Listing - pg. 47

about the mrea

The MREA will provide the highest

The ReNew the

board of directors 2011:

Jeff Anthony (2014)

MREA offsets 100% of its

7558 Deer Rd.

mrea leadership team:

1845 N. Farwell Ave. Ste 100

from the executive director

Nick Hylla, Executive Director

PVO 101 Basic Photovoltaics Online

Register for PVO 101.01 on page 13.

PVO 201 PV Site Assessor Training Online

Register for PVO 201.01 on page 13.

PVO 303 PV Conceptual Design Online

Register for PVO 303.01 on page 13.

PVO 405 Advancements in PV Online

Register for PVO 405.01 on page 13.

PV 210 Firefighter Safety and Renewable Energy

Register for PV 210.01 on page 13.

SA 215 Water Pumping with Solar and Wind

Register for SA 215.01 on page 13.

PVO 701 Photovoltaic Technology Instructor

Register for PVO 701.01 on page 13.

PVO 703 PV Curriculum Development

Tim Wilhelm (Lead Instructor)

Register for PVO 703.01

Jenny Heinzen (Co-Instructor))

Nick Hylla (Co-Instructor))

PVO 705 Photovoltaic Site Assessment

Barb Basaj (Lead Instructor)

Julie Brazeau (Co-Instructor)

Register for PVO 705.01

Nicole Rice (Online Facilitator)

ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

For more information, see the course listing on page: 49.

Register for ST 101.01 on page 13.

ST 201 Solar Water Site Assessor Training

For more information, see the course listing on page: 50.

Register for ST 201.01 on page 13.

ST 101 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

For more information, see the course listing on page: 49.

Register for ST 101.02 on page 13.

ST 301 Solar Thermal Installation Lab

For more information, see the course listing on page: 51.

Register for ST 301.01 on page 13.

STO 410 Solar Thermal System Conceptual

For more information, see the course listing on page: 52

Register for STO 410.01 on page 13.

WO 409 Math and Code for Small Wind Online

For more information, see the course listing on page: 48.