MREA 2014 Training Catalog

reNEWS Newsletter of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association

2014 TRAINING CATALOG

FEATURING • 2014 Course Calendar • Instructor and Customized Training • Professional Credential Pathways

contents

Cover photograph:

Participants receive hands-on training during PV 301.

Photo: Amiee Wetmore. (Feature Box photo: MREA staff install Caleffi flat plate collectors on the MREA North Building. 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: April 21, 2014 Distribution date: June 16, 2014 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.

contents About the MREA 2 Featured Courses 4 MREA Courses for All 10 MREA Solar Training Academy 12 5 Ways to Think Big About Solar Training 16 MREA Business Members 19 MREA Membership 20 Enrollment, Cancellations, and Scholarships 21 Customized Trainings 23 Instructor Training 24 Midwest Solar Training Network 24 Instructor Training Courses 25 On-Demand Courses 28 Professional Credentials 30 Continuing Education Credits 34 Travel and Accommodations 36 Calendar at a Glance 37 Volunteer 39 Advertiser Index 40

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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

mrea leadership team:

President: Mark Morgan, Bearpaw Design and Construction (2015)

Elizabeth Hittman Milwaukee Director Nick Hylla Executive Director Doug Stingle Development Director

Vice-President: Nathan Franklin, Dairyland Power Cooperative (2015)

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 likeminded organizations, recognizing that we are stronger when we all work together for our common goals.

Financial Officer: David Behnke-Seper, First Affirmative Financial Network (2015)

Travel Green

Jason Edens, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (2014)

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

Green Power

MREA offsets 100% of its electricity on site through wind and solar power.

MREA

7558 Deer Rd. Custer, WI 54423

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board of directors 2013:

Secretary: Benjamin Nusz, Mid-State Technical College (2015) Tom Brown, Thomas Brown Architects; Past-President (2014) Chris Collins, H&H Solar (2015)

Bob Hattier, Alternative Currents, LLC (2014) Nick Hylla, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (2014) John Kivlin, Convergence Energy (2014) Alec Linde, HomeSafe Building Performance, LLC (2014) Ed Stoll, Master Electrician and Certified Photovoltaic Installation Professional (2014)

mrea staff: Julie Brazeau: Instructor Development Coordinator Megan Briskie: Communications Assistant Sandy Crawford: Bookkeeper Jenny Heinzen: Curriculum and Training Coordinator Ellie Jackson: Events Coordinator Matt Keller: Administrative Assistant Steve Knudsen: Certificate Program Coordinator Kevin Kowalski: Program Coordinator Chris Leslie: Information Technology Manager Gina Miresse: Membership Coordinator Nicole Rice: Training Network Coordinator Clay Sterling: Regional Training Officer Amiee Wetmore: Operations Manager Mike White. Site Manager

Joe Wilson, Quarles & Brady, LLP (2015)

Tel: 715-592-6595 Fax: 715-592-6596 Email: info@midwestrenew.org Web: www.midwestrenew.org

MREA Milwaukee

1845 N. Farwell Ave. Ste 100 Milwaukee, WI 53202

Tel: 414-431-0758 Email: mke@midwestrenew.org

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featured courses

PV 407.01 Battery Based PV Systems (Online)

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 online course will provide a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding the use of batteries for PV applications.

January 20 - February 16 Live (mandatory) webinars Tuesdays 5:00-7:00 CT Instructor: Chris LaForge Prerequisites: PV 101 or PV 701, and PV 202/205, or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $230 (members), $250 (non-members)

PV 405.01 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.

February 17 - March 16 Live (mandatory) webinars Tuesdays 5:00-7:00 CT Instructor: Chris LaForge Prerequisites: PV 101 or PV 701, and PV 202/205, or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $230 (members), $250 (non-members)

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Chris LaForge Great Northern Solar Christopher LaForge is the CEO of Great Northern Solar and is a NABCEP certified Photovoltaic Installation Professional. He has been an instructor with the MREA since 1993, teaching Advanced PV Design and Installation and is an IREC Certified Master Trainer™ for PV Installation Professional.

Christopher was the primary curriculum developer for the MREA PV courses at the organization’s inception.

He is the curriculum developer and Senior Instructor at Great Northern Solar’s (GNS) Educational division.

Since 1988, Christopher has led the Instructional division of GNS planning, leading, and assessing the Seminar and Hands-on educational efforts of the company.

A strong advocate for clean energy production Christopher volunteers with NABCEP (as a board of directors member) and with the Northern Futures Foundation.

featured courses

PV-ST 411.01 PV and Solar Thermal Structural Considerations (Online)

Course Description: This online course covers the structural considerations involved in solar electric (PV) and solar thermal 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.

May 12 - June 8 Live (mandatory) webinars Tuesdays 5:00-7:00 CT Instructor: Andy DeRocher Prerequisites: PV 101 or PV 701, and PV 202/205, or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $230 (members), $250 (non-members)

Andy DeRocher Sustainable Engineering Group Andy is a Project Engineer for an engineering firm in Madison, Wisconsin that specializes in energy efficiency, commissioning, and sustainable design services for commercial buildings. He has been working in the renewable energy industry since 2004, after receiving an education in civil engineering from UW-Madison. He is a licensed Master Plumber, NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer, and IREC Certified Instructor™ for Solar Heating Installer.

ST 410.01 Solar Thermal Conceptual Design (Online)

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 case study systems, including space heating, commercial, and process heat applications.

March 17 - May 11 Live (mandatory) webinars Tuesdays 5:00-7:00 CT Instructor: Ben Nusz Prerequisites: ST 101 and ST 301, or ST 701, or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $300 (members), $320 (non-members)

ST 101.01 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

Course Description: This course teaches the basics of solar thermal systems with an emphasis on northern climates. Participants will learn how solar domestic hot water systems work, describe and identify components, explore applications and limitations for each system type, define the solar window, make hot water efficiency recommendations, and estimate system loads.

Benjamin Nusz Mid-State Technical College

Benjamin has worked as an installer, site assessor, designer, and consultant for solar thermal systems. He is a NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer and co-author of the book Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems.

He also is an IREC Certified Master Trainer™ for Solar Heating Installer. Ben is currently the Renewable Thermal Instructor at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids.

March 29 Custer, WI Instructor: Ben Nusz Prerequisites: None Price $90 (members), $110 (non-members)

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featured courses

PV 210.01 Firefighter Safety and Renewable Energy Systems (Online)

Course Description: The proliferation of utility interactive PV systems in residential and commercial settings means that most firefighters will eventually encounter these renewable energy systems. Participants in this online course will learn suggested response guidelines for firefighter safety related to PV, NEC implications for both PV installers and firefighters, and procedures critical to safety.

April 21 - May 18 Live (mandatory) webinars Wednesdays 5:00-7:00 CT Instructor: Dan Fink Prerequisites: PV 101, or PV 701, or firefighter status, or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $230 (members), $250 (non-members)

W 306.01 Homebrew Wind Workshop

Course Description: Attractive to tradespeople, educators, and the general public because of its multi-disciplinary nature (math, physics, electricity, woodworking, metal fabrication, welding, etc.), this course is hands-on training for designing and building a wind turbine. Participants will learn the principles of wind turbine design, safe and sturdy construction techniques, and requirements regarding towers, balance of system, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

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 co-author 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.

June 9 - 14 Stevens Point, WI Instructor: Dan Bartmann, Otherpower Prerequisites: None Price: $800 (members), $820 (non-members)

Dan Bartmann Otherpower Dan Bartmann has lived off-grid in the Colorado Mountains since age three.

He is the founder of Otherpower.com and co-author of Homebrew Wind Power.

His articles and photographs have appeared in magazines like Home Power and Back Home, and his innovative small wind turbine designs have achieved worldwide recognition. Dan teaches and consults regularly across the U.S. and internationally for NGOs, educators, and homeowners.

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featured courses

PV 101.01 Basic PV – Solar Electricity (Online)

Course Description: This online course teaches the basics of solar electric systems.

Participants will learn how PV systems work, identify the four system types, identify and describe components, discuss applications and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficiency recommendations, and estimate system loads.

January 13 - February 9 Recorded (optional) weekly webinars Instructor: Jenny Heinzen Prerequisites: None Price: $90 (members), $110 (non-members)

PV 201.01 PV Site Assessor Training (Online)

Course Description: Participants in this online course will learn how to perform a PV site assessment for a home or small business. The course will cover site assessment tools, load analysis, energy efficiency recommendations, array placement options, basic system sizing, cost estimates, and evaluating existing infrastructure on site. Participants will learn how to access online tools for solar resource analysis, PV system performance calculators, and incentives.

Jenny Heinzen Midwest Renewable Energy Association Jenny is the Curriculum and Training Coordinator for the MREA, and is a licensed master electrician. She worked with the WI Technical College System for a decade before coming to the MREA - developing courses for and teaching in various electrical and renewable energy programs. She’s on the Board of Directors for RENEW Wisconsin, volunteers for NABCEP, and helps organize the annual Small Wind Conference prior to The Energy Fair.

Jenny won KEEP’s Non-Formal Energy Educator of the Year award in 2013.

February 10 . March 9 Recorded (optional) weekly webinars Instructor: Jenny Heinzen Prerequisites: PV 101.01 or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $250 (members), $270 (non-members)

W 101.01 Introduction to Wind Systems (Online)

Course Description: This online course teaches the basics of small 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.

March 10 - April 6 Recorded (optional) weekly webinars Instructor: Jenny Heinzen Prerequisites: None Price: $90 (members), $110 (non-members)

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featured courses PV 104.01 Working with Electricity

Course Description: This course will help provide an overview of electrical theory, Ohm’s 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.

April 8 Custer, WI Instructor: Julie Brazeau Prerequisites: None Price: $30 (members), $50 (non-members)

PV 101.02 Basic PV - Solar Electricity

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 IREC Certified Instructor™ for PV Installation Professional, and Small Wind Installer. Clay has a construction background gained from working in his family’s plumbing shop and working nine years as a commercial electrician on large construction projects. In 2009, KEEP named him the Non-Formal Energy Educator of the Year. Clay also received the 2013 IREC 3i Clean Energy Trainer of the year award.

Course Description: This one-day course teaches the basics of solar electric systems. Participants will learn how PV systems work, identify the four system types, identify and describe components, discuss applications and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, make energy efficiency recommendations, and estimate system loads.

April 9 Custer, WI Instructor: Clay Sterling Prerequisites: None Price: $90 (members), $110 (non-members)

PV 301.01 PV Design and Installation Lab Course Description: This four-day course offers an advanced level of hands-on learning that will prepare learners for field installations and other advanced courses, by learning how to correctly design, size, and select PV system components and identify and interpret the NEC. While working on the training roof and/or other systems at the MREA, participants will learn safety procedures, system design and layout, component selection and specifications, electrical and mechanical integration, and troubleshooting techniques.

April 10 - 13 Custer, WI Prerequisites: PV 101 and PV 202/205, or NABCEP certified/Entry Level Price: $700 (members), $720 (non-members)

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NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam April 14 Custer, WI $170

Register online at www.midwestrenew.org/ workshops

featured courses

PV 202.01 PV System Design (Online)

Course Description: This online course teaches the basic step-by-step process of designing a utility-interactive PV system. Example site assessments, PV system component design examples, and PV case studies will be used to learn about selecting equipment, system sizing, layout planning, array siting, and other design considerations. Participants will complete a practice PV system design using predetermined specifications.

March 24 - May 18 Recorded (optional) weekly webinars Instructors: Jenny Heinzen and Clay Sterling Prerequisites: PV 101 and PV 201 Price: $300 (members), $320 (non-members)

PV 203.01 PV Sales and Finance

Steve Knudsen Midwest Renewable Energy Association Steve is working with MREA staff to expand the Site Assessment Certificate Program to include PV design and sales and commercial PV site assessment certificates. His tasks include developing and piloting PV 203 and aligning it with ANSIIREC program certification. Steve graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master’s degree in Energy Analysis and Policy. He has also co-developed the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) and worked in the utility industry.

Course Description: Participants will learn various sales techniques used to approach potential PV system customers, basic financial concepts used to evaluate PV systems, and how to determine the costs and benefits of PV system projects. Temporary access to leading industry financial modeling software will be provided to help learners gain experience with a variety of modeling tools. The course also explores how to evaluate PV systems in terms of their benefits to the environment and society.

March 8 St. Paul, MN Instructor: Steve Knudsen and Rob Peck Prerequisites: PV 101 and PV 201 Price: $230 (members), $250 (non-members)

Rob Peck North Wind Renewable Energy Rob is a NABCEP certified PV Technical Sales Professional and has been working with Northwind Renewable Energy for three years. After spending 23 years in large-scale manufacturing management, Rob is thrilled to have a “second semester” of life doing something for an industry he’s passionate about.

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MREA courses are for industry professionals AND do-it-yourselfers Speaking as an MREA employee and as a licensed electrician who serendipitously fell into renewable energy about ten years ago, I understand and appreciate the amount of courses we offer for professional tradesmen and women today. The depth and breadth of our course content is impressive, aligned to industry standards, third-party accredited, and taught by experts in the field. But there’s another important audience to which we cate. – the inquisitive and tenacious DIYers.

Why plant a garden when you can buy vegetables from the store? There are many reasons: because the food tastes better; because it saves money; because it’s more environmentally friendly than food shipped across the country; because canning and storing food means enjoying it year-round; because it’s satisfying to work hard and reap what you sew; and because it’s downright fun. All of these reasons (and more) are also pertinent to installing your own renewable energy system.

Like to do things yourself? Begin by taking one of our online, “on-demand” courses (free for MREA Members), which get you familiar with subjects like wind or solar energy in a short-andsweet manner that’s completely at your own pace. Then, in PV, Solar Thermal, and Wind 101, you can explore the technology more thoroughly. These 101 courses are introductory in nature with no prerequisites, and are offered both online and in the traditional classroom setting.

Afraid of electricity? Not a problem. Enroll in PV 104 for only $30 (Member price), come to the MREA for a day, and feel more comfortable around those invisible, scurrying electrons.

While you’re here, you can check out our 16 renewable energy systems at the Renew the Earth Institute. Once you’ve got the basics, you can choose your path and decide what’s right for you and your home.

Are you interested in battery-based systems or what it takes to live off-grid? We have courses on that. How about solar electric car charging or radiant floor heat? We have those courses too. Want to learn how to build a wind turbine from scratch? In “Homebrew Wind,” we wind the coils, cast the alternator molds, carve the blades, and fabricate the turbine’s metal frame. It doesn’t get more do-it-yourself than that!

DIY is a label that many (myself included) admire and wear with pride. If you’re also in this category, we’ve got a course that’s perfect for you in 2014.

Jenny Heinzen Curriculum and Training Coordinator, MREA

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Photo: Amiee Wetmore, MREA

DRAINBACK TO 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.caleffi.us · Milwaukee, WI · 414-238-2360

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MREA Solar Training Academy The MREA is excited to host a winter training opportunity in two locations — Milwaukee and the Twin Cities. The Solar Training Academy is a series of classes that will walk you and your cohort trainees through the PV design and installation process. Classes will be held one weekend each month, Saturday and Sunday, from January to May. Participation in the Solar Training Academy will also include opportunities to meet with professionals in the solar industry and take field trips.

Upon successful completion of the Solar Training Academy, students will qualify to: • complete 63 hours of classroom training towards NABCEP PV Installation Professional and PV Technical Sales Professional training hours • sit for the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam Level Exam • sit for the MREA PV Site Assessor Exam Topics of this training will cover PV equipment selection, utility intertied and battery-based systems, batteries, mechanical and electrical integration, PV design, PV residential site assessment, National Electric Code, system commissioning, and solar financials.

Milwaukee Dates: Twin Cities Dates: January 11 &12 February 8 & 9 March 8 & 9 April 12 & 13 May 3 & 4

January 25 & 26 February 8 & 9 March 8 & 9 April 12 & 13 May 17 & 18

Cost: $1,900 Price includes: learning materials, textbook, MREA Basic Membership, PV Site Assessor Tech Mentoring, NABCEP Entry Level Exam fee, MREA Site Assessor Exam fee. Non-refundable tuition seven days prior to the start of class. 100% attendance is expected from all students. No classes can be substituted.

• To sit for the MREA PV Site Assessor Exam, students will need to complete two practice site assessments outside of class.

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Milwaukee Logistics

For reference, the Milwaukee Solar Training Academy lectures will be held a short distance south of downtown and hands-on experiences will be held a short distance north of downtown.

Upon registration, full details will be available as to dates, times, and locations.

Getting to Milwaukee Air

General Mitchel International Airport (MKE) http://www.mitchellairport.com/

Rail and Bus

Amtrak Intermodal Station 433 West St. Paul Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203

Lodging (Distance from lecture venue) Courtyard Milwaukee 300 West Michigan Street 1 mile Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown 611 North Broadway 1 mile Residence Inn Milwaukee Downtown 648 North Plankinton 1 mile Ramada Milwaukee Downtown 633 West Michigan 1 mile Fairfield Inn & Suites Milwaukee Downtown 710 North Old World Third Street 1.5 miles Ambassador Inn at Marquette 2301 West Wisconsin Avenue 2 miles

Twin Cities Logistics

Lodging

The Twin Cities Solar Training Academy lectures and hands-on activities will be held at Werner Electric Supply. Upon registration, full details will be available as to dates, times, and location.

Country Inn & Suites 8350 East Point Douglas Road Cottage Grove 1 mile

Getting to Minneapolis/St. Paul Air

Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) http://www.mspairport.com/

Rail/Bus

Amtrak Station 730 Transfer Road St. Paul, MN http://bit.ly/1iSfahn

Greyhound

Union Depot 240 East Kellogg Blvd St. Paul, MN http://www.greyhound.com/en/locations/ terminal.aspx?city=511885

Clarion Hotel South Saint Paul 701 Concord Street South Saint Paul 6 miles AmericInn Inver Grove Heights 5861 Blaine Ave East Inver Grove Heights 6 miles Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 5681 Bishop Ave Inver Grove Heights 6 miles Hampton Inn Minneapolis/St. Paul-Woodbury 1450 Weir Drive Woodbury 8 miles

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Guaranteed Return on Investment 20% on Air Sealing and 12% on Insulation Ask us how!

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5 Ways to Think Big About Solar Training Nick Hylla Executive Director, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) It seems like every year brings a new normal to the U.S. solar industry. The industry is dynamic, full of business innovation, and often hard to predict. However, two general trends have emerged over the past few years: 1) we consistently outperform our installed capacity projections and 2) we often underperform when it comes to new job creation.

Unfortunately, many jobseekers make assumptions about the first trend that do not match with the reality of the second.

Nick Hylla Executive Director

Before we jump into strategies for pursuing professional development, it may be helpful to discuss why we aren’t seeing a solar employment boom. First, don’t fret too much. Employment in the industry is growing. We are a new industry with a lot more room to grow and have the potential to hire hundreds of thousands of new employees in the U.S. alone. Currently though, there are two major challenges with creating new jobs. The first is that many licensed tradesmen and tradeswomen have been working in the solar industry to pick up work due to a faltering residential and commercial building sector. This does not stimulate a lot of new hiring but rather puts pressure on existing professionals to tool up for solar. This is, by all accounts, a good thing. It just doesn’t result in a lot of new hiring.

Second, we are in an affordability race with traditional sources of energy and this race is occurring in a patchwork landscape of utility and state incentives with often uncertain terms and timeframes. This puts a lot of downward pressure on labor costs and makes it difficult for long-term business planning. That is not to say that solid growth scenarios do not exist. It does mean, however, that the solar job seeker needs to know the market and choose a career path with solid prospects.

Having helped over 1000 people get tooled up in solar over the last 5 years, we at the MREA have assembled a few strategies that will help you get a handle on the big picture and make the best on your investment in training.

#1 Know the Market Where You Plan to Work

Do you live in a good solar market? If not, do you plan on following the job? You can make it in an emerging market but it takes planning, professionalism, partnership and grit. The economics

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of solar can sell, but new markets require a lot of customer education. And, nothing ruins a new market faster than shoddy work. If you plan on going it in a new market, invest in technical sales training. There is a lot of opportunity for a local electrical contractor to add solar to their suite of services. A good sales professional can help them do just that. And, a journeyman or master electrician with years of local experience is a great candidate for NABCEP PV Installer Certification.

We’ve found that combining these two credentials is the best assurance for quality.

#2 Build on the Skills You Have

Are you an electrician? NABCEP PV Installer Certification will get you into the solar game. Do you have sales experience in a technical field? Maybe an electrical supply house? NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification will help prepare you for the rapidly changing PV marketplace. Are you pursuing a degree in electrical technology or engineering? Or, maybe you already work at an electric utility? Utilities are dipping their toes in the solar market and it is only a matter of time before they jump in. Having transferable skills with a solar emphasis is a good strategy for maintaining employment in the volatile solar industry.

#3 Ask a Lot of Your Training Program

Discount lectures in the local hotel conference room with a pretty letter of completion will not cut it in the solar industry. Look for training programs that have accreditation (IREC or ANSI/IREC accreditation are the gold standards). Look for instructors that have depth of experience and look for training programs that have a breadth and depth of instructors. Look for a solid track record in training with continued support for alumni through professional networks and related market development activities. And most importantly, look for training that leads you towards industry certification.

#4 Get Work Experience (Whatever It Takes)

There is no substitute for experience in the solar industry. Enough said.

#5 Be Unlike a Robot

No matter what part of the solar industry you are working in, you need to be an educator. It may surprise you, but with each day, solar market growth becomes less a technical challenge and more a social one. To sustain current levels of growth, we will need educated customers, jurisdictional authorities, policy makers, realtors, lending institutions, etc. The market will demand fluent, persuasive, knowledgeable, and personable solar professionals. If you plan on getting into the solar industry to keep your head down and fasten modules to racks, you will most likely be replaced by a robot. And, nobody wants that to happen to you.

Good luck!

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Learn at OVER 200 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Workshops

June 20-22, 2014

CUSTER, WISCONSIN www.midwestrenew.org/energyfair

Connect with hundreds of Exhibitors Act along with 18,000 Energy and Sustainable Living Enthusiasts

LIVELY MUSIC | DELICIOUS FOOD | SOLAR-BREWED BEER

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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!

Organic Valley Pathfinder Member Caleffi Solar Milwaukee, WI www.caleffisolar.us

Sustaining Members A-A Exteriors.com, Inc. Winneconne, WI www.a-aexteriors.com Central Waters Brewing Co. Amherst, WI www.centralwaters.com Conserve School Land O Lakes, WI www.conserveschool.org Dairyland Power Cooperative Lacrosse, WI www.dairynet.com Danfoss Solar Inverters Loves Park, IL www.solar-inverters.danfoss.com Energy Law Wisconsin Sun Prairie, WI www.energylawwisconsin.com Gimme Shelter Construction Amherst, WI www.gimmeshelteronline.com

La Farge, WI www.organicvalley.coop

Green Members

River City Woodworking Milwaukee, WI

At The Bridge – Practical Solar Wautoma, WI www.web.mac.com/manke2

Solar America Solutions Middlebury, IN www.solaramericasolutions.com

Prairie Solar Power & Light Steuben, WI www.kickapoogreen.org

Solar Pro Magazine Ashland, OR www.solarprofessional.com

Northwestern Michigan College Traverse City, MI www.nmc.edu

SolarWorld Americas, LLC Camarillo, CA www.solarworld-usa.com Stiebel Eltron, Inc. West Hatfield, MA www.stiebel-eltron-usa.com Stion Stelle, IL www.stion.com Waste Cap Milwaukee, WI www.wastecap.com Werner Electric Supply Neenah, WI www.wernerelectric.com Wisconsin Public Service Corp.

Green Bay, WI www.wisconsinpublicservice.com

H&H Solar Energy Services Madison, WI www.hhsolarenergy.com Home Power Magazine Ashland, OR www.homepower.com North Wind Renewable Energy, LLC Stevens Point, WI www.northwindre.com

Show that your business supports renewable energy and sustainable living in the Midwest by joining the MREA as a Business Member! For a complete list of business member levels and benefits, visit www.midwestrenew.org/join.

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join the mrea

As a member of the MREA, you’ll receive numerous benefits to help you engage in a sustainable lifestyle and stay up to date on industry standards. We offer our members free online on-demand intro 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 LIFETIME

$50 $80 $500

$70 $100 $750

Personal Membership Benefits BASIC • Admission to The Energy Fair ($35 value) • Discounted admission to Solar Powering Your Community Conference (10% off)

• Discounted admission to SOLAR THERMAL (20% off) • Monthly electronic newsletter, eReNews • Semiannual newsletter, ReNews • Free enrollment in MREA online on-demand intro courses

• Discount on additional MREA courses ($20 off each course) • 10% off MREA Marketplace • Window decal/bumper sticker • Voting privileges at board elections

EMPOWERED • Basic Benefits, plus • 1-year subscription to BackHome, Home Power, Mother Earth News, or Natural Home (up to $25 value) • MREA organic cotton t-shirt made in USA, available at The Energy Fair ($15 value)

LIFETIME • Basic Benefits, plus • Lifetime admission to The Energy Fair and pre-Fair Networking Dinner ($45 value each year)

• Special MREA glass tumbler ($15 value) • Lifetime Member Certificate for framing • MREA t-shirt for first year, available at The Energy Fair ($15 value)

There are many ways to give! We greatly appreciate all forms of support.

To learn more about volunteering, donating, sponsoring an event, or planned giving, visit www.midwestrenew.org/supportus.

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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 a

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 attend or complete a 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 715-592-6595. 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:

Member Discount

All Members of the MREA receive a discounted member price on all of our courses. Members also receive free access to online, on-demand 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, MREA’s 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 Wisconsin’s 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/.

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customized training

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Got a big group that needs training? We’ll come to you!

MREA delivers high-quality training in the Upper Midwest, Wisconsin, and the fringes of surrounding states. For the past four years, the 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.

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 staff on renewable energy technologies so they can add renewable energy to their slate of services.

For more information on how the MREA can provide training for your business or institution, check out our website www.midwestrenew.org/customizedtraining.

Code Official Training The MREA offers a variety of training courses to help familiarize code officials with renewable energy systems. We are able to provide training at facilities throughout the Midwest, or schedule training in conjunction with regional meetings of code officials. The MREA has developed courses to meet inspector training needs in 2-hour, 3-hour, 4-hour, and 6-hour formats. For more information, contact Julie Brazeau, MREA Instructor Development Coordinator, at julieb@midwestrenew.org.

PV 065 Inspecting Solar Electric Systems (2 hours) PV 310 Inspecting Solar Electric Systems (3 hours) PV 315 Inspecting PV Systems (4 hours) PV-W 310 Inspecting Solar and Wind Electric Systems (6 hours) IREC-IAEI Training for Code Officials (6 hours)

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instructor training

Join the MREA in building solar training capacity in the Midwest and beyond! The MREA is offering partial scholarships for photovoltaic train-the-trainer programs in partnership with Midwest community colleges and training centers. MREA Technical Instructor Institutes are designed to train instructors in emerging renewable energy fields. Hybrid train-thetrainer courses use a combination of online and face-to-face training to provide professional development, hands-on training, and the MREA ISPQ accredited curriculum resources. If your training institution is looking to grow their solar training program, the MREA can bring this training to your school. MREA’s IREC accredited instructors can provide instructor training and lab development services.

Contact Nicole Rice at nicoler@midwestrenew.org for more information.

Midwest Solar Training Network

The MREA manages the Midwest Solar Training Network (MSTN), which is a group of technical and community colleges, non-profit organizations, universities, and industry partners who are working together to build solar training capacity in the Midwest. These partnerships allow instructors from across the Midwest and beyond to access professional development, curriculum resources, and networks to help them provide and improve their solar training programs. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) SunShot Initiative supports the MSTN and allows the MREA to offer partial scholarships for photovoltaic train-the-trainer programs. The MREA is entering its final year of DOE funding and is more energized than ever to train instructors.

MREA’s goal is to accelerate market adoption of solar technologies by ensuring that high-quality installations are standard and to create sustainable jobs within the solar installation industry.

For more information visit www.midwestsolartraining.org.

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instructor training courses Solar Powering the Midwest Conference Series

The MREA is working with regional partners to bring the Solar Powering the Midwest Conference series to the Midwest! The Solar Powering the Midwest series will bring together utilities, policy makers, lenders, developers & contractors, local governments, and training & workforce development professionals. The topics covered will include value of solar, financing, incentives, utility programs, permitting, interconnection, storage, and community solar gardens. Extended workshops will also be offered for AHJs and solar industry professionals seeking continuing education credits.

For more information visit www.growsolar.org.

Nick Hylla Midwest Renewable Energy Association

Solar Powering Minnesota: From Ideas to Action March 7, 2014 at the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN Solar Powering Illinois March 2014 in Palatine, IL

PV 703.01 PV Program Development

Course Description: This is a 2-day, in-person course with the first day consisting of attendance at one of the Solar Powering the Midwest Conference Series and the second day is a classroom day. This course is offered for instructors and administrators looking to advance PV design, installation, and sales training at their institutions.

The course includes best practices for curriculum development, solar content integration, student hands-on experience, accreditation, student recruitment, articulation, and local market development. The course provides participants with resources on state market conditions and growth scenarios, solar career pathways, and case studies of successful programs. Participants in this course will also gain online access to program development resources and professional networks in the online MREA Solar Instructor Community of Practice.

Solar Powering Minnesota Conference March 7-8, 2014, St. Paul, MN Instructors: Nick Hylla and Tim Wilhelm Prerequisites: PV 701 or PV 705 Price: $300 Price includes conference admission.

Nick Hylla is the Executive Director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association where he works in partnership with organizations throughout the Midwest to advance renewable energy education and market development initiatives. Nick has lead MREA efforts with the DOE SunShot Initiative, including the Solar Instructor Training Network and Rooftop Solar Challenge and is currently working as part of a National Science Foundation funded program to facilitate student career advancement in the solar industry.

Solar Powering Illinois Conference April 2, 2014, Palatine, IL Instructors: Nick Hylla and Tim Wilhelm Prerequisites: PV 701 or PV 705 Price: $300 Price includes conference admission.

Tim Wilhelm Kankakee Community College Tim’s involvement in renewable energy spans nearly 50 years. Tim 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. Tim was named the 2013 IREC Clean Energy Trainer of the Year.

He is also a NABCEP certified PV Installer, and an IREC Certified Master Trainer™ for PV Installation Professional.

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instructor training courses PV 705.01 PV Site Assessment Instruction (Online)

Course Description: This online course is a requirement for instructors interested in teaching MREA’s ANSI-IREC accredited PV Site Assessment Certificate program at their institution. Participants work with a technology subject expert as they learn to apply tech mentoring tools and methods to site assessment reports. This course covers instructional materials and tech mentoring strategies as well as policies and procedures for the MREA’s PV Site Assessment Certificate Program.

April 7 - May 18 Instructors: Barb Basaj and Nicole Rice Prerequisites: PV 101 or PV 701, PV 201, and one submitted practice site assessment report Price: $580 (member), $600 (non-member)

Barb Basaj 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. In 2010, Barb became certified as a BPI Building Analyst, and performs residential home performance assessments (aka energy audits), and also is a WI licensed home inspector.

PV 701.01 PV Technology Instructor Institute (Hybrid)

Course Description: This online/hands-on hybrid course is designed for instructors who want to offer PV courses at their training institution, and provides access to MREA/ISPQ-accredited curriculum for PV 101 (Basic PV), PV 205 (Intermediate PV) and PV 301 (PV Design and Installation Lab).

Participants will gain technical experience with utility interactive and battery based PV systems, including system design calculations, safety procedures, and installation techniques.

April 21 - June 5 Online portion: April 21 - May 30 On-site training: June 2-5 in Custer, WI Instructors: Julie Brazeau and Clay Sterling Prerequisites: Affiliated with an active PV training program Price: $1,180 (member), $1,200 (non-member)

Julie Brazeau Midwest Renewable Energy Association Julie Brazeau is a WI Master Electrician, WI Commercial Electrical Inspector and NABCEP Certified PV Installer. She is an IREC Certified Instructor™ for Photovoltaics and a Certified Affiliated Instructor for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Photovoltaic Systems Requirements Course. As the Instructor Development Coordinator at the MREA Julie works with PV trainers from training organizations across the Midwest.

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The Magazine Dedicated to Renewable Energy Education Independently published since 1987, Home Power is like a training course that’s delivered to your mailbox six times every year. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or not, off-grid or on-grid, homeowner or business owner, we’re 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!

Subscriptions Start at $9.95 | Digital & Print Editions Available homepower.com/subscribe | 800-707-6585

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on-demand courses: online and free for mrea members These online courses are available at any time and can be taken from anywhere. Free to MREA members and only $20 for non-members, they are a great value, and the perfect way to stay “renewably” sharp.

B 050 – Trends in the Solar Energy Marketplace Provides information and instructional resources to help convey trends in the solar energy marketplace, with focus on trends in the Midwest - in installed capacity, market penetration scenarios, the value of renewable energy, and incentives.

G 070 – Working with Electricity Gives an overview of electrical theory, Ohm’s Law, power formulas, series/parallel circuit configurations, common electrical tools, and how to safely and accurately measure electricity.

G 101 – Introduction to Renewable Energy Addresses what renewable energy is, how it works, and what it can do for you. Topics include passive solar design, solar electric systems, solar thermal systems, wind energy systems, biomass, biofuels, hydro, and geothermal power.

PV 050 – Solar Electricity Introduces the concept and definition of solar electricity (PV), describes how PV systems work, and shows how PV systems can add to the value of a home or business.

SA 110 – Understanding Stray Voltage Defines and explains “stray voltage” as it pertains to agricultural wiring and renewable energy systems. Reviews basic electrical properties and terms, and applies that to grid electricity and distributed generation on the farm.

ST 050 – Solar Thermal Basics Introduces the concept of solar heating, discusses the basic definitions of solar water and air heating, how solar heating systems work, and how solar heating systems can add to the value of any home or business.

W 050 – Wind Electricity Introduces the concept of wind power, discusses the basic components of wind turbines, how small wind energy systems work, and how wind turbines can add to the value of a home or business.

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Veggie Oil Conversion for Your Vehicle

13-11069 MREA Biofuel Conversion AD.indd 1

For more information contact:

Zach Biermann Organic Valley Biofuels Coordinator 608-606-9356

©Organic Valley 2013-11069

Interested in converting your diesel vehicle to run on SVO (straight vegetable oil)?

Organic Valley has a surplus of Elsbett Two tank System kits for sale.

• Includes heat exchanger, wiring harness, all pumps, filters, plumbing, etc.

• Secondary Fuel Tank (to store SVO) not included.

• Compatible with most liquid cooled diesel engines up to 500 hp.

10/15/13 8:22 AM

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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: Photovoltaic Design and Sales Certificate Program The MREA PV Design and Sales Certificate is for learners interested in PV system design, ethical presentation and accurate analysis and projections of the energy, environmental and financial performance of PV systems. Learners interested in careers such as inside or outside sales person, application engineer, financial or performance analyst, or site assessor should consider MREA's PV Design and Sales Certificate. This certificate can then be used to meet the educational competencies for the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification.

Site Assessment Certificate Program 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. For more information visit www.mreacertificate.org.

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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 solar heating.

For a current schedule of Entry Level Exams offered at the MREA, contact Kevin Kowalski at 715-592-6595 ext. 109.

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professional credentials 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 satisfy the knowledge and skills necessary for professional competency in the solar industry.

The NABCEP PV and Solar Heating 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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continuing education credits Many MREA courses are recognized for continuing education credits (CECs) for industry experts, tradesmen and women, and other licensed professionals and credential holders. Courses are based on industry approved task analysis and are designed to satisfy the competencies listed and required for professional credentials.

Credentialing Organizations: Institute of Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ) In 2010, the MREA achieved accreditation for many of its courses and programs, and certified many of its instructors through the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and the Institute of Sustainable Power Quality (ISPQ). In October 2013, IREC discontinued awarding its Continuing Education Provider Accreditation credential. Therefore, the MREA is now committed to working with IREC and their Affiliated Instructor and Affiliated Master Trainer programs. More information on IREC and ISPQ accreditation and certification can be found at www.irecusa.org/credentialing.

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) NABCEP recognizes advanced-level training by ISPQ accredited training organizations to meet continuing education requirements. The MREA is and ISPQ accredited training organization.

Visit www.nabcep.org or contact NABCEP at 800-654-0021 for more information on certification and continuing education requirements.

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Many of MREA’s courses are approved for continuing education credits with the AIA through local licensing boards. More information can be found at www.aia.org.

Building Performance Institute (BPI) Over 130 energy efficiency incentive and weatherization assistance programs nationwide require BPI credentials, and the MREA has courses that are approved for continuing education units for certified BPI professionals. For more information, visit www.bpi.org.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) NATE is a non-profit certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry, and some MREA courses are approved for continuing education hours towards recertification. See www.natex.org for more information.

State Licensing Agencies for Electricians, Plumbers, Inspectors, and Construction Trades: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Many MREA courses are approved for CECs for Wisconsin Electricians, Plumbers, Inspectors, and Contractors. For more information on Wisconsin licenses and renewals, visit www.dsps.wi.gov.

Photo credit: Julie Brazeau

Iowa Department of Public Health Some of our courses have been approved for continuing education with the Iowa Department of Public Health for licensed professionals. More information on Iowa licensing requirements can be found at www.idph.state.ia.us.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Some of our PV courses have been approved for continuing education with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for licensed professionals. More information on Minnesota licensing requirements can be found at www.dli.mn.gov.

To see which MREA courses are approved for continuing education credits, and for how many hours, visit our website – www.midwestrenew.org – and go to CECs in the Training tab. You can also see this information in our online Course Calendar. Just click on a course, and everything you need to know about the course appears, including specific information about approved CECs.

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travel and accommodations Accommodations are not included in your course tuition, so please make your own arrangements.

Below you’ll find information on lodging and transportation services to help you plan your trip.

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.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN AIRPORT

MINNEAPOLIS

STEVENS POINT

IOWA MADISON

Travel

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.

Accommodations

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.

Air Transportation:

The nearest airports to Custer, WI are:

Mosinee (CWA) 30 miles

Appleton 60 miles

Madison 110 miles

La Crosse 125 miles

Milwaukee 160 miles

Minneapolis 220 miles

Chicago 250 miles

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APPLETON

MINNESOTA

Custer: 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.

CUSTER

MILWAUKEE

DUBUQUE CHICAGO

Milwaukee: Travel

Since our second office is located in Milwaukee, a lot of our off-site courses are offered in this lovely city.

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.

Food

For a complete listing of dining locations in the Milwaukee area, visit Visit Milwaukee at www.visitmilwaukee.org/visitors/ dining-nightlife.

volunteer!

The MREA is a dynamic non-profit organization that is continuously changing in order to provide the Midwest with quality renewable energy education. Previously, as a hardcore volunteer or “HCV” at The Energy Fair, it was apparent to me that there was much more to the MREA than just education and The Energy Fair. At first, it seemed as though the MREA was simply providing the vessel or the space and energy for many people with similar motives to come together, interact, and learn. As I became more involved, however, I came to know so many of the interesting people with even more interesting ideas and concepts, all of which revolve around one concept. That concept is to reduce the bottom line, whether it is energy usage, human impact on the environment, or one’s pocket book. Reducing the bottom line is one reason why I had devoted an entire summer weekend to the MREA. I also wanted to be one of the many that has learned from MREA’s professionals as well as to get more involved with my community.

After becoming involved, albeit only slightly, I was able to utilize my previous volunteering experience as leverage when applying for various jobs and positions in my community.

Eventually, I was able to become a staff member with the MREA. One of my roles has been to recruit, maintain, and direct the volunteer core for The Energy Fair and the MREA as a whole.

The experience has lent a unique perspective on the organization but more importantly has shown me how devoted staff, board members, and volunteers really are with the organization.

It’s often said that The Energy Fair and the MREA were born only through the dedication of volunteers, and though I wasn’t able to be part of the first Energy Fairs, it’s obvious still, that without the continued dedication of volunteers and passionate board members, there would not be an Energy Fair or an MREA. So, I would like to extend a simple salute to all of the volunteers over what will be 25 years of The Energy Fair! Without your dedication and interest in our organization we would not be where we are today. Every volunteer should proudly be able to say, “I am the MREA!”

The Energy Fair 2013 Volunteer Recap: • 295 confirmed volunteers • 125 Hardcore Volunteers devoted more than 1,500 hours of service Thank you, Leon Dulak

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calendar at a glance

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Jan 13 - Feb 9

PV 101.01 Basic Photovoltaic (Online)

Jan 20 - Feb 16

PV 407.01 Battery Based PV Systems (Online), webinars Tuesday 5-7 pm

Feb 10 - Mar 9

PV 201.01 PV Site Assesor Training (Online)

Feb 17 - Mar 16

PV 405.01 Advancements in PV (Online), webinars Tuesday 5-7 pm

Mar 6

PV IAEI Inspecting Solar Photovoltaic Systems, St. Paul, MN

Mar 7

Solar Powering Minnesota Conference, St. Paul, MN

Mar 7 - 8

PV 703.01 PV Program Development, St.Paul, MN

Mar 8

PV 203.01 PV Sales and Finance, St. Paul, MN

Mar 10 - Apr 6

W 101.01 Introduction to Wind (Online)

Mar 17 -May 11

ST 410.01 Solar Thermal Conceptual Design (Online)

Mar 24 - May 18

ST 101.01 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

Mar 29

ST 101.01 Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems

Apr 7 - May 18

PV 705.01 PV Site Assessment Instruction (Online)

Apr 8

PV 104.01 Working with Electricity

Apr 9

PV 101.02 Basic PV Solar Electricity

Apr 10 - 13

PV 301.01 PV Design and Installation Lab

Apr 14

NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam

PV 210.01 Firefighter Apr 21 - May 18 Safety and Renewable Energy Systems (Online) Apr 21 - June 4

PV 701.01 PV Technology Instructor Institute (Hybrid), on-site June 2-4

May 12 - Jun 8

ST 410.01 Solar Thermal Conceptual Design (Online)

June 9 - 14

PV- ST 411.01 PV and Solar Thermal Structural Considerations (Online)

June 20 - 22

The Energy Fair

Key for Calendar Face-to-face course start date MREA Event Online course start date

Green = Photovoltaics Blue = Solar Thermal Gray = Small Wind Orange = MREA Event

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advertiser index

A-AExteriors.com 15 Brighter Concepts 40 Caleffi Solar 11 Energy Center of Wisconsin 33 Energy Fair 18 Gimme Shelter Construction 40 Home Power Magazine 27 Lakeshore Technical College Back Cover MMK Solar Thermal LLC 40 Morningstar Corp.

Inside Back Cover MREA Initiatives 3 NABCEP Inside Front Cover Organic Valley 29 Prairie Solar Power and Light 37 Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) 22 Solar America Solutions 14 Solar Powering Minnesota 13

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SAFER training

right here in Wisconsin Safe: Access, Fall protection, Evacuation and Rescue certification at LTC The most realistic training environment available outside a working wind farm.

• Two-day wind turbine safety seminars offered multiple times throughout the year.

• Wind Turbine SAFER is geared toward large wind technicians working on large, megawatt monopole wind turbines.

• Tower Climber SAFER is geared toward residential wind, communications tower and meteorological (met) lattice tower workers. Program exceeds the NATE Tower Climber Fall Protection training standard.

Workforce Solutions

gotoltc.edu

1.888.GO TO LTC • 920.693.1000 1290 North Avenue • Cleveland WI 53015 NCA-Accredited (ncahlc.org • 312.263.0456)