Well, it's getting easier!!
Focus on Energy resources
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas.
Be a Part of the 2010 Energy Fair!
As the winter solstice approaches, staff at the MREA start preparing for the Energy Fair, held every year on or near the summer solstice – always the third weekend in June. Next year’s Energy Fair will take place June 18-20, 2010. We are looking for participants to present on innovative topics at workshops, exhibit the latest developments in the industry, vend tasty food, and display alternative vehicles at the Clean Energy Car Show. All registrations begin December 15, 2009. You won’t want to miss this internationally renowned professional networking event.
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Our Mission:
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
eReNews March 2010
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Greetings,
This month's newsletter includes lots of exciting news and photos. Take a look at our new PV Training Roof in Milwaukee, our first Contractor Social, and this year's first Solar Hot Water Installation Lab. After looking at everything we've accomplished in the last month, it's easy to understand why the air is buzzing in the MREA offices.
Looking to the future, we hope you'll join us for Move Some Earth Day and the Green Energy Summit.
Enjoy,
Gina Sinisi - Communications Coordinator
First MREA Contractor Social a Success
Over 40 people attended MREA’s first Contractor Social in Milwaukee earlier this week. MREA provided an overview of certification requirements, job opportunities, and training options for individuals interested in renewable energy. If you missed the event, you can still get information on upcoming trainings and workshops through our website or by calling MREA at 715-592-6595.
Our thanks to several area renewable energy professionals who attended the event and provided feedback on the current state of the renewable market for installers and site assessors. Thanks to Arch Electric, Pieper Electric, Hot Water Projects, Access Solar, Sun Spec, Nancy Alberte, Michael Harper, and to all who attended!
We are planning another Milwaukee area contractor social for this spring, so keep watching the website for details.
Donor Highlight
MREA would like thank the Ruff Family of New Brighton, Minnesota for their generous annual donation of $500. Mark, Lisa, Jessinia, and Kaiya are also Lifetime Family members of the organization. In addition to supporting the MREA, the Ruff's model many sustainable living practices including driving a hybrid car, shopping for local and fairtrade products, using reusable shopping bags, and growing an organic garden. When Jessinia gets her driver's license, she hopes to take over the family Prius. Kaiya, on the other hand, has her eye on a Smart Car.
Thank you Ruff family for supporting the MREA!
MREA’s first solar hot water lab class of 2010 just wrapped up in Milwaukee this past week. The course, SHW 301: Solar Water Heating Installation Lab, was held at Hot Water Products. See photos from the training at our Facebook page.
During the 3-day class, 14 students learned how to install both a drain-back and pressurized closed-loop solar hot water system on a training roof. This class meets the educational requirements for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Full Service Installer List. We have more training labs scheduled this spring! For the complete list, visit our website.
Renewable Energy Programs for Kids
We Energies and the MREA are offering free, curriculum-based renewable energy programs for middle school students in the We Energies electric service territory. Trained MREA instructors will travel to your school and teach a hands-on science lesson in the classroom. This program is for grades 4-8. Programs are offered Monday-Thursday. One program per classroom will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 715-592-6595 for more information.
Download the request form here.
Special Seminars for Consumers
Through a partnership with We Energies, the MREA is able to offer short, low-cost seminars for consumers to learn about the basics of renewable energy systems. Each seminar is three hours and includes handouts, lecture, and a question and answer period. There are no prerequisites, but pre-registration is required. Costs: $15 or $5 (for We Energies' Energy for Tomorrow customers). Get details and register online here. Drop-ins welcome.
Upcoming Seminar Dates:
- Solar 101 for Consumers: March 20, 2010 - 9am-12 noon - Havenwoods State Park
- Wind Systems for Consumers: March 23, 2010 - 5:30-8:30pm - Outpost Foods, Bay View
MREA has increased its training opportunities, with the new MREA Milwaukee PV Training Roof! The MREA Milwaukee PV Training Roof is used during the 4-day PV 301: Design and Installation Lab class. With support from We Energies, MREA was able to construct the training roof, which is hosted at Milwaukee’s Habitat for Humanity headquarters. See photos from the installation of the PV Training Roof at our Facebook page.
First class on the new Milwaukee PV Training Roof was held at the end of February. More have been scheduled for the spring. Classes are filling fast, so sign up today on the MREA website.
In PV 301, participants 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 the MREA outdoor training roof, participants learn system design and layout, component selection and specification, and integration techniques. This course meets the educational requirements for the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Full Service Installer List.
Move Some Earth Day
It’s time for the 9th annual Move Some Earth Day, Saturday, May 8, 2010. Please join us for this all-day event as we work to improve our demonstration site at the ReNew the Earth Institute in scenic Custer, Wisconsin. Typical tasks include landscaping, clearing brush, preparing food for the Energy Fair, turning compost, and more.
MREA will provide breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day, and we’ll conclude with dinner and drinks.
Those of you dependable, longtime volunteers and members may notice something different about this year’s scheduled date. That’s right, we’ve pushed back Move Some Earth Day from its traditional date of “Earth Day.” We’re hoping to avoid the April showers – or flurries – and enjoy some warmer weather. We also want you to enjoy the many other Earth Day celebrations happening in April. Please mark your calendars for May 8, 2010.
Move Some Earth Day happens rain or shine. Everyone is welcome. Bring gloves, tools, and outdoor work clothing. Please let us know you will be attending by calling 715-592-6595 or emailing your name, address, and phone number to info@the-mrea.org.
Watch our website for more information.
This past week, MREA helped folks in the service industry learn how to incorporate renewable energy at the Wisconsin Restaurant Association’s state conference in Milwaukee. MREA exhibited in the Go Green section, sponsored by Focus on Energy, and offered a presentation on the basics of renewable technologies. If you are a restaurant or business interested in how to go solar, visit the Focus on Energy Renewable Energy page or get a site assessment.
CPR and First Aid Training
The MREA is offering a 1-day CPR and First Aid Training course Wednesday, May 5, 2010. This workshop is highly recommended for installers and those working in the field.
After completion of this training, participants will be CPR Adult (1 year) and First Aid Certified (3 year). Participants will receive hands-on techniques related to First Aid, CPR, and CPR related emergencies. More specifically, this course will cover: responding to and caring for conscious and unconscious adults, rescue breathing, choking emergencies, techniques for First Aid, and recognizing and caring for Sudden Illnesses. Participants will be expected to pass three multiple-choice tests in addition to demonstrating a number of skills related to the aforementioned info. This class is open to the public.
Register on the MREA website.
The MREA is proud to announce our partnership with the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to offer a discounted hotel rate of $89.00 per night to Custer workshop attendees. Please mention the code "MREA" to receive the discount. If you would like to make a reservation at the Holiday Inn, please call 715-344-0200. The Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Stevens Point is a Wisconsin Travel Green Certified hotel and is located 7 miles west of ReNew the Earth Institute.
Green Energy Summit
MREA is excited to be a sponsor and supporter of the Green Energy Summit in Milwaukee, set for March 24-26, 2010. Stop by our booth, and stick around for MREA classes on Saturday, March 27! Green Energy Summit attendees receive a $10 discount on workshops held on March 27. Get the complete list of workshops here.
Unique Renewable Workshop follows Green Energy Summit
Don’t miss your opportunity to expand your sustainability training following the Green Energy Summit in Milwaukee, March 27, 2010.
- Business Planning for Solar Installers - Milwaukee, WI, March 27, 2010. This workshop helps potential solar professionals develop a solid business plan to ensure success in the green energy market.
MREA is a proud partner of AWEA’s Small and Community Wind Conference and Exhibition. The event will be December 7-9, 2010 at the Portland Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Mark your calendar today! For more information about the conference visit their website.
Organic Valley has been a long time supporter of the MREA and the Energy Fair, always serving up eggs, pancakes, and all sorts of delicious breakfast items to keep fairgoers going strong throughout the day. Now our yearly workshop attendees will get a taste of Organic Valley products as well. We are delighted to announce Organic Valley will be providing all of the dairy products that are used for workshops held at the ReNew the Earth Institute in Custer throughout the 2010 workshop season. Thank you Organic Valley!
MIDWEST NEWS
WISCONSIN NEWS
Milwaukee Shines Solar School Swap Gains National Attention
The U.S. Department of Energy has highlighted a local solar school swap that is part of Milwaukee’s Solar City program. As part of Milwaukee Shines, some students are using a now-legendary story, Recovery Act funding, a local rivalry and the know-how of some dedicated energy professionals to learn about the clean energy sector and produce renewable energy at their schools.
Students from two Milwaukee schools, James Madison and Bay View, will team up to design solar installations for each other. Read more here.
Energy Center of Wisconsin Trainings
Mark your calendar for these ECW trainings:
The Right Way to Go Geo: Residential and Commercial Buildings
Presenters: Manus McDevitt, P.E., LEED AP, Sustainable Engineering Group LLC and Leo Udee, Alliant Energy
Wednesday, April 7, 2010, Rothschild, WI
Thursday, April 8, 2010, Green Bay, WI
Renewable Energy Options: Applications for Commercial-Scale Development
Presenters: Ingrid Kelley, LEED AP, Energy Center of Wisconsin and Niels Wolter, Focus on Energy
Wednesday, April 21, 2010, Green Bay, WI
Thursday, April 22, 2010, Rothschild, WI
Women of Wind Energy and Wind Power Happy Hour
Join the women of wind energy on Green Energy Day at the 2010 Green Energy Summit! The networking happy hour will take place March 25, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
For more information on Women of Wind Energy, click here.
For more information on Wind Power Happy Hour, click here.
For more information on the 2010 Green Energy Summit, click here.
Location:
Bar 333
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
333 W. Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Across from the Midwest Airlines Center
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$3 sliders
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$3 tap beers
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$3 house cocktails
TERRACE TOWN GOING GREEN - 2010!
Monona Terrace
is proud to announce Terrace
Town a program
designed to engage local elementary students to study
architecture and green community planning in the
classroom. This year, participants are challenged to
design eco-friendly neighborhoods using recycled
materials. The public is invited to view the results
of their hard work. Over 10,000 square feet of
miniature cities designed and created by 1,200 students
will be on display on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. in the Monona Terrace Exhibition Hall in Madison,
Wisconsin.
On Friday, April 9th program participants will install
their cities and participate in a day of celebration,
music, and learning. Local political and civic leaders
will appear for an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Monona
Terrace is located at One John Nolen Drive, Madison,
Wisconsin. Parking is available in the Monona Terrace
parking ramp for a $4 fee. For more information call
261-4000 or visit the
website.
River
Falls Now Offers Innovative Renewable Energy Finance
Program to Residents
River Falls
Municipal Utilities (RFMU) is pleased to announce that the
innovative renewable energy finance program called “Save
Some Green” is now being offered to residential customers
interested in installing qualified renewable energy system
and making efficiency improvements to their property. To
accomplish this goal, a loan pool has been established to
offer low cost financing, with annual installment payments
collected through property tax bills. To learn more contact
RFMU at 715-426-3467 or email Mike
Noreen.