Just in time for Energy Fair, MREA unveils new solar training facility
For the Metro Wire
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association has reached its goal of constructing a 19.4 kW solar canopy and advanced training lab.
The new lab is designed to charge electric vehicles and provide hands-on training at MREA’s headquarters in Custer.
To celebrate the occasion, the MREA will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 15. The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Clean Transportation Show during The 29th annual Energy Fair.
A benefit dinner will follow on Saturday at 6 p.m. in The Energy Fair’s human-powered main stage tent, with $40 tickets available for MREA Members and $55 tickets for non-members.
The project was developed to showcase the possibility of powering our personal transportation with clean solar energy.
“Nations throughout the world have committed to electrifying their transportation over the next 30 years,” said Nick Hylla, executive director. “GM, Daimler, Volvo, VW, and Jaguar have made commitments to fully electrify their vehicle fleets. We see the technology, prices, and trends; and believe that we are just beginning one of the largest infrastructure transitions in U.S. history.”
With 29 years of public education and professional training experience, the MREA plans to utilize the advanced solar and electric vehicle facility to both educate potential consumers and train the new clean energy workforce.
“At the first Energy Fair, a solar electric system cost about $85 per watt installed. Despite the benefits, few people were making the investment,” said Hylla. “Today the typical homeowner will pay around $3 per watt. Because of the affordability and benefits, more wind and solar has been installed in the last two years in the U.S. than any other source of electricity and more people work in the solar industry than the oil, gas, and coal industries combined.”
MREA used both the online fundraising tool Indiegogo and the annual Energy Fair.
The dinner will celebrate donors, members, sponsors, partners and everyone else who made the canopy possible. Tickets can be purchased at TheEnergyFair.org/tickets and donations can still be made towards MREA’s stretch goals, at MidwestRenew.org/support/#donate.
The dinner will feature complimentary wine and a variety of cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, provided by Rockman’s Catering.
Tickets for The 29th annual Energy Fair are on sale at TheEnergyFair.org until midnight on June 11. The Fair is free for MREA Members, volunteers, children 12 and under, and dads with a child on Sunday (Father’s Day).
Free coach buses are available on Saturday, June 16 from Madison, Milwaukee, and the areas of Eau Claire/Menomonie/Osseo. Visit TheEnergyFair.org or call 715-592-6595 for more details.
The Energy Fair will be held at the MREA, 7558 Deer Rd. in Custer.
