Moving Renewable Energy Education Forward Annual Report 2015-2016 www.midwestrenew.org
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association was founded in
1990 with the mission to promote renewable energy, energy education, and sustainable living through education and demonstration. Twenty-six years later we continue our commitment to that mission.
A Message from the MREA Executive Director More than previous years, the development of this annual report has helped me reflect on all of our recent efforts, the inspiring amount of support that we’ve been given, and the truly historic changes occurring in the US energy economy. It is a needed exercise. Without it, we most likely would not realize how fortunate we are. I do not use the term ‘fortunate’ lightheartedly. I know that there is a pervasive sense of doubt and frustration about the state of our political system due to the corrupting influence of dark money, polarized party politics, and a seemingly unified opposition by many utilities to policies and programs that increase the development of clean energy, especially customer-owned renewable energy. I understand these frustrations. However, a bit of clear-headed reflection has helped me recognize a few realities of the last year. First, the interests that are actively fighting against the advancement of clean energy are fighting a losing battle. More and more, they are realizing that they are on the wrong side of history and the wrong path to long-term profitability. In 2015, the US installed more solar and wind than any other energy source (yes, including natural gas). The solar jobs market is growing 12 times faster that the US job market with total solar employment exceeding that of the oil and gas sector. And, public opinion continues to increase in favorability for more clean energy and more energy choice with nearly 9 in 10 voters from all political parties in support. We are seeing this support play out with a renewed interest in our education offerings. This includes our free ‘Solar Power Hours’ that help homes and businesses go solar, our professional trainings that are preparing the growing solar workforce, and the series of state-level conferences we have organized to facilitate solar market development in the Midwest. This is surely one of the reasons that those of us working to advance clean energy should feel fortunate; we are doing needed and wanted work that supports our mission and our ideas. Maybe even more significant than this, is the consistent support that we receive from the thousands of members, sponsors, donors, and volunteers that support us every year. The MREA’s success is yours and this report is for you. Thank you.
Rise Up!!! -Nick Hylla
MREA Staff Julie Brazeau Solar Technical Assistance Coordinator Jane Cowan Market Research Coordinator Sandy Crawford Bookkeeper Devon Cupery Outreach Coordinator Leon Dulak Training Assistant Jenny Heinzen Training Coordinator Nick Hylla Executive Director Kaitlyn Kohl Communications Coordinator Jim Kotsonis Systems Analyst Greta Ladenthin Office Administrator Allison Lindquist Events Coordinator Adam Mehr Certificate Program Coordinator Gina Miresse Development Director Peter Murphy Solar Program Manager Mark Stultz IT Administrator Amiee Wetmore Operations Director Kristen Yeager Marshfield Clinic - AmeriCorps, Volunteer Coordinator
A Message from the MREA Board President Greetings supporters and friends, I’m honored to serve as MREA’s Board President this year. It’s a great feeling to be part of an organization that has fun teaching people about renewable energy, while making a difference here in the Midwest. MREA has the best staff and Board who work hard every day to spread the word about sustainable living and renewable energy. We couldn’t accomplish our mission without our strong support system of volunteers, sponsors, members, donors, and people like you! It’s more important than ever for your support of the MREA and its mission. If you love The Energy Fair, then we need your support! If you want to see a quality, trained solar workforce in the Midwest, then we need your support! If you want the MREA to grow and expand, then we need your support! There are plenty of ways to give to the MREA. Sign up for a course, attend or sponsor The Energy Fair, donate your time and talents by volunteering, or tell a friend about the great work the MREA is doing. If you are as passionate about renewable energy and sustainability as I am, then I know we can count on you. And don’t forget to save the date for The 28th Annual Energy Fair: June 16-18, 2017!
Shine on,
Elizabeth Hittman
MREA Board of Directors Gary Drier, Financial Officer First Law Group, S.C. (2017) Grace Fuhr Historic Milwaukee (2017) Bob Hattier Alternative Currents, LLC (2018) Elizabeth Hittman, President City of Milwaukee, Office of Environmental Sustainability (2018) Nick Hylla Midwest Renewable Energy Association Alissa Karl Alverno College (2018) John Kivlin Convergence Energy (2018) Mark Klein Gimme Shelter Construction (2018) Megan Levy Wisconsin State Energy Office (2018) Jennifer Martin, Secretary Illinois Green Economy Network (2018) Benjamin Nusz, Vice President Mid-State Technical college (2017) Lissa Pawlisch Clean Energy Resource Teams (2017) Pamela Ritger Clean Wisconsin (2017)
MREA Staff and Board at 2016 Strategic Planning Day.
MREA Saint Paul
1754 University Ave WI Saint Paul, MN 55104
MREA Milwaukee
3628 W Pierce St Milwaukee, WI 53215
MREA Custer
7558 Deer Rd Custer, WI 54423
Moving Renewable Energy Education forward to build an open and advantageous solar market providing long-term benefits to communities.
2016 #SolarSuccess
90
Free Solar Power Hour Info Sessions
2,208
Attendees
39
Communities In 3 States
“
165
Homes and Businesses Installed Solar
Over 1 MW
Total of Clean Solar Energy Installed
We engage municipalities to help them adopt better practices in permitting, planning, and zoning for solar; offer inspector trainings; and help with public facing outreach and education through programs like solarize or group buy programs. -Peter Murphy MREA Solar Program Manager
”
Solar Urbana-Champaign
81 participants, 605 kW installed Partners: City of Urbana, ELPC, IGEN Installer: StraightUp Solar
“
Solar Bloomington-Normal
17 participants, 143 kW installed and counting Partners: Ecology Action Center, City of Urbana, ELPC, IGEN Installer: StraightUp Solar
The Solar Group Buy Program makes it simple, easy, and even more cost-effective to go solar. They helped manage the steps of moving forward, such as selecting an installer, handling the different incentives, and working with the utility company. It is definitely the best option for most homeowners to go solar in Wisconsin now.
”
- Dan Bucks Milwaukee Solar Group Buy participant
Solar Shorewood-MKE
53 participants, 172 kW installed and counting Partners: Milwaukee Shines, City of Milwaukee, Village of Shorewood Installer: Arch Electric
Minnesota Power Pack
14 participants, 103 kW installed *Solar Chippewa Valley just started! Installer: Able Energy
902
Students
=
37
Solar Training Academy Participants
+
437
Customized Training Participants
+
286
Online Participants
+
142
Classroom Participants
Where are they coming from? Students from 38 states and 3 Countries took MREA training: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NV, OH, OK, PA, SD, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, WY. Countries include: U.S., Canada, Australia
Moving Renewable Energy Education forward for nearly three decades by continually updating curriculum to accommodate evolving energy trends and offer market relevant training. MREA Solar Training Academy The Solar Training Academy (STA) is a series of weekend classes, meeting 1 weekend per month between Jan. and May. In 2016 we expanded to 4 locations throughout the midwest in IA, IL, MN, and WI. This year we had 37 participants successfully complete the Academy’s training progression. An unprecedented 96% pass rate was achieved by STA students who took the NABCEP PV Associate Exam.
2016 Illinois students celebrating STA completion
MREA Customized Training We build trainings specific to groups’ and organizations’ needs. Our curriculum aligns with industry standards and published task analyses to make sure we provide current and aspiring solar professionals the tools they need for certification and real-world success. This year we’ve been to 13 cities in five states delivering tailored solar training to a variety of organizations.
2016 Training: National Park Service Rangers
MREA Certificate Program Launched in 2012, our Professional Certificate Program includes certificates in Small Wind, Solar Thermal, and PV Site Assessment (with PV Design and Sales coming soon!). This year we’ve had 11 students earn PV Site Assessment Certificates, and 1 in Solar Thermal Site Assessment. Our combination of online and classroom courses help students work towards certificate completion.
Instructor Jenny Heinzen teaches UWSP students about PV site assessment
love the flexibility in the MREA’s Solar Training “IMREA “ Solar Academy and gave me the foundation using weekend time to hold the classes. The instructors are very knowledgeable and fun to spend the weekend with.
”
-Logan Welch Van Meter
in order to be a good candidate for work in the solar industry.
”
-Barbara Sogn-Frank Able Energy
Moving Renewable Energy Education forward through outreach and demonstration.
Solar Powering Iowa Conference Cedar Rapids, IA March 23-24, 2016
9
180
Breakout Sessions
2
Keynotes
Attendees Helping build capacity to grow solar in Iowa at all levels!
7
Partners
Discussing how homes, businesses, communities and their utilities can grow solar in Iowa.
Bringing people together, to learn, share, and grow solar in the midwest.
-Dr. Holmes Hummel - Mr. Tim Dwight
* presented by MREA, Grow Solar, and U.S. Dept. of Energy SunShot Initiative
“MREA puts the practical punch into the movement for a livable planet. It’s filled with folks who actually know how to make the future work; we have lots and lots of partners around the world, but none with more know-how, savvy, and drive than the people of MREA.” - Bill McKibben, 350.org
General MREA Outreach:
• Tabled at 23 conferences, fairs, and public events • Over 100 people toured MREA’s site in public tours
National Solar Tour: • Hosting Tour for Wisconsin Chapter • Over 60 participating sites and counting
Solar Celebration:
Point Back To The Land:
• Hosted a solar awareness gathering at our Milwaukee location
• Hosted a Sustainable Event Series in Stevens Point, WI
Moving Renewable Energy Education forward by empowering campuses to go solar. We partner with universities, students, and utilities to develop “shovel ready” solar project plans.
Almost 700 U.S. institutions have committed to climate neutrality making significant investments in efficiency and renewable energy. Universities are uniquely positioned to finance renewable energy investments with over $528 billion in assets and longterm investment horizons. MREA is partnering with three universities in the Midwest to help them develop roadmaps for deploying and investing in solar.
3 Universities
partnered with MREA to develop “Campus Solar Deployment Teams”
126 Students
from partnering universities registered for MREA’s online courses
5 Internships
developed from our Solar Market Pathways partnership
41 Enrollments
from partnering campus stakeholders in MREA’s “Developing Campus PV Roadmaps” courses
3 Case Studies Highlighting Innovation in Higher Education Solar Investment: 1. The Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative (ASUREI) proposal to the student body for a green fee of $5 a semester passed with over 84% approval from voting students. During the 2015-2016 school year, ASUREI funded 15 projects with six additional projects in production pipeline. Eight of the installed projects are solar PV. 2. With five onsite solar PV projects, Luther College currently hosts more solar PV than any other entity in Iowa. As of 2016, it ranks third nationally among private liberal arts colleges. Each of the college’s projects has been uniquely financed through different methods, including an innovative use of direct donor contributions and supporter investment financing. 3. Colby College’s 26 kW project has provided opportunities for the college maintenance staff
to understand the same technology and to investigate and successfully build support for larger projects. The success of this small-scale project illustrated the potential for Colby to create a competitive RFP for a larger project.
www.SolarEndowment.org
Moving Renewable Energy Education forward by hosting a weekend long clean energy and sustainable living event where attendees learn, connect, and take action for a sustainable future!
What does The Energy Fair mean to you?
13,000
Attendees
years of fair-going for me, and it’s still an awesome event. Kudos to the MREA, “ 14staff, and volunteers for tackling this huge undertaking and pulling it off so well. ” - H&H Solar (exhibitor)
Exhibitor Categories:
24
Artisan Market
12
Clean Transportation
43
Solar
22
Non-Profit
277
Workshops
8
13
Builders & Architects
Energy Efficiency
15
Education
500
NABCEP CECs
continuing education credits
300+ Volunteers
1,068+ Members Attended
37
Sustainable Living
17
Sustainable Farm & Garden
6
Bio-Mass
100
Water Samples Tested
7 Keynote Speakers
15
200+
Exhibitors
Other
37
Educators Received CECs
continuing education credits
1 AMAZING EVENT TheEnergyFair.org
Moving Renewable Energy Education forward with community involvement, and membership support.
39
ansen Schol H ar ve
St e
A
f Advoc ate
ip sh
2,166
eo u n ve
s
O
em ur M bers
28
Current Members
Advocates Honored
Scholarship Recipients
Our membership support makes a profound difference in our efforts to create a sustainable future. Our success is made possible by the participation, funding, and work of our dedicated members.
The MREA plants trees each year along our “Avenue of Advocates,” which lines the driveway that leads up to the Renew the Earth Institute. The Avenue of Advocates recognizes people or organizations who have shown great leadership in advancing renewable energy and sustainable living.
Steve Hansen was a brilliant educator who taught thousands of students the importance of renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and earth stewardship. The Steve Hansen Memorial Scholarship Fund is designed to assist students who are studying renewable energy, energy efficiency, or sustainable living topics. To date MREA has contributed $14,500 to future sustainability innovators!
RISE UP! JOIN MREA • • • • •
519 new members 1,647 renewing members 1,381 personal members 420 business members 365 lifetime members (snapshot: 7/1/15 – 6/30/16)
2016 RECIPIENTS • Solar Energy International • Ho Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency
2016 RECIPIENTS • Wisconsin Farmers Union
• Andrea Spears (In Memoriam)
• Tracey Tyler - Wisconsin Tech
• Dan Alway (In Memoriam)
• Lee Gil, University of Illinois at
College, Solar Energy Technologies and Energy Management
Urbana-Champaign, Electrical Engineering
Statement of Activities In 2016 we changed our fiscal year. This data reflects the 18 month period of January 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016.
MREA Audited Financial Position, January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
Income
Jan 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 $3,259,000
Income Awards and Contracts Program Fees Sponsorships Memberships Contributions Other Total Revenue and Public Support:
Program Fees 22%
$1,886,914 $700,991 $227,331 $202,882 $174,789 $66,093
Memberships 6%
Awards and Contracts 58%
Contribu7ons 5%
$3,259,000
Other 2%
Sponsorships 7%
Expenses Outside Services Staffing Program Expenses Rent Meals and Travel Depreciation Other Trade Expense Printing and Postage Training Stipends Dues and Insurance Advertising Supplies Total Expenses
$1,147,575 $1,145,854 $158,024 $148,412 $115,784 $115,396 $113,633 $94,075 $72,581 $61,781 $57,535 $49,529 $19,547 $3,299,726
NOTE: Outside Services refer to fees related to subcontractors such as instructors, contractors, accounting professionals, and lawyers.
Planned Giving – A Renewable Legacy There are many ways you can help meet your financial goals and maximize your philanthropic giving through gift planning. Endowments, trusts, and bequests that name the MREA as a beneficiary are the most common forms of planned giving and are an opportunity to support what you value beyond your lifetime. If you have a passion for our mission, support renewable energy and sustainable living, and want to give back to the MREA, please consider a legacy gift to the MREA. If you are age 70-1/2 consider a charitable IRA Rollover, which allows donors to make direct gifts to charities from their IRA.
Expenses
Trade Expense 3% Training S<pends 2% Prin<ng and Postage 2%
Dues and Insurance 2% Program Expenses 5%
Other 3%
Jan 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 $3,299,726
Adver<sing 1% StaďŹ&#x192;ng 35%
Deprecia<on 3% Meals and Travel Supplies 4% 1% Rent 4% Outside services 35%
Shine On!