Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. What classes do I have to take to become an Installer?
2. What classes do I have to take to become a Site Assessor?
3. What does a Site Assessor do?
4. How are the sections labeled “for electricians/plumbers” different from the regular sections?
5. Where can I get the textbook that is required for my workshop?
6. Do you have any information about hotels/motels in the area?
7. Can anyone take your workshops or are the only for trade professionals?
8. How do I get on the waiting list for a class that is full?
9. What is the NABCEP Entry Level Certification Exam?
10. How can I become an MREA instructor?
11. How do I qualify for the MREA Member Discount on workshops?
12. Where is Custer, WI?
13. Do I have to pay the full workshop price when I register?
14. What if I need to cancel a workshop registration?
15. How do I reserve a seat in a workshop?
16. Do you offer any online workshops?
17. Can I pay for a workshop with a check?
18. Are any MREA workshops eligible for training assistance funds through the state?

Answers

1. The MREA offers training for installers. The only organization in the nation to certify installers is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Your track to certification will be dependent on your level of experience. You can download a guide to certification on the NABCEP website to help guide you through this process. The MREA installer training will help you gain the knowledge needed to pursue the NABCEP certification. Our workshops have a progression of knowledge from 100 level introductory workshops, 200 level intermediate workshops and 300 level hands on workshops. An example of PV Installer Training would consist of the following workshops:

PV 101 Basic Photovoltaics
PV 205 Intermediate Photovoltaics
PV 301 PV Design and Installation Lab

2. For each technology you will have to attend the basic or intro and then the site assessment workshop. To view the details on how to become a site assessor please visit the MREA CSA web site.

3. MREA Certified Site Assessors provide the service of site assessment by succinctly communicating the concepts of a technology and evaluating the suitability of a site for particular renewable energy systems in a report format.

4. The sections set aside for trade professionals have the same course content they just move a bit faster through all of the electrical/plumbing basics than the regular classes. Electricians and plumbers can still attend the regular sections of the workshop if there is not a professional section available.

5. If there is a textbook required for your workshop you are encouraged to purchase it at the time of your registration by adding it to your order so that it can be shipped to you prior to the workshop. If the workshop date is too close to have it shipped to you there will be books available to purchase the day of the workshop with cash or check.

6. We have created local accommodation pages for each of our workshop locations. If you click on the title of any workshop and then select “Local Accommodations” you will find this information. These are simply the closest hotels and restaurants to the workshop location we cannot guarantee that they are the cheapest option. To get details on pricing and amenities please us a travel browser such as Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) or Priceline (www.priceline.com) they sometimes offer discounts.

7. Yes our classes are open to the general public. The introductory classes are designed to provide you with the basic knowledge needed to understand the general workings of a system, different system types whether you are looking to become an installer or if you are think of utilizing a system in your home.

8. If you try to register for a class and it says that there no more seats available we will provide an option for you to enter an email address to be placed on the waiting list. If a seat opens up you will automatically be sent an email notification. You will have 24hrs to register for the class before it is offered to the next individual on the list.

9. The NABCEP Entry Level Program is designed for those individuals wanting to get into the solar field; it is a way for them to show they have achieved basic knowledge comprehension and application of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic (solar electric) system operations. Upon completion of the course(s) taught in accordance with the NABCEP PV entry level learning objectives (PV 101, PV 205 and PV 301) and prior to taking the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam, students 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. A person who passes the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam has demonstrated a very basic, elementary knowledge of photovoltaic systems. The knowledge demonstrated by passing this test does not replace the knowledge, skills or abilities of the electrical or other construction trades, or those of other professions or degree programs that require considerably more academic and/or practical experience. Individuals passing the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam should not be confused with NABCEP Certified PV Installers. The latter can only be achieved by highly experienced individuals who have passed a much more rigorous examination and have demonstrated the capability to supervise complete PV system installations, and who have a detailed working knowledge of the electrical codes, standards and accepted industry practice associated with PV installations. As the market grows for photovoltaics, students holding this industry-sponsored Entry Level Program may find that their employment opportunities are enhanced by starting the job with an understanding of the basic terms and operational aspects of a PV system. However, taking the class and passing the exam does not qualify an individual to install PV systems.

10. Contact Nick Hylla at nick@the-mrea.org or at 715-592-6595 to schedule an interview and fill out the MREA instructor application.

11. The MREA offers Business Memberships and Personal Memberships. Only the Personal Memberships get you the discounts on classes. These would include: Senior/Student, Basic Individual, Empowered Individual, Basic Family and Empowered Family memberships. Business Memberships offer a different benefits package that includes advertising benefits. For descriptions of all member benefits or to sign up for a membership please visit the following webpage.

12. Custer, WI is in Central Wisconsin, 7 miles east of Stevens Point, WI on HWY 10. We are about 110 miles North of Madison. For more information on getting to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association please visit the following website.

13. If you are registering more than one month in advanced for a workshop you do have the option to put down a $75.00 non-refundable deposit to reserve your seat in the class. The remaining balance needs to be paid one month prior to the workshop. You will get one email reminder and if your balance is not paid you will risk loosing your seat in the class.

14. If you need to cancel a workshop the following cancelation policy will apply:

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation one month, or more prior to workshop
If a participant cancels one month or more before the workshop, the participant forfeits the $75 non-refundable deposit. Any remaining tuition will be reimbursed to workshop registrant.

Cancellation less than one month prior to workshop
If a workshop participant cancels less than one month prior to a workshop, the participant forfeits the $75 non-refundable deposit plus 50% of the remaining tuition. Remaining tuition will be reimbursed to workshop registrant.

Cancellation less than two weeks prior to workshop
If a participant cancels less than two weeks prior to the start of a workshop, the participant forfeits 100% of the tuition. Cancellation process

To cancel a workshop you have registered for, email Greta Ladenthin or call the office at 715-592-6595.

15. Courses are open to all on a first-come first served basis. Class size is limited to provide the highest quality educational experience for all participants. To reserve a seat, register over the phone at 715.592.6595, or online HERE. Please check the course description on the website or call the office to make sure space is still available in the course.

16. The MREA is working on getting our introductory workshops formatted so that we can offer them online but we currently are not offering online classes.

17. If you need to pay your tuition with a check please call the office to register. Keep in mind that we will take your order over the phone but your seat is not saved until we receive payment at the office. Please call Greta at 715-592-6595 Ext. 112 for phone registrations.

18. Workforce Investment Act hosts Wisconsin's Statewide List of Eligible Training Programs and Providers including some approved MREA workshops HERE.

You'll have to check with a state coordinator or case worker to determine what that means for you.

If you are interested in getting MREA workshops approved for a training assistance program you are working with in your state, please contact:

Zara Scharf
Site Assessor Coordinator
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
7558 Deer Road
Custer, WI 54423
715-592-6595 ext. 108
zara@the-mrea.org