Minnesota Renewable Energy Society

Support us in continuing the renewable energy momentum in spite of federal funding cuts!  Solar energy and energy efficiency are on a roll and MRES, through its education and outreach, want to keep the ball rolling. With a gift of any amount, you help the many outreach efforts listed below. 

Xcel Energy has just requested another 13% electricity rate increase! We need your help to help spread the facts about clean energy and that the best way to reduce your energy bills is to insulate your house and produce your own on-site solar energy.  The best energy bill is to have no bill at all! 

MRES is a networking hub—In its 47-year history, MRES has cultivated a reputation for honesty and integrity among solar enthusiasts, renewable energy industry professionals and an environmentally conscious general public, where learners, practitioners, and advocates of all ages exercise a shared enthusiasm for clean energy at home, in their communities and within state and national forums. 

Experience the MRES world—                                                            

Annual Events:

Eco Experience — MRES exhibits at the MN State Fair to educate the general public about the different sources of renewable energy and how increased household efficiency can save you money.  In 2025 we displayed the different sources of renewable energy such as solar, wind and storage.  Efficient Air Source and Ground Source heat pumps were displayed.

Solar Boat Regatta — Teach High School and Middle School students about renewable energy and electrical circuits. The 34th Annual Solar Boat Regatta will be held May 16th, 2026 on Lake Riley in Eden Prairie.

 Sustainability Tour — The in-person and virtual tour showcases homes and businesses that feature solar installations, energy efficiency and storage solutions, water-saving landscapes, universal design and much more.  This always occurs the first weekend in October.

Monthly Activities: 

Speaker Series — Hear from pros in the field—talks and Q&As that we record and upload to a YouTube library, free to the public.  Occurs the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm. In 2025 we discussed agrivoltaics and grazing, African American education opportunities, coal fired power plant phaseouts, utility scale solar development, anaerobic digestion as an energy source, deployment of solar in disaster zones, culturally sensitive education for native Americans, Solar on schools, Empowering Lakota Communities, and the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center.

 Solar Flare — Our newsletter informs readers about upcoming MRES programs, current issues and future trends in the renewable energy arena. 

 Community Outreach: 

Solar United Neighbors — MRES partners with SUN to offer Minnesotans rooftop solar at lower group buy prices. 

Community Solar Gardens — MRES is developing three community solar installations to benefit qualifying households.

Student Internships — MRES offers post-secondary students immersive work experiences that advance their personal and career objectives. 

Tabling — MRES volunteers educate audiences at events across the state through conversations, exhibits and informational resources.   We will generally staff 15 to 20 events throughout the year. 

By supporting MRES you help create a sustainable world. Your financial contribution enables and grows the organization and its programs. 

Thank you!