What is MREA Site Assessor Certification?

The MREA certifies individuals in the skills of site assessment and report writing for the following technologies and customers: small wind, residential solar electric, non residential solar electric, residential solar hot water, non residential solar hot water. Requirements for each of the technologies are listed below:

What is an MREA Certified Site Assessor?

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.

What does the site assessment process look like?

  • Phone or email client consultation to determine assessment need and cost estimate and tentative schedule.
  • Site visit to determine the following:
     • A basic analysis of clients energy needs, and current energy usage
     • Analysis of the renewable energy resource(s) at the site
     • Recommendations for energy efficiency
     • Estimate of appropriate renewable energy resource(s)
     • Recommendations for a appropriate renewable energy system(s) to meet the clients needs
     • Estimate of the energy (kWH or therms) that the renewable energy system(s) will produce
     • Information on the best place to site the system(s)
     • A general cost estimate for the system(s)
     • Ideas for the next steps the client can take to make the system a reality.
  • Written report on the outcome of the site assessment, which includes the information outlined above.

What does a customer expect in a site assessment report?

  • A review of the goals for having a renewable energy system
  • A basic analysis of site's energy needs
  • An evaluation of the renewable resource at the site
  • Recommendations for system size and siting to meet energy goals
  • Estimate of a the system's production
  • A rough cost estimate for the system
  • An overview of the incentives (Focus on Energy, federal, utility) for which the system is eligible
  • Preliminary economic analysis of the system
  • The next steps you need to take to make the installation of a system a reality

What are the class requirements for MREA Site Assessor Certification?

Certification in each technology has its own requirements. Please click on the technology you are seeking in the Certification Requirements section for a checklist of the class requirements.

What's the job market like for an MREA Certified Site Assessor?

There is no lack of customers who need assistance making informed renewable energy decisions for their site. The site assessment certification often augments an existing business' slate of services. Examples of career paths for site assessors include: home performance specialists, energy auditors, renewable energy installers, renewable energy retailers, engineers, realtors, grant writers, and commercial roofers.

Many customers need an affordable project manager or expediter who can shepherd a project from site assessment, obtaining funding, all the way through installation.

Are any MREA workshops eligible for training assistance funds through the state?

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

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:

What equipment does a Site Assessor need?

Solar Hot Water: solar pathfinder, digital camera, computer, computer, high-speed internet access, tree guides
Solar Electric: solar pathfinder, digital camera, computer, computer, high-speed internet access, tree guides
Wind: clinometer, tree guide, wind map data, computer, high-speed internet access

On-line calculator tools will be provided in the Site Assessment Training class and updates will be posted on the site assessor forum.

Does MREA Certification have a benefit outside of Wisconsin?

Focus on Energy Site Assessment incentives to eligible ratepayers have helped develop the market and create a network of educated renewable energy professionals. The need and interest in renewable energy knows no boundaries. The renewable energy business is booming and there is an overwhelming amount of information to sort through. Help from a professional certified by a longstanding leader in the renewable energy world has value.

Federal incentives, like the USDA REAP funding has a site assessment component to the application. Site assessors can assist small businesses in eligible areas and farms complete their applications.

What if I am not comfortable with my computer skills but want to work in renewable energy?

During the certification process a tech mentor may redirect you to the Standards section if you are submitting reports that require attention that goes beyond tech mentoring in solar electric, solar hot water, or wind. Please read the Standards and evaluate your needs and where you may need to seek additional training. An on-line request for skills assessment is available here: Computer Skills Assessment Request Form.

Check out our hands on installation labs if you decide site assessment is not for you: MREA Workshops.