For the City Times

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association announced this week that Eric Rehm has joined the organization as solar finance manager.

Rehm will lead MREA’s efforts in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota to help businesses define and grow investments in solar energy. Rehm will work closely with the MREA Grow Solar team to identify appropriate project finance strategies and model financial returns for partnering municipalities, universities, schools, hospitals and other non-tax paying entities in the Midwest.

This is a primary objective of MREA, whose work continues to grow solar in the Midwest.

“Homes, businesses, and municipalities across the Midwest are purchasing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce expenses, protect themselves from energy price inflation and vote with their dollars so to speak,” said Nick Hylla, the MREA Executive Director. “The process of installing a solar PV system is often complicated, particularly for a non-tax paying entity with a complex energy footprint. With his breadth and depth of experience, Eric will lead our team to help organizations procure highest value, lowest cost solar and make good on the unprecedented investment opportunity in local, clean energy.”

Rehm comes to the MREA with experience in solar PV and energy efficiency project financing. He’s administered numerous clean energy financing programs for residential, commercial businesses, nonprofits, and municipal sectors for the MN Dept. of Commerce and in the private sector while at Eutectics. Rehm’s background will help further develop and apply financial modeling tools to project returns from PV investments and provide resources and recommendations for entities to procure outside services to advance solar projects.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the MREA team, and assist with the advancement of PV project financing for clients; by providing direct assistance to entities seeking to invest in solar PV, as well as, work to advance financial models and tools used in the MREA PV Design and Sales Certificate programs.” Rehm said about his position with MREA.

As an education based non-profit, Rehm will also work with MREA’s Professional Development team to offer their PV Design and Sales Certificate to interested students, and professionals. This position is partially funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.

Rehm will start work this week from MREA’s St. Paul office, and provide Solar Financial Assistance to stakeholders throughout the Midwest.