Business Details
26 Years
experience
Empowering Communities with Solar Energy Solutions
RREAL has dedicated over two decades to making solar energy accessible to all communities, with a strategic focus on reducing poverty in Central and Northern Minnesota. Founded in 2000, our mission combines solar installations, education, and workforce development to create sustainable solutions for energy poverty. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and tribal nations, we have completed projects ranging from solar-powered hospitals in Liberia to community arrays in Minnesota.Our Solar for Humanity initiative integrates solar into affordable housing, while our K-8 curriculum empowers future generations with renewable energy knowledge. Recognized with awards such as the Bush Prize and DOE Solar in Your Community Challenge, we prioritize measurable impact, transparency, and collaboration. Our team brings decades of experience in renewable energy innovation, including patented solar technologies, and we remain committed to ethical practices and community-driven outcomes.
Services
Solar Installations
Workforce Development
Solar Curriculum
Community Partnerships
Energy Poverty Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in solar energy and poverty reduction initiatives.
- Our partnerships with tribal nations and Habitat for Humanity deliver targeted community impact.
- We pioneered the Solar Powered Furnace, a patented passive solar heating system.
- Our K-8 Solar Curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards for educators.
- We integrate solar installations with energy assistance programs for low-income households.
Services
Solar Installations
RREAL installs solar arrays for low-income households, tribal communities, and schools. Our projects include off-grid systems for healthcare facilities in Liberia and community solar arrays integrated with energy assistance programs. We focus on reducing long-term energy costs while promoting sustainability.
Workforce Development
We provide solar education and on-the-job training through internships and partnerships. Our programs prepare individuals for careers in the clean energy sector, collaborating with institutions like the White Earth Tribal & Community College to create a skilled workforce.
Solar Curriculum
RREAL offers a free K-8 Solar Curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. The program includes hands-on lessons on renewable energy, designed to inspire students and educators while supporting state-funded Solar on Schools initiatives.
People
Marc Morrison
Executive Director
Marc Morrison leads RREAL's mission to combat energy poverty through solar innovation. With decades of experience in renewable energy, he oversees strategic partnerships and large-scale projects that align with the organization's poverty reduction goals.
Laurie Chamberlain
Board Chair
Laurie Chamberlain serves as Board Chair and Associate Attorney at Overcast Law Offices. Her legal expertise supports RREAL's governance and advocacy efforts, ensuring compliance and ethical standards in all organizational activities.
Caleb Dogeagle
Solicitor General
Caleb Dogeagle contributes legal and policy expertise as Solicitor General for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. He strengthens RREAL's tribal partnerships and ensures culturally responsive approaches to solar projects on indigenous lands.
Questions
What is RREAL's primary mission?
RREAL aims to make solar energy accessible to all communities, focusing on reducing poverty in Central and Northern Minnesota through solar installations, education, and workforce development.
How does RREAL support low-income households?
We install solar arrays integrated with energy assistance programs, partner with Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing solar projects, and develop community solar initiatives to lower energy costs for low-income residents.
What educational resources does RREAL offer?
RREAL provides a free K-8 Solar Curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, designed to educate students and teachers about renewable energy and support Solar on Schools funding requirements.
How can I get involved with RREAL?
You can donate, attend events, subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on social media. We also offer volunteer opportunities and partnerships for solar projects and workforce training programs.
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