You're invited to the the most electric event of the summer!
13th Annual Montana Clean Energy Fair
Saturday, August 24th
Billings, MT
MSUB Downtown Campus (Enter from Rimrock Rd) | 9:00am to 3:30 pm
FAIR INFO QUICK LINKS:
Program | Workshops Schedule | Exhibitors | Kids Activities | Raffle Prizes
Sponsors | Online Sponsor and Vendor Registration
The Montana Clean Energy Fair is all about empowering YOU with the practical tools to support local, save money, and experience energy freedom and resilience. The Fair is the go-to event for comprehensive, clean-powered living.
To get updates on the Fair and all of MREA's latest happenings, join our mailing list.
Event Program
Fair Workshop Schedule
Workshops will take place throughout the day, starting at 10 am and running through 3:00 pm. Lasting about 45 minutes, workshops run concurrently in two air-conditioned indoor classrooms (LA Building Rm 205 and Rm 206) and conclude with plenty of time for discussion and Q&A, ensuring you get the most out of your time with our distinguished presenters. Click on the dropdown menus below to read more about each workshop.
10:00 am: The Solar Starter Pack (LA 205)
Paul Herendeen, Clearwater Credit Union
I’m thinking about solar electricity – where do I start? Learn how to set appropriate solar goals for your home or business, estimate costs, find a contractor, and review solar bids. Plus, our speakers will go over the incentives, tax credits, low interest loans, and other programs that can help you finance your renewable energy project. Find out which incentives will work for you, and see how your investment will net returns. This session is a must for anyone who’s interested in the exciting market of solar energy.
10:00 am: Urban Frontier House: The Lived Experience (LA 206)
What is it like to live in a house that is self-contained and self-sustaining? When it comes to the clean energy transition, there is one critical step that comes before all else: efficiency first! You can implement energy efficiency measures in your home or small business that aren’t flashy, and aren’t spendy either. Discover cost-effective strategies and tips to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills while contributing to a more sustainable future.
11:00 am: EV Show & Tell (LA 205)
Mark Juedeman, Montana EV owner and advocate
Get the low-down on electric cars and what they have to offer you and your community. Learn about technology options, charging, price trends, and more. Plus, learn about plans for charging transportation infrastructure around the state. This workshop ends with a hands-on show and tell from EV car owners, including the Billings School District’s electric bus provided by First Student. This electric car show is a truly unique event for Montanans and ends with a discussion at the EV car show outside.
11:00 am: The Montana Solar Consumer Protection Guide (LA 206)
With the increased popularity of solar comes the need for more consumer education and scrutiny. Rooftop solar can be beneficial for many households, but it may not be financially and physically feasible in all cases. MREA and our members have developed a guide to brief consumers on reported problems and consumer risks of rooftop solar agreements, and provide recommendations for everyday people.
12:00 pm: Plenary Speaker - Mayor Bill Cole (Fair exhibitor booths, outdoors)
City of Billings Mayor Bill Cole provides plenary remarks on Billings' LEED Gold for Cities designation, and how sustainability measures implemented at the local government level have saved time, energy, and taxpayer dollars.
12:15 pm: Careers in Clean Energy (LA 205)
Mike Enzler, Willdan Energy Solutions
Nick Fitzmaurice, Montana Environmental Information Center
Kyle Unruh, Renewable Northwest
According to the U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report, clean energy jobs outpaced the growth rate of the overall U.S. workforce. In 2023. Many of those jobs are found in the public and private sectors across Montana. Join us for an insightful panel discussion on careers, featuring experts from diverse sectors including city sustainability, nonprofit advocacy and policy, utility-scale and transmission advocacy, and energy performance contracting. This panel will explore opportunities, challenges, and the future of clean energy careers in the region, providing insights for aspiring professionals and industry enthusiasts.
12:15 pm Solar Technology Basics (LA 206)
What is solar electricity all about? Learn the hows and whys of switching to solar(photovoltaics). Millions of people and businesses are doing it around the world and there's never been a better time to produce your own power from the sun. Multiple grants and funding options are available as well, so what’s holding you back?
1:15 pm: What's trending? Energy and Climate Edition (LA 205)
It’s been 272 years since Ben Franklin and his kite. What has happened with electricity generation in the meantime? Attend our comprehensive workshop to delve into the nuances of renewable and non-renewable energy offerings, and their societal and environmental consequences. This session will provide an in-depth analysis of current energy trends and news, offering a global, national, and regional perspective on the rapidly-evolving energy landscape. Get a broad perspective by a self-described “numbers guy” and physics professor. Bonus: attendees may also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the internal trends at play with the Montana Renewable Energy Association.
1:15 pm: Entrepreneurship in large-scale energy resources (LA 206)
Join our workshop on utility-scale energy development to gain insights into renewable energy projects and their impact on the energy grid. Explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field, and learn how these developments are shaping the future of energy production and distribution.
2:15 pm: Youth Perspectives for the Clean Energy Transition (LA 205)
Nathan Gracey
Maloi Lannon
Ripley Cunningham
The Held vs. Montana case has catalyzed the discussion regarding youth perspectives on the clean energy transition in Montana. And their voices are strong! Hear directly from young advocates and experts about their vision for a sustainable future, the challenges they face, and the innovative solutions they are championing to drive meaningful change.
2:15 pm: Living Off-Grid (LA 206)
Trying to power a tiny home, RV or remote house? Or do you just want to be more self-sufficient? Learn the basics of off-grid technologies, such as small wind generation, solar electricity, battery storage, and load planning and management. Hear first-hand what it takes to cut the power cord and your power bills.
Exhibitors
Stop by our exhibitor area to visit with renewable energy businesses, advocacy and education groups, and more!
- Agri Organics
- AERO
- A-Team Roofing & Solar
- Audubon Center
- Beartooth Resource Conservation & Development
- Citizens Climate Lobby Billings
- City of Billings, Energy and Conservation Commission
- City of Billings, Public Works Solid Waste Division
- Clearwater Credit Union
- First Student
- Forward Montana
- Freedom Forever
- Montana Energy Office, Department of Environmental Quality
- Montana Environmental Information Center
- Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate
- Montana Conservation Voters
- Northern Plains Resource Council
- Oasis Montana
- OnSite Energy
- Purelight Power
- Sierra Club, Montana Chapter
- The Spoke Shop
- Wegner Roofing & Solar
- Willdan Energy Solutions
- Yellowball Roofing & Solar
- Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities
Raffle Items
You could be the next winner of the Townie Electra cruiser e-bike (valued at $2,000) or other great prizes on August 24th. Stop by the Montana Renewable Energy Association headquarters booth any time before 3:00 pm to enter. Raffle tickets are $5 each, and proceeds go toward MREA's nonprofit community education efforts. Must be present to win.
Kids Activities Schedule
The Fair features fun and educational activities for kids. There's something for everyone at the Montana Clean Energy Fair.
All-Day Activities (9 am to 3:30 pm)
• Bouncy Castle Obstacle Course
• UV beads and bracelets
• Coloring and Drawing Station
• Solar-powered toy car assembly
• Face painting
Thanks to our 2024 Sponsors
Clean and Green Level Sponsors
Gold Level Sponsors
Silver Level Sponsors
Bronze Level Sponsors
Supporters
Never been to the Fair? Take a look at our Montana Clean Energy Fair video to see what it's like:
Sponsors, Exhibitors, Food Vendors, and Car-show Registration
There are four ways to participate in the Fair:
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Sponsoring the Clean Energy Fair gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to renewable energy and gain exposure for your business. A variety of sponsorship packages are available.
- Exhibitors: We have spaces available for businesses and organizations in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability, or related topics to display information and/or demonstrate their products.
- Auto Dealers and Car Owners: The fair will feature an electric car and bike show. Commercial auto dealers must register in advance. Private owners please contact us for information about showing your car at: info@montanarenewables.org
- Food Vendors: We are seeking food vendors to participate in the fair.
>> Mailable Sponsor & Exhibitor Form <<
Sponsors, Exhibitors, Food Vendors, and Auto Dealers can register online using the Register button below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.