Mission & History
Mission
RREAL has the unique mission of making solar energy available to people of all income levels. Solar technologies present viable alternatives to fossil fuels that are both environmentally sound and socially empowering. In order for solar to be widely embraced, it must be available to people of all income levels. However, solar technology remains out of reach for many lower income households.
The cost of home heating is unpredictable, and has been rising every year for the last 30 years- much faster than people’s incomes. Since low income families devote a greater share of income to the necessity of heat, they are the most vulnerable to these increases and fluctuations in energy costs.
At RREAL, we seek to address these issues with solar energy. Our flagship program, Solar Assistance, installs solar heating systems in partnership with low-income families that qualify for public energy assistance. Solar Assistance fosters ecological health, social equity, and self-reliance. Solar heating technology is an environmentally and economically appropriate technology for helping meet the energy needs of people in poverty.
View RREAL's substantial and growing list of accomplishments
Government fuel assistance is without a doubt a necessary program.
But, does it offer a lasting solution to fuel poverty? Is a family any better off at the beginning of a winter season for having had fuel assistance the year before?
Offering solar heating installations to energy assistance recipients offers a solution to the persistent problem with a clean energy technology …for decades.
Solar Assistance heating systems offer between 10 and 30% of a household's winter heating needs for decades! With few moving parts, these systems need minimal maintenance, and last for years without repairs. And, believe it or not, Minnesota has more annual solar energy potential than Houston, TX!
History
RREAL was founded in 2000 by Jason Edens, a high school teacher with a keen interest in solar technologies and a vision for a better way to help struggling families through the winter. Supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, RREAL operated from Jason's basement and garage for five years. RREAL remained an all volunteer organization until 2005, when organizational development and fundraising had matured to a point where Jason was able to dedicate himself full time to RREAL. Shortly thereafter, Jason's wife and co-founder, BJ Allen, and board member Sarah Hayden were able to join Jason as RREAL employees. RREAL has been mushrooming in growth ever since. Late in 2006, a significant jump in RREAL's capacity was made through the Americorps VISTA program. RREAL has had available the talents of four full time VISTA members- read about Graham, Tim, Tina, and Ben's amazing contributions below.
RREAL is now far from its humble basement roots, and operates with five full time employees and five seasonal or part time employees out of a fully equipped facility in Pine River. We are a mean, green, fully functioning manufacturing, contracting, research and advocacy machine!
Meet the Hard Working RREAL Staff!
Learn about RREAL's VISTA volunteers!
View RREAL Documents like our 990 forms and our Annual Reports.
RREAL is made possible by Environmental & Social Justice Advocates like you! In collaboration with numerous agencies, private donors, volunteers, and program service dollars, we are able to support our efforts! Find out how you can help!
Thank you to our awesome supporters!!!