Mission & History
Mission
RREAL has the unique mission of making Solar Energy available to people of all income levels. Solar Energy presents a viable alternative to fossil fuels that is 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, renewable energy 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 was born in a basement and garage, and operated there for five years. RREAL remained an all volunteer organization until 2005, when enough strides had been made in organizational development and fundraising that Jason was able to quit his teaching job, and dedicate himself full time to RREAL. In 2006, Sarah Hayden was able to come on board as a full-time employee, and RREAL has been mushrooming in growth ever since. RREAL is now far from its humble basement roots, and operates with four full time employees and five seasonal or part time employees out of a very nice 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!
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!!!