NEWS
Johnny Weiss Receives the NABCEP Walt Ratterman Award: Honoring Humanitarian Efforts in Renewable Energy
Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce that our co-founder and board member, Johnny Weiss, has been awarded the prestigious NABCEP Walt Ratterman Award in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian solar work. The award is named after solar energy pioneer Walt Ratterman. He tragically lost his life in 2010 while on a humanitarian mission in Haiti. It is awarded to individuals who ...
Join SEI for free COSSA conference training on February 27th, 2024
COSSA’s Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West conference is coming up soon and SEI will be attending, bringing some NABCEP-certified trainings with us. Conference attendees can join us on February 27th for the following free training: 2023 NEC® Changes Affecting PV and Energy Storage System PV + Storage Configurations for Non-fixed Rate Tariffs and Resiliency I-V Curves and Diodes Demystified Thermography and PV ...
Register for the 2024 NABCEP CE Conference
Will we be seeing you at this year's NABCEP conference? The advanced-level content presented at the annual NABCEP CE Conference is geared toward PV industry professionals who have experience with PV installation, solar + storage, technical sales, design, O&M, or system inspection. This is the only industry event that allows NABCEP Board Certified Professionals to obtain as many as 20.5 hours of continuing education ...
Alumni Highlight (in her own words): Dinille Gonzalez
"6 months ago, I received news that I had been awarded a full scholarship to attend a hands-on solar energy course in the beautiful state of Colorado. While I'll delve into the details of the scholarship in a future post, today, I want to share the invaluable life lessons it has etched in my journey. Back ...
SEI is Providing Solar Training at RE+ 2023
Join us at this year's RE+ Conference in Las Vegas, NV from September 11th-14th! Many of SEI's talented team members will be in attendance, delivering impactful training sessions and sharing their expertise. This is a unique opportunity to connect with top-notch professionals and vendors in the North American solar industry. You'll gain valuable insights that will take you to the next level, and get ...
SEI Joins Forces with Amicus O&M Cooperative for 1.5 Million Grant Project
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Fiscal Year 2022 Advancing Equity Through Workforce Partnerships has created a $13.5 million funding program for the development of collaborative workforce programs. The program facilitates the rapid deployment of solar energy technologies while supporting an inclusive workforce. This work, partly funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable more members of disadvantaged communities and ...
Fluke supports Solar Energy International (SEI) as industry sponsor through equipment donation
Fluke’s generous donation will be featured in SEI’s industry-leading lab training facility in Paonia, Colorado PAONIA, CO. –Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce its collaboration with Fluke as a megawatt-level industry sponsor through SEI’s Industry Sponsorship Program. Fluke achieved megawatt sponsor status through a donation of professional electronic test tools and softwareto be featured in SEI’s industry-leading lab training facility in Paonia, Colorado. ...
Alumni Highlight: Josh Rogers, from SEI student to Director of Solar Operations for Duke Energy Renewables
At Solar Energy International (SEI) we love to share exciting news about what our alumni are up to as they move forward in their careers out in the field. Alumni Josh Rogers is the Director of Solar Operations for Duke Energy Renewables in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to Josh, he first learned about SEI a couple months after an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy ...
Alumni Highlight: From SEI student to 165 MW of solar projects across Minnesota!
John Middendorf attended Solar Energy International in 2008. After attending SEI, he worked for a small company called Apex out Saint Cloud, Minnesota. At Apex, John worked on residential and small commercial systems. In 2013, he started working for TruNorth Solar, where he built portfolios of up to 2.5 MW on rooftops and ground mounts. In 2015, John worked at Gehrlicher Solar, which turned into ...
SEI spinoff program Solar Rollers inspires youth with solar
A few years ago, SEI spun off Solar Rollers which was part of our Solar In the Schools program. Noah Davis started Solar Rollers, a PV-powered remote-controlled race car program for high schools, while working for SEI and went on to develop it into its own non-profit. Solar Rollers is now in it’s 3rd year and is growing by leaps and bounds. Solar Rollers mission ...
Check out the solar-powered clipper trike making its way across the Western U.S.!
This month, Eric Goakes stopped by Solar Energy International (SEI)’s campus in Paonia, Colorado during is cross country journey in his solar-powered “Clipper Trike.” The Trike is quite impressive! It can go up to 20mph on highways and interstates, in addition to having regenerative breaking and cruise control. It has 270W of solar on the bike which powers the motor on the rear wheel, a ...
Panasonic supports Solar Energy International (SEI) as key industry sponsor
Program recognizes highly-valued industry sponsors with long-term commitment to advancing SEI’s vision of a world powered by renewable energy PAONIA, Colo., – Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce its collaboration with Panasonic Corporation of North America as a kilowatt-level industry sponsor through SEI’s Industry Sponsorship Program. SEI is a nonprofit training organization which offers cutting-edge solar and renewable energy training to the solar ...
SEI’s Hands-on Battery-Based Classes Now Employing New Technology
We are thrilled to announce that in 2023, our hands-on classes dedicated to battery-based systems will be employing an exciting new training rotation with Sol-Ark 12K inverters and 18.5 kWh eVault MAX batteries from Fortress Power! This means that, for those students spending a week in Colorado learning how to wire, commission, and program energy storage systems, you will be ...
It’s not just about training women…
The solar industry is on the brink of an amazing transformation - but a question still remains: how do we cultivate diverse talent so solar might realize its full potential? SEI has set out to answer that very question by considering how we provide meaningful training opportunities to those who face barriers to entry, women in particular. It's no secret that the solar sector is ...
New Training Center at SEI’s Colorado Campus
We are excited to announce SEI has added a new building to our Paonia, Colorado campus dedicated to teaching the latest in energy storage technology and energy management systems. The building integrates many cool features including 28.5kWh of lithium storage, 10kW of PV, a mini-split for heating and cooling, a load shedding energy management ...
SEI offering technical training at the 2023 NABCEP CE Conference
The NABCEP 2023 CE Conference is a unique event that is created by solar professionals for solar professionals and is intended to provide an affordable continuing education option for professionals who are interested in gaining the skills and knowledge to stay ahead of their competition. Earn up to 22.5 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to recertify your NABCEP Board Certification or 18 hours ...
New Course: EV Charging Equipment Preparedness
It can be tough to figure out all the details when it comes to Electric Vehicles (EV) and their associated charging equipment. SEI’s new on-demand course is designed to introduce you to what you need to know about EV’s and how to understand and implement electric vehicle charging equipment. Start today! After completing this course, participants will be able to: Contrast the difference between types ...
Serving Those Who Have Served
At SEI, we are proud to support all U.S. military service members who are currently wearing the uniform or have honorably served our country in the past through our Veteran’s Program. In recent years, we helped launch the Solar Ready Veterans Program through the Department of Energy's SunShot initiative, offering our training to help veterans start their solar career journey. Today, one of the ways ...
Underserved Coloradoans will continue to receive solar energy education scholarships in 2022, thanks to The Kenneth King Foundation
Paonia, Colo., August 30, 2021 – Solar Energy International (SEI), The Kenneth King Foundation, and GRID Alternatives Colorado, announced today the continuation of their partnership to provide underserved Coloradans with scholarships, performance-based stipends, and support services to reduce the burden of pursuing solar training and job placement. Focused on improving Coloradans lives, The Kenneth King Foundation Scholarship Fund brings hope to many in the midst ...
Nextracker Launches Half the Sun, A Global Solar Scholarship for Women
In partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI), Nextracker initiates 3-year scholarship program to foster female participation in solar industry FREMONT, CALIF. USA, August 18, 2021 — Nextracker™, the market leader in yield-enhancing PV system technology and solar trackers, and Solar Energy International (SEI), the world’s leading renewable energy technical training provider, today announced their partnership ...
SEI and New Energy Equity announces the creation of the Lift as We Climb Foundation
ANNAPOLIS, MD, April 6, 2021- New Energy Equity LLC, a solar developer and financier based in Annapolis, MD, announces the creation and funding of its Lift as We Climb Foundation. The Foundation was started by New Energy Equity employees as part of a 2020 initiative called Operation Shared Success, supporting New Energy’s core purpose of “Leaving behind a better world”. Each year, New Energy Equity ...
Solar Island Energy and SEI announce their first round of recipients for the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network Scholarship
Paonia, Colo., November 2, 2020 – Solar Island Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) are thrilled to announce their first round of recipients for the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network Scholarship: Sapphire Vital is joining the SEI student body from Commonwealth of Dominica with an incredible diversity of renewable energy, policy, and climate mitigation experience. She earned a BS in Civil with Environmental Engineering from ...
Solar energy education opportunities expand for Coloradans through Kenneth King Foundation Scholarships
Paonia, Colo., October 27, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Kenneth King Foundation announced today their partnership with support from GRID Alternatives Colorado to provide underserved Coloradans scholarships for solar skills job training, as well as performance-based stipends and support services to reduce the financial burden of pursuing career training and job placement support. 14 Coloradans living in the Denver Metro area ...
Solar energy education opportunities expand for Caribbean practitioners through the launch of the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network (CaribSETNet)
Paonia, Colo., August 20, 2020 – Solar Island Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today their partnership to provide practical, technical skills training to current and aspiring Caribbean PV practitioners through the launch of the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network (CaribSETNet). This year CaribSETNet will award 10 to 20 partial or full tuition scholarships in solar training to selected applicants to advance their professional ...
New scholarship fund offers solar energy education opportunities for Native Americans
Paonia, Colo., March 24, 2021. Solar Energy International (SEI) and REC Americas announced today their partnership to create a scholarship fund that provides financial assistance for Native American students seeking solar energy education through SEI. The scholarship aims to increase Native American Indian representation among the clean energy industry by awarding $10,000 in solar training tuition fees to hand-selected Native American students, helping to facilitate ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces two rural community partnerships for solar market development assistance
Garfield County and the Town of Nederland are slated to receive up to a year of technical advising through the Solar Forward program PAONIA, CO - Solar Energy International (SEI), an industry leader in solar energy technical training, is helping two Colorado communities kickstart solar markets through the Solar Forward Program in Q1 of 2021. The Town of Nederland, located in Boulder County, and ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces Executive Director, Kathy Swartz, will be stepping down
Greetings SEI Friends, Family and Supporters, Solar Energy International (SEI) has announced that our Executive Director, Kathy Swartz, will be stepping down as of May 31, 2021. Kathy has successfully led the industry-leading, internationally recognized, not-for-profit educational organization since 2012. “This has been such an incredibly difficult decision for me to make because I love this organization, the mission, and the people. I am so ...
NAES Corporation forms partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI) to deliver O&M Solar Technician training
Issaquah, WA., November 16, 2020 – NAES Corporation, one of the energy industry’s largest independent providers of operations, maintenance and repair services, has announced today their partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI) to provide Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician training to NAES employees. The collaboration, a continuation of NAES’ steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work, will provide professional solar education development to ...
Solar energy education opportunities expand for Coloradans through Kenneth King Foundation Scholarships
Paonia, Colo., October 27, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Kenneth King Foundation announced today their partnership with support from GRID Alternatives Colorado to provide underserved Coloradans scholarships for solar skills job training, as well as performance-based stipends and support services to reduce the financial burden of pursuing career training and job placement support. 14 Coloradans living in the Denver Metro area ...
Colorado Energy Office and Solar Energy International (SEI) launch strategic partnership to support communities working to transition to clean energy
STATEWIDE - Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 - The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) today announced it has launched a formal partnership with Paonia-based educational non-profit, Solar Energy International (SEI.) This strategic partnership will expand the reach of resources to Colorado communities working to transition to cleaner energy and increase economic recovery and resiliency. The partnership will expand and promote SEI’s Solar Forward initiative and CEO’s Building ...
Native Americans from around the country continue to receive hands-on solar training
SEI is excited to once again be partnering with Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCR), Remote Energy and All Points North Foundation to provide an accessible technical training curriculum that puts power into the hands of the learners, equipping students to initiate solar teaching and related projects in their own communities. The program provides in-depth training, equipment, curriculum, and mentored co-teaching to 10 Native Americans from 37 Great Plains ...
Don’t miss SunCast Puerto Rico’s 3D Virtual Event!
Get a 10% registration discount with exclusive code SEI2020! SunCast Puerto Rico, a collaboration between the Solar + Energy Storage Association of Puerto Rico (SESA) and SunCast Media, kicks off on October 12-14. This exciting, fully-immersive 3D virtual conference features industry thought-leaders, the latest technology and solutions, and programming supporting Puerto Rico’s 100% renewable energy future. As with an in-person experience, attendees can explore the ...
Register Today for the NABCEP Virtual CE Conference
Will you be attending the NABCEP Virtual CE Conference between September 9th-24th? Many of our students and alumni will be there, and we highly recommend getting connected with NABCEP if you are serious about a career in solar energy! This is one of the MUST ATTEND conferences for solar professionals in the industry. In addition, don't miss the certified training opportunities that we will be ...
You’re Invited to EMPOWER 2020 | Virtual Solar Summit 20+ Speakers | 7 Sessions | Up to 4 NABCEP CEUs
https://youtu.be/4XBCksn_xw8 On July 23rd, join Aurora Solar with solar industry leaders, policy insiders, and growth experts as we discuss how the solar industry can navigate the challenges and possible opportunities amid COVID-19. The one-day virtual event features six panel sessions on practical topics such as digital lead generation, solar plus battery storage, digital permitting and more. View the summit schedule here—sign up for all ...
SEI Celebrates Women in Solar
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate women's achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. At SEI, we want to honor all of the women working in the solar industry - both for their contribution in the energy transformation field, and for overcoming the barriers and challenges that women in the sector face every day. Furthermore, inspiring others with their experiences, ...
SEI is leading two free technical seminars at Middle East Energy in Dubai
Solar Energy International (SEI) will be leading two free technical seminars at Middle East Energy running March 3-5 in Dubai. If you haven’t already registered, you can sign up for a free visitor’s pass to attend the “world’s largest power conference,” which includes power professionals from over 130 countries and over 1300 exhibitors from around the globe. In its 44th year, Middle East Energy has ...
Media Queries
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Blue Planet Energy Upgrades Solar Training Curriculum
For nearly 30 years, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been dedicated to training the global solar energy workforce. Instrumental in SEI’s curriculum is a Blue Ion battery with a recently-upgraded monitoring system, donated by Blue Planet Energy, enabling new digital training possibilities for future solar workforces. Blue Planet Energy’s Blue Ion battery is SEI’s only lithium-ion battery on campus, and its lithium iron phosphate ...
SEI’s Executive Director participates in PV Magazine Roundtables USA discussion
SEI’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Sanderson, recently took part in PV Magazine’s #RTUSA21 where she discussed what solar needs to expand, including the necessity for a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce and creating better partnerships to facilitate job placement. Watch now!
How Far Have We Really Gotten With Alternative Energy?
There’s a lot of hype and confusion about carbon-free energy sources. This Wall Street Journal article looks at five of them: how much they produce, what they cost, and what obstacles they face. SEI's Executive Director, Elizabeth Sanderson, is briefly quoted in this extensive article. Note: you will need a WSJ subscription to access this article. READ FULL ARTICLE
Nextracker and Solar Energy International announce global scholarship to bring more women into solar
Nextracker and Solar Energy International (SEI) have announced their partnership to launch Half the Sun, a global scholarship program to support more women in joining the solar workforce. Women continue to be severely underrepresented in the solar industry, despite overwhelming agreement that a diverse workplace makes smart business sense. According the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), women account for only 28% of the Science, ...
Matthew Harris – Solar Energy International (SEI) Educational Programs in Latin America
Matthew harris first began his renewable energy journey in 1999 as a student of Solar Energy International (SEI) where he has also worked since 2004. Matthew holds a bachelor’s of science in architecture with a focus on restorative and resilient buildings. Matthew believes that the story of place is a key component to communities and to renewable energy development. during his time with ...
Solar Energy International helps two rural Colorado communities kickstart solar development
The Town of Nederland, located in Boulder County, and the entirety of Garfield County will implement holistic solar market development programs in their communities. Solar Forward provides the framework and materials for these programs, as well as a technical advisor to help community partners with implementation. The holistic approach includes tools to launch a solar bulk-purchase program, and access to free SEI solar workforce ...
Our Spanish free online course on Renewable Energy is updated, enroll today!
At Solar Energy International (SEI) we are committed to providing the best possible education in renewable energy, which is why our curriculum is frequently updated by our team of IREC (Interstate Renewable Energy Council) certified instructors to always be at the forefront of the industry. Our free online course RE100: Introduction to Renewable Energy covers the basics of renewable energy, and is a great introduction for ...
SEI opens it’s first international Solar Training Center in Costa Rica, enroll today!
2018 is just starting, and while we all started to work on our New Year’s resolutions, Solar Energy International (SEI) will be accomplishing one of its biggest projects this year: the inauguration of SEI’s first international Solar Training Center in Costa Rica. This new training facility will accelerate and expand access to world-class solar training to Spanish speakers throughout Latin America, in line with SEI’s ...
SEI Alumni Highlight: Daniel Saldarriaga – Vulcano Operations Director in Colombia Shares Advice and Experience
“—We can’t live on this planet leaving a CO2 mark - there has to be a way to change this destructive behavior that humans have. I think solar is a way to change that. Vulcano’s Operation Director - Daniel Saldarriaga “—On the other hand we have to help the economy. Not the macro economy which people in general doesn’t understand, but the day to day ...
SEI Instructor Empowers Students
Solar Energy International has worked since its inception in 1991 to empower people with training in renewable energy. Entering the industry in a country where solar was just getting off the ground, SEI Instructor Karo Fernandez understands the power of passing on knowledge in solar, and the endless opportunity that comes along with access to a new industry. “SEI has completely changed my perspective on ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) responde a la Prohibición de Viajar (Travel Ban) de Estados Unidos con un Programa de Becas
A todos los Alumnos Internacionales de SEI, Futuros Estudiantes y Amigos: Las acciones y anuncios hechos recientemente por la nueva administración de Estados Unidos sobre de la prohibición de viajar, la construcción de paredes en las fronteras, han sido noticias muy perturbadoras para nosotros porque impactan directamente en la relación que construimos con ustedes. Ya que estas políticas continúan desarrollándose rápidamente, ciertamente entendemos que algunos ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Welcomes Pía Day to the Spanish Solar Training Program
SEI welcomes Pía Day to the team as the Marketing and Communication Assistant for the Spanish Program! With a degree in advertising and a background in social responsibility and innovation, she will help disseminate the mission of SEI across Latin America help increase the awareness of the Spanish Program within the Hispanic community. Through her participation with various nonprofits, Pía learned that giving just a ...
Resources for Energy in Agriculture Webinar
Want to learn more about the potential money and energy savings in agriculture? Join Solar Forward, the Colorado Energy Office, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture for our webinar on “Resources for Energy in Agriculture,” Wednesday, November 17th at 1pm MT. In 2013, the Colorado Energy Office developed a study of energy efficiency and renewable energy potential in Colorado. This study established the baseline data ...
Free Seminar: Grow your Business with C-PACE Financing
Join us for a FREE one-hour seminar to learn about how the Colorado C-PACE program and Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) provides options to commercial and industrial building owners that can help finance up to 100% of RE improvements. Seminar topics include: C-PACE background & market opportunity CCEF overview and mission Meeting the needs of key gatekeepers “How it works” best practices Program case studies Resources Happening Tuesday, September 7 from ...
Solarize Garfield County campaign sends solar investment through the roof
$2.8 million in installations attributed to Solarize Garfield County The recent Solarize Garfield County campaign generated $2.8 million in rooftop solar and battery investment, added nearly a megawatt of renewable energy to the grid and helped county residents bank $270,000 in rebates, according to figures released by CLEER. The program, which Garfield Clean Energy spearheaded from March to June, exceeded all expectations, said Carbondale Trustee ...
Nederland generates local economic development with Solar Forward!
In 2017, the Town of Nederland, Colorado resolved to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025. One valuable way of achieving this goal is to empower residents and businesses in their access to rooftop solar. In February, Nederland partnered with Solar Forward to bring more rooftop solar to the community and when the program wrapped up on July 16th, they had increased the installed ...
Renewable energy continuing to payoff for Colorado family farm
Colorado is home to bountiful regions, innovative farmers, and a legendary 300 days of sunshine, making solar energy a precious commodity for farmers like Steve Ela of Ela Family Farms, a fourth-generation fruit farmer and Delta County, Colorado resident. To increase the ability for farmers like Steve to not only produce delicious local food, but to do so more sustainably and economically, Colorado offers the ...
SEI welcomes Ellen Ross as the new Solar Forward Program Manager
Mary Marshall leaves the role after four years of support for growing solar markets SEI’s Solar Forward program is pleased to announce exciting transitions happening on the Team. After founding the program and growing it across the state for four years, current Program Manager Mary Marshall is stepping away from the program to begin her next chapter at Yale University in New Haven, ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Announces Strategic Reorganization and New Leadership
A new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) has been created as part of a year-long strategic planning process. Paonia, Colorado - Solar Energy International (SEI) today announced a transformative divisional and leadership reorganization, aimed to meet the workforce training demands of a fast-growing, technically challenging, and increasingly diverse solar industry. SEI’s board of directors is proud to share that this new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) has been created as part of ...
Electrical Contractor Magazine: Native Champions for Solar: The sun is rising on renewable power installations on Tribal lands
As Red Cloud began contacting other Northern Plains tribes, he found interest in solar-generated electricity. He then reached out to Solar Energy International (SEI), a nonprofit based in Paonia, Colo., which is focused on training for solar electric and thermal installers. In 2008, he opened the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCREC) to bring professional training to Pine Ridge. Now, RCREC offers SEI-certified solar-installation training ...
The 19th Newsroom: Women are working to make the clean energy transition more equitable
In a profession dominated by men, solar training nonprofits and trade unions are providing networking opportunities, creating caregiving pilots and training men to be better allies against harassment. For decades, women have been working to carve out a safe space for themselves in the field. The first women’s solar training at SEI, for example, was created in 1999 after the institute noticed that only one ...
Solar Power World: SOLV Energy, SEI create new Women in Solar scholarship program
SOLV Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced their partnership to create the SEI Women in Solar program to empower women from all over the world through solar energy training, networking, mentorship and clean energy employer and job connections. The goal of this program is to create a global network of women who are considering career pathways in the clean energy sector and to support solar professionals ...
Pivot Energy Enables Renewable Energy Careers by Supporting Solar Energy International
Pivot Energy’s reinvestment will support SEI’s ambitious goal to train 270k+ solar workers by 2025 DENVER, CO: Today, Pivot Energy is excited to announce its efforts to support education and career development in the solar sector through its partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI). Pivot’s financial support will help the internationally recognized educational nonprofit open its widely respected renewable energy training courses to more students, ...
Agrivoltaics: The New Frontier
By Eryka Thorley, Master in Environmental Management student and SEI Fellow “It’s now or never” is the succintest way to abbreviate the latest warning from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). If the world is going to avoid the worst of the climate crisis, climate mitigation needs to happen now and with greater impact. Specifically the world needs to reduce global carbon emissions by ...