NEWS
Solar in the Schools Provides Solar Training to Students in Montana
In the spring of 2023, NorthWestern Energy and Solar Energy International - Solar In the Schools (SEI-SIS) continued piloting a solar energy training pathway program for high school students in Montana. SEI-SIS provided two immersive one day solar energy training sessions for technical education students at Helena High School and Capital High School in Helena, Montana. ...
Alumni Highlight: Susan Stark
“After working in another construction-related field for over 20 years I entered the solar installation business and quickly realized I needed tons of training. After much research, Solar Energy International became my prime source, and I began working through their online curriculum nights and weekends while working as a General Manager for an installation company in New Jersey. Eventually, after earning 4 Professional Certificates (including ...
SEI Dedicates New Tech Center to Ken Gardner
Many of SEI's local staff, board members, instructors, students, and friends recently came together to celebrate Ken Gardner's outstanding contributions to SEI over the years. Gardner, a long-time instructor, board member and previous board president, has made a significant impact ...
SEI Welcomes New Board President
Gerald Espinosa elected during March board meeting as former president Ken Gardner ends tenure Paonia, Colo., May 18, 2023 — Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit organization, has announced that Gerald Espinosa from Pivot Energy was recently elected as their new Board President. Espinosa succeeds Ken Gardner, who served as Board President since 2016. Gerald joined SEI as an AmeriCorp VISTA in ...
SolarReviews’ Solar Industry Survey Results Now Available
SolarReviews’ Solar Industry Survey results are in and they're packed with exciting insights! With over 450 participants from across the industry, the survey, in partnership with NABCEP, reveals trends and expectations for 2023. The report highlights the top preferred solar brands, barriers to solar industry success, how the industry plans to adapt to the Inflation Reduction Act, and much more. Don't miss out on this ...
New Mexico Solar Workforce Development Program Making Strides
Students participate in a new solar scholarship program aimed at stimulating local participation in New Mexico’s solar industry Paonia, Colo., May 2, 2023 — July 2022 marked a milestone for Solar Energy International (SEI) as they partnered with The AES Corporation (AES) to increase access to solar energy education and career opportunities for New Mexico residents. Through the program's generous scholarship funds distributed by ...
Alumni Highlight: Engr. Muhammad Amjad Khan of Lomas Energy shares about the Sialkot Housing Compound
We love to highlight SEI alumni using the training they've learned in our classes out in the field. Engr. Muhammad Amjad Khan, Director of Operations at Lomas Energy Pvt. Ltd, shared an article with us about one of their most recent projects. Check out his article submission below: Sialkot Housing Compound April 2019 Over the last 20 to 30 years, the need for people to ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) and Red Cloud Renewable Launch Tribal Train the Trainer Program
SEI is proud to once again join hands with Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCR) bringing advanced solar PV expertise, with an accessible technical curriculum that puts power into the hands of learners. Our ‘Tribal Train the Trainer’ model creates a new web of skillful solar trainers, equipped to initiate solar teaching and related projects in their own communities. Collaboratively, with generous support from All Points North Foundation, ...
Happy Earth Week: Here’s Your Chance to Win a FREE SEI Class!
HAPPY EARTH WEEK! Monday, April 22 is officially Earth Day, but at Solar Energy International (SEI) every day is Earth Day. We’re taking this week to celebrate the successes and journeys of our SEI students and alumni. On Earth Day we’re making a BIG announcement: One person in our network is going to receive an SEI online PVOL course of their choosing FOR FREE! Here’s ...
2019 lab sessions starting soon: Check out new additions to the SEI campus!
Paonia, Colorado is home to Solar Energy International (SEI)’s industry leading solar energy technical training facility. Since the early 2000s, tens of thousands of students have received hands-on experience in installing and commissioning solar systems at our lab yard. SEI offers classes on a variety of critical topics for industry professionals from grid-tied, to battery-based, and more advanced O&M classes. We’re constantly updating our lab ...
SEI, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) and GRID Alternatives team up to host Solar Career Expo
The free Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West Expo connects industry employers with prospective clean energy career seekers The Expo is powered by Solar Ready Colorado, a partnership between Solar Energy International, GRID Alternatives, and the Colorado Solar and Storage Association AURORA, Colo. -- Solar Energy International (SEI), Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA), and GRID Alternatives are teaming up for the third year ...
Register Today! NABCEP Continuing Education Conference in San Diego March 25-28
Will you be attending the NABCEP CE Conference March 25-28? 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. More information. ABOUT THE NABCEP CE CONFERENCE: The content presented in this conference is ...
The Future is Bright for Our Youth Thanks to the Solar in the Schools Program
SEI’s Solar In the Schools (SIS) program is empowering K-12 teachers and students through renewable energy training, both online and in-person through experiential learning. This year, the program delivered hands-on learning presentations and training to over 800 students! With two focuses of the program, one aligned with younger students (K-8), and the other aimed at highschoolers, the program is having an impact across ...
A Life-changing Experience with Solar Education: Anaide’s Story
Solar Installation and Project Development is still a male-dominated sector of the solar industry, with just 27.8% of workers identifying as female. But through your support, SEI is changing that narrative by offering life-changing trainings and resources to women entering the solar workforce. Not only are we narrowing the gender gap and shifting the statistics, but we are empowering women to take a ...
Hispanic and Latinx’s Impact on the Future Solar Workforce
SEI has been training Spanish speakers worldwide since 2014, with over 15,000 people taking part in our program - and we're still counting! While the success of this milestone is meaningful to us and our longtime U.S. & Latin America partners, how does Hispanic and Latinx participation impact the solar workforce at large? Hispanics and Latinxs projected to represent 78% of new U.S. net workers ...
2022 Milestones and Empowering our Future
From all of us here at Solar Energy International (SEI), we want to say a big thank you for your support through tuition payments, partnerships, and donations! With your help, 2022 has been a year of growth towards our goal of empowering students, alumni and partners to build a well-trained solar workforce. Some 2022 highlights include: Students Trained In Scholarship Funds ...
SEI and AES Launch Solar Workforce Development Program for Colorado Residents
Solar Energy International (SEI) and AES partner to create a solar training scholarship program that encourages participation in Colorado’s solar industry Paonia, Colo., October 10, 2022 — Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, has again collaborated with The AES Corporation, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, to extend a solar ...
Lithium Ion Battery Recycling
There has been a lot of discussion from students and instructors on SEI’s campus regarding lithium battery recycling. SEI’s Lab Manager and Instructor, Alex Jahp, was able to put together some information for our students and staff on the topic. Alex began his solar career with SEI courses in 2015 and now, as the Paonia Lab Manager, we all benefit from his continual learning and ...
Red Cloud Renewable (RCR), Solar Energy International (SEI), and Remote Energy (RE) announce continued partnership with All Points North Foundation through the Tribal Train the Trainer (T4) Program
Native Americans Embrace the Sun A New Way to Honor the Old Ways ### This program has been made possible through the generous support of All Points North Foundation, The Turner Foundation, In Our Hands, the Carolyn Foundation and many individual contributors to Red Cloud Renewable. For more information, contact Richard Fox at richard@redcloudrenewable.org or (970) 391-0148. www.redcloudrenewable.org ### Pine Ridge, South Dakota (July ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems Invest in Industry’s Future, Award Solar Training Scholarships
Scholarship targets industry entrants needing an economic hand up, applications for second round still open SANTA FE, New Mexico – June 25, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC (BayWa r.e.) today announced they have selected the first five recipients of solar training scholarships from the BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund. The $10,000 scholarship fund was created earlier this year ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces new Duke Energy Renewables Scholarship
Duke Energy Renewables provides $10,000 to jump-start job readiness in U.S. commercial solar energy industry Funds will be used to support Solar Energy International’s education scholarship program CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy Renewables and Solar Energy International (SEI) today announced their partnership to provide a scholarship fund to assist Americans who have experienced recent job displacement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship fund will award ...
Donate to Solar Energy International (SEI) through your 2019 Colorado tax return
Solar Energy International (SEI) could benefit from new state income tax refund donation option. This year, Coloradans will have a chance to donate from their state income tax refund to a local nonprofit they trust. Through the new Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit program, taxpayers can choose to support any eligible Colorado-registered charity with a simple designation on their state income tax return. Previously, taxpayers ...
SEI’s Solar In the Schools (SIS) outreach program hosts its sixth Solar Lab Days for Delta County 8th graders
This week SEI's Solar In the Schools (SIS) outreach program hosted its sixth Solar Lab Days for Delta County 8th grade students. Due to weather 3 of the 4 middle schools were able to participate. Over two days 160 students spent the day at SEI’s campus rotating through hands-on energy labs which included lessons and activities in energy efficiency, climate change, solar site analysis, testing properties of ...
Footprint Project empowering communities in Puerto Rico with SEI solar education
Footprint Project used Solar Energy International (SEI) curriculum to train workers from Puerto Rico communities in the design and installation of a 2.5KW PV battery system, to help with Mutual Aid Disaster Relief efforts after hurricane Maria. We talked with the Founder and Director of Footprint Project, William Heegaard to learn more about the experience and their future efforts on the island. Can you tell ...
FIMER supports Solar Energy International (SEI) through Industry Sponsorship
FIMER’s generous donations over the next 3 years will help SEI realize their vision of building a global solar energy workforce. PAONIA, CO. , JUNE 5, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce its collaboration with FIMER as a watt-level industry sponsor through SEI’s Industry Sponsorship Program. FIMER’s generous contributions will help cover SEI’s general operating expenses to facilitate the building of ...
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 ...
Red Cloud Renewable (RCR), Solar Energy International (SEI), and Remote Energy (RE) announce continued partnership with All Points North Foundation through the Tribal Train the Trainer (T4) Program
Native Americans Embrace the Sun A New Way to Honor the Old Ways ### This program has been made possible through the generous support of All Points North Foundation, The Turner Foundation, In Our Hands, the Carolyn Foundation and many individual contributors to Red Cloud Renewable. For more information, contact Richard Fox at richard@redcloudrenewable.org or (970) 391-0148. www.redcloudrenewable.org ### Pine Ridge, South Dakota (July ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems Invest in Industry’s Future, Award Solar Training Scholarships
Scholarship targets industry entrants needing an economic hand up, applications for second round still open SANTA FE, New Mexico – June 25, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC (BayWa r.e.) today announced they have selected the first five recipients of solar training scholarships from the BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund. The $10,000 scholarship fund was created earlier this year ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces new Duke Energy Renewables Scholarship
Duke Energy Renewables provides $10,000 to jump-start job readiness in U.S. commercial solar energy industry Funds will be used to support Solar Energy International’s education scholarship program CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy Renewables and Solar Energy International (SEI) today announced their partnership to provide a scholarship fund to assist Americans who have experienced recent job displacement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship fund will award ...
An important message from SEI’s Executive Director
Dear SEI Solar Family, We must do better. As an organization we stand in solidarity with those fighting to end systemic racism and violence in America. We mourn George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the far too many others whose lives have been destroyed by racism. Enough is enough. We can’t all be on the front lines of the protest, but each of us ...
SEI hosting workshops and training at InterSolar 2020 North America
Between February 3-6, Solar Energy International (SEI) will be attending Intersolar North America 2020. Come and immerse yourself in our vibrant, in-depth technical training workshops, along with lively conference sessions to keep you up to speed on the latest trends and tech. On February 3, SEI will be conducting two paid workshops (see below), both of which have been approved for 4 NABCEP CE hours: ...
Intersolar North America 2020 is coming – get FREE access to the Expo Hall before Dec. 31, 2019
Intersolar North America is the premier solar event that connects innovators and decision makers in the solar + energy storage industry. With a dynamic exhibition floor and robust conference program, Intersolar North America provides business-to-business professionals a platform to advance business, expand education, and drive networking. Happening February 4-6 in San Diego, California, immerse yourself in three days of face-to-face business and networking and cutting-edge technical ...
SEI participates in first three-day Solar Industry Readiness Training pilot to Oregon Tradeswomen’s Environmental Workers Training program
From Oct 21-23rd, Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA), Solar Energy International (SEI), Energy Trust of Oregon and Remote Energy presented the first three-day Solar Industry Readiness Training pilot to Oregon Tradeswomen's Environmental Workers Training program students. Clackamas Community College Renewable Energy Program donated their new outdoor lab training facilities so students could experience classroom and hands-on training. Sunbridge Solar volunteered to host students at ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) awarded grant from the Western Colorado Community Foundation for sustainability upgrades on campus
The $5k prize will go toward a greener educational experience at SEI’s Paonia headquarters Paonia, CO– Solar Energy International (SEI) was chosen as a recipient of Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF)’s 2019 Environment grant, and the $5,000 will be put toward “reduce, reuse and recycle” efforts in their Paonia-based industry-leading lab yard. SEI is one of the longest running and most widely recognized technical solar ...
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 ...
Media Queries
For general press inquiries, please contact us. Explore SEI’s Media Kit and Brand Guidelines.
Solar Energy International expanding online solar training during pandemic
Solar training organization Solar Energy International is postponing all in-person training that was scheduled for March through May, but will have an expanded focus and training options through the SEI Online Campus during that time. “We wanted to reach out to all of our students, alumni, employers and supporters to let you know SEI is open for business and that we are pushing forward ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) recognized by Clinton Foundation for Solar Workforce Training in Latin America
Puerto Rico, February 19, 2020 - Solar Energy International (SEI) was recognized as an exemplary commitment maker by Secretary Hillary Clinton during the Clinton Foundation CGI Action Network on Post-Disaster Recovery event in Puerto Rico. Matthew Harris, SEI’s Spanish Program Business Development Director, represented SEI’s partnership with Bosque Modelo on the Work-Based Training for Women in Renewable Energy commitment to action. [yotuwp type="videos" id="LiSi-WxzvHU" column="1" ...
Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Programa Hispano Alumni Spotlight: Natalia Gómez
Natalia Gómez came to Solar Energy International (SEI) to attend hands-on solar installer training as a part of SEI’s Programa Hispano. She travelled to SEI’s Paonia, CO training facility from Bogotá, Colombia to complete FV201L, a hands-on, lab-based course in grid-tied, residential photovoltaic systems taught entirely in Spanish. She hopes to bring more renewable energy back to Colombia through her education at SEI. In her ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Spanish Program Job Opportunity – Marketing and Communications Assistant
SEI is excited to be hiring a NEW position to our growing Spanish training program. The Spanish Program at SEI was founded in 2013 to provide solar PV training for Spanish speakers within and outside the US, namely Latin America. The SEI Marketing and Communications Associate (MCA) is responsible for implementing the strategy around the messaging and marketing of SEI’s Spanish Program. Through working with ...
Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Spanish Program Completes Solar Installer Training Lab Week
Solar Energy International’s Programa Hispano (Spanish Program) welcomed thirteen students from all over Latin America to SEI’s solar training facility in Paonia, Colorado. The students came to SEI to attend “FV201L: Laboratorio Fotovoltaico de Sistemas Conectados a la Red- Práctico or Grid-Direct Photovoltaic Systems Laboratory. The class was taught entirely in Spanish by SEI instructors Brad Burkhartzmeyer and Chris Brooks, and assisted by the Spanish ...
The Chile Blog (En Español e Inglés)
December 8, 2015; System Commissioning Today was a great day under the sun. We completed the first round of system installs, commissioned and connected to the grid. It was a wonderful sense of accomplishment for the students as they continue to apply what they learned in the classroom. Tomorrow we will rotate groups and do it all over gain. I leave you with some pictures ...
¡Solar Energy International Seleccionado por el Gobierno de Chile para Capacitaciones Técnicos Solares!
La semana pasada la Presidente de Chile, Michelle Bachelet, anunció el programa “Becas Capital Humano,” un programa que capacitará a 150 técnicos/profesionales de Chile entre noviembre de 2015 y abril de 2016. El programa es apoyado por la Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO), una organización del gobierno de Chile dedicada a mejorar la competitividad productiva del país a través de la innovación. Las ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Selected by Chilean Government for Technical Solar Training
¡The President of Chile announces the program “Scholarships for Human Capital,” solar workshops for 150 Chileans, lead by SEI! Last week the President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, announced the program “Scholarships for Human Capital,” a program that will train 150 professionals from Chile between November of 2015 and April of 2016. The program is made possible by the Corporation of Production Development (CORFO), a governmental ...
The Nexus between Energy and Food
How can we build equitable food and energy systems that improve environmental conditions? In the podcast episode “Energy and Food Nexus”, guests Mary Marshall (SEI's Solar Forward program) and Pete Kolbenschlag (Colorado Farm and Food Alliance) share about how to improve our energy and food systems. A common characteristic of the energy and food system is the need for efficiency. The steps required ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Colorado Mountain Town Counts on Solar for Resiliency amid COVID Concerns
Solar Energy International’s Solar Forward program adapts the Solarize model with an off-grid program CRESTONE, CO - When March 2020 hit, rural, isolated communities did not have the luxury of being shocked by the COVID-19 pandemic - they had to take action immediately. And with the imminent threat of climate-change related natural disaster, under-resourced communities recognize COVID-19 as being only the beginning of what to ...
Resiliency needed now more than ever: Let’s keep pushing Solar Forward
As COVID-19 continues to have a sweeping impact across the solar industry and local economies, how can we support sustainability and economic resilience? Solar Energy International (SEI)’s Solar Forward program is continuing full-speed ahead with efforts to help rural communities kickstart solar markets, an effort that remains critical throughout these unprecedented times. Our New Reality Last year the solar industry employed 250,000 people in ...
SEI 15th Annual Instructor and Staff Training Week
This month SEI celebrated our 15th Annual Instructor and Staff Training Week. During this dedicated time, the brightest solar minds in the industry gathered to share knowledge, best practices, unique experiences, and good times! This year speakers included: Ken Gardner, SEI’s Board President presented the latest and greatest tips and tricks for installation. SEI instructor Zeke Yewdall gave a presentation focused on large off-grid ...
AltEnergyMag: Solar Forward to Assist Eagle County with Community Effort in Solarize Campaign
Solar Energy International (SEI)'s outreach program, Solar Forward anticipates a successful Eagle County program in 2022 after learning about the community's goals and broad stakeholder support. Eagle County, like many mountain towns, is seeking thoughtful solutions to mitigating their carbon footprint and is now making a holistic solar campaign, like Solar Forward, a part of that conversation. Solar Forward will help Eagle County promote ...
Solar Panel Protection from Critters
OVERVIEW Pesky rodents can cause major issues in any solar system. In this informative article, Trevor Schwartz, SEI alumni and Field Service Technician at StraightUp Solar, shares his expertise on solar panel protection from critters "I was documenting much of my work on the roof as a Service Tech and soon realized that squirrels are one of our main issues in the Service ...
Elizabeth Sanderson, SEI’s Executive Director, elected as new board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
PAONIA, CO. – Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce that Elizabeth Sanderson, SEI’s Executive Director, was recently elected as a board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Sanderson is one of fifteen other newly elected SEIA board members and division chairs that will serve for a two-year term, helping SEIA advance strong policies at the state and federal levels to ensure open, competitive ...
SEI’s Latin America Business Development Director shares in a discussion on Building the Workforce of the Future
How can we build the robust, resilient workforce necessary for a regenerative future? Matthew Harris, SEI’s Latin America Business Development Director, shares in a discussion on Building the Workforce of the Future. Play the video above to learn how SEI is approaching the demand for solar workers, if we are on track with estimates, and what can be done to diversify the solar ...
This university’s two year master’s program incorporates SEI solar training into its curriculum and offers $10k in fellowship funds
Are you interested in being part of the global energy transition to renewables and participating in a two-year masters’ program? Western Colorado University’s Master in Environmental Management (MEM) has partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI) to create a master in environmental management degree that integrates SEI training with MEM program courses for students interested in doing their 600+ hour second year project ...