NEWS
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 ...
New report sheds light on the solarize, group buy model
A new report “The Solarize Model: A Synthesis from across the United States” from SEI discusses how the model is being employed at different scales Paonia, CO- The year was 2009 and a group of enterprising neighbors in a Portland neighborhood knew that they wanted to be able to produce their own electricity via rooftop solar and that they had power in numbers. ...
SEI and AES Launch Solar Workforce Development Program for New Mexico Residents
In partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI), AES supports solar scholarship program to stimulate local participation in New Mexico’s solar industry Paonia, Colo., July 26, 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 expand a solar ...
SEI is hosting multiple technical training seminars at RE+
Many of SEI’s team members will be attending and teaching at this year’s RE+ Conference (former SPI)! Join us in Anaheim between September 19-22, where you can connect with North American solar industry professionals and vendors as they share the latest insights impacting your business and showcase the newest products and services in the industry. RE+ gives you access to an attendee-base that represents over ...
Utah Solar Career Training Program Scholarship Launched by Solar Energy International (SEI) and AES
AES, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, recently partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, to provide solar workforce development services in Utah. SEI's training program prepares people for a career in the clean energy sector with a focus on solar photovoltaic (electrical) technologies. With over 30 years of ...
Zero Mass Water system wows students and Solar Fair attendees
SEI would like to send a big shout out to Zero Mass Water for taking water vapor in the air and condensing it to a drinkable form! Recently, SEI, through a generous donation by board member and instructor Ken Gardner, acquired a Zero Mass Water unit that with the aid of PV can take everyday air and change it to very drinkable water. The unit ...
NEW: SEI merch! Represent SEI out in the field or during your favorite summer activities
SEI has a lot in store for the busy summer class season. Seriously, check out all of the new products we’re offering in our online store and our student shop in Paonia, Colorado! Have you ever wished you could take SEI out into the field with you after training? Now you can! SEI now has a new line of construction gear: safety glasses, vests, wind-resistant ...
Paradise Energy Solutions Selects Solar Energy International as Training Partner
We are excited to announce Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC has chosen Solar Energy International (SEI) as their official training partner! Through this partnership we're offering discounts on PV and FV courses to employees at Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC. Whether you're just starting out in the industry, or have been in solar for years, SEI's industry-leading solar training has something for everyone. With class topics ranging from solar ...
You won’t want to miss this! What makes SEI’s campus in Paonia, Colorado so special? [VIDEO]
https://youtu.be/IUQm6qTUP5w The sky is speckled with stars as far as the eye can see as you sit around a roaring campfire, ukulele and laughter abound in the background as tent flaps ripple in the wind, the moon’s distorted reflection stares back at you from a solar panel--no, you are not at summer camp (although it feels like it), you are at Solar Energy International ...
Would you walk a mile for water?
“Before going to school, her children would have to walk a mile each morning to fetch water for daily use. They would be late for school and were often punished for being tardy.” Solar Energy International alum Bilal Ahmed believes that everyone deserves access to clean water. A trained physician, Bilal took SEI classes so he could use solar energy as a tool to provide ...
Lighting the fire: A message from SEI Alumni Bilal Ahmed
Schools in rural Pakistan face energy poverty every day. Many have no, or very limited access to electricity. SEI Alum (years ’10, ’11, ’15), Bilal Ahmed, aims to change that. Bilal first came to us when he was a practicing physician in Bismarck, ND. However, his real passion is setting up solar PV powered wells in drought-stricken areas of Pakistan and powering small village schools. ...
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 ...
FREE Webinar on Drones, 3D Mapping and LiDAR on April 22nd!
SEI is partnering with Scanifly to offer a first time ever course on Drones, 3D Mapping and LiDAR. Attendees of this FREE 90 minute webinar can expect to learn everything about using drones for project development purposes: what drone to buy, how to fly drones, best practices for building an in-house or third party drone team, how to incorporate drones into onsite assessments, and what benefits drones will have to ...
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 ...
SEI partners with Kenneth King to provide scholarships
Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity provided by the Kenneth King Foundation. Established in 1990, the Kenneth King Foundation is a private, grantmaking organization. Located in Denver, Colorado, the Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate and expand the humanitarian principles developed by their late founder Kenneth King. Today, they support organizations that provide basic needs, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship. ...
Response to COVID-19: SEI launches Global Solar Connection Initiative
Greetings from Solar Energy International (SEI)! During these challenging times as a global community combating the COVID-19 outbreak, we are facing an unprecedented battle. 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 with our mission. SEI is here to serve the world to provide ...
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’s local solar initiative, Solarize, concludes with over 400kW of solar installed in Delta County
Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Solarize Delta County Farms has officially come to a close, and the cumulative success of all three Solarize campaigns can finally be revealed. The final results are: nearly 60 new solar installs equaling over 400kW, nine new jobs, and over $1.5 million invested by community members in solar energy in Delta County! Solarize is an outreach model that includes a driving ...
GRID Alternatives Colorado and Solar Energy International Empower Women in Solar
Last month, GRID Alternatives Colorado (GRID) and Solar Energy International (SEI) joined together to engage more women in the solar industry. Both GRID and SEI recognize that women continue to be underrepresented in the solar workforce and are committed to developing and leading job training programs that provide women with pathways to access technical careers in the solar industry. In August, SEI and GRID kicked ...
SEI Family Mourns the Tragic Death of Instructor Mike Sullivan
We are deeply saddened and stunned by the unexpected death of SEI Instructor Mike Sullivan. Since 2009, Mike taught over 40 classes and over 1000 students through both online and in-person trainings. Mike died on Monday in a climbing accident on Steeple Peak area of the Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming. Mike was a living legend at SEI because of how fully he lived ...
Delta-Montrose Electric Association and SEI Bolster Solar in the Schools Program
Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Solar in the Schools program secured solid funding this month, when Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) committed $150,000 to the program. DMEA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously at their regular May board meeting to funnel $150,000 from the co-op’s Unclaimed Capital Credit fund to support the installation of solar electric systems at five high schools within DMEA’s service territory. Where does DMEA’s ...
Sudanese Student Invigorates SEI’s Mission
It is stories like the one of Eissa Ali, that galvanize the work of SEI. Eissa is from Khartoum, Sudan where he and his wife are raising two children. His background is in electrical engineering and he’s built a career in the green building industry. He is a talented professional who will do great things with SEI’s solar training. He is also someone who would ...
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 ...
SEI Kicks Off Another Session of Solar Ready Vets Solar Training at Ft. Carson – Colorado
Congratulations to the 25 transitioning soldiers and vets who began SEI's Solar Ready Vets at Ft. Carson earlier this month. This is an intensive 5 week training program sponsored by the Department of Energy. Though this photo was shot in the classroom, over 50% of the class is hands-on. The class is being taught by Brian Mehalic and Tom Honey, who is a Navy vet. ...
A Community In Transition: SEI’s solar PV training offered at local High School
There are 13 students at Paonia High School at the fore-front of the growing applications of renewable energy production in Colorado’s North Fork Valley; Paonia, CO. These inquisitive high school students are exploring the nationally-growing industry of solar PV. Paonia Colorado, known for its roots in agriculture and coal mining is the home of Solar Energy International (SEI). SEI is committed to an innovative future ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Graduates First U.S. Army Cohort of Solar Ready Vets from Ft. Carson
Congratulations to the newest 23 graduates of the Solar Ready Vets program! This most recent training event, led by SEI, was held at the Ft. Carson Army Base near Colorado Springs. These transitioning service members and vets participated in six intensive weeks of training and progressed from the basics of electricity, to the fundamentals of grid-tied PV design and installation. They learned not just how ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Launches Solarize North Fork Valley Colorado – Buy Together. Save Together.
On May 1, Solar Energy International (SEI) will be launching the Solarize North Fork Valley program, a 3 month energy efficiency and solar educational campaign in the North Fork Valley (Paonia, Hotchkiss & Crawford) running from May 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015. Check out the details on our website: https://www.solarenergy.org/solarize-north-fork/ Events: May 1, 2015 Paonia Launch Event - Western Colorado Solar Fair (Open and ...
Earth Day 2015 News: Solar Energy International (SEI) Announces Scholarship Photo Contest
To celebrate Earth Day 2015, Solar Energy International (SEI) has announced a photo contest where the winner will win a $795 SEI Online Campus scholarship! To enter the scholarship contest, just snap a photo or selfie of something you or your family or your business or your school or your organization are doing to promote a more sustainable future for the planet Earth. Tag your ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Celebrates the Week of Earth Day with Training Events and 40,000+ Alumni Milestone
Solar Energy International (SEI) celebrates the week of Earth Day 2015 with the kick off of our 2015 hands-on lab training season and online course sessions starting today - April 20th. Furthermore, SEI is celebrating a milestone this year of training over 40,000 students and alumni world-wide. Hundreds of students from all over the world have registered for this week's hands-on lab training season kick ...
Media Queries
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From the Biopharmaceutical industry to teaching solar to kindergarteners – the path of an SEI alumnus
Saul Gonzalez Mendoza is an SEI alumnus from Puerto Rico. With no previous background in solar, Saul completed two SEI Certificate Programs (in both english and spanish) and is finishing his third one. He also earned his NABCEP associate credentials. Highlights of his solar journey include working on Footprint Project solar installations alongside of communities that helped energize areas most affected by hurricane Maria, becoming ...
Kathy Swartz, SEI’s Executive Director, elected as new board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
PAONIA, CO. – Solar Energy International (SEI) is thrilled to announce that Kathy Swartz, SEI’s Executive Director, was recently elected as a board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Swartz is one of four other newly elected at-large SEIA members that will serve for a two-year tenure, helping SEIA create strategies that facilitate growing tax and trade policies, strong state solar markets and secure ...
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’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 ...
SEI Team Member, Bertram Peterson helped solar power a refugee camp in Greece
Bertram Peterson, SEI Spanish Program Curriculum Translator and Developer, recently participated on an installation of 24 kw interconnected PV systems in a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece. "In order to improve the living conditions in the camp, I joined a team from TU Delft to found Energy for Refugees, an NGO that aims to provide energy to those who need it most. With a couple ...
First cohort of 13 women graduated using SEI’s curriculum in Puerto Rico Model Forest
On Saturday July 13th, Bosque Modelo graduated its first cohort of 13 women from 9 municipalities in the western highlands of Puerto Rico. The graduating women participated in (15) 6-hour weekly training sessions using Solar Energy International's (FV101) Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct) and (FV203) PV System Fundamentals (Battery-Based) spanish curriculum. In addition, the women participated in 6 supervised, practice community installations in residential and ...