SEI Blog2022-02-14T10:53:44-07:00

NEWS

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 ...

How Inverters Work: A Guide to Understanding Power Inversion

Discover the inner workings of power inversion and how inverters play a crucial role in converting DC to AC power. The Basics of Power Inversion Power inversion is the process of converting direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power. This is necessary because most electronic devices and appliances in our homes and businesses run on AC power. In ...

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 ...

Maximizing PV Module Efficiency: Tips and Tricks

Uncover key factors that impact the performance of PV modules and learn useful techniques to optimize their efficiency. Temperature Affects Efficiency Temperature plays a crucial role in the efficiency of PV modules. High temperatures can negatively impact the performance of solar panels, reducing their efficiency and power output. When the temperature of the PV module increases, the electrical ...

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 ...

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 ...

Alumni Highlight: Roger, a retired energy engineer, learns solar

After spending 27 years working for an energy company, Roger had finally retired - but his passion for learning something new hadn’t. Working in the fossil fuel industry had revealed just how necessary electrical generation and use changes were, and Roger was convinced there was a better way to do things. But at 65 years old, what can you really do? Being no stranger ...

SEI alumni Jorge Fernández, a solar revolutionary in Mexico

The PV industry in Latin America is largely made up of professionals seeking training to transition from other careers to become solar energy professionals. Jorge Luis Fernández Gómez is part of a small segment that, since the beginning, has always aligned his career with renewable energy, laying a solid foundation by getting involved in the development and healthy growth of the solar industry in Mexico. ...

Alumni Highlight: Suzanne’s new solar perspective

Suzanne had never really thought about solar energy until about two years ago, when she met a gentleman who was eager to share the advantages of solar energy and the ease of installation with her. Not long after, Suzanne found herself ordering a complete grid-tied solar system online with the information he had provided for her. Once the system arrived, and after watching a ...

Alumni Highlight: Max Hupertz, United Renewable Energy LLC

At Solar Energy International (SEI) we are thankful for and enjoy getting feedback from alumni, often informing us what they are up to as they move forward with their careers in the field. Max Hupertz, a recent graduate of SEI, is currently employed by United Renewable Energy LLC, where he is managing the construction of utility scale solar fields (ground-mount). He loves his job, saying ...

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 ...

How Inverters Work: A Guide to Understanding Power Inversion

Discover the inner workings of power inversion and how inverters play a crucial role in converting DC to AC power. The Basics of Power Inversion Power inversion is the process of converting direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power. This is necessary because most electronic devices and appliances in our homes and businesses run on AC power. In ...

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 ...

Maximizing PV Module Efficiency: Tips and Tricks

Uncover key factors that impact the performance of PV modules and learn useful techniques to optimize their efficiency. Temperature Affects Efficiency Temperature plays a crucial role in the efficiency of PV modules. High temperatures can negatively impact the performance of solar panels, reducing their efficiency and power output. When the temperature of the PV module increases, the electrical ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Solar Energy International Announces New Scholarship Opportunity for Women

Paonia, CO., October 11, 2022 –  Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today a new scholarship that empowers women from all over the world with solar energy training and professional development through the SEI Women in Solar Power program. The program aims to further bolster the growing network of women who are pursuing career pathways in the solar energy sector and support solar professionals actively ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Solar Energy International Secures Scholarship Funding, Now Enrolling for Women Training Women Program October 2022

SOLV Energy invests in a more diverse solar future through scholarship funds Solar Energy International (SEI), the world’s leading renewable energy technical training and education provider, today announced it has secured scholarship funding for its new SEI Women in Solar Power program. The SEI Women in Solar Power program was created to empower women (and anyone who identifies as such in a significant way) world-wide ...

SEI Announces Solar Workforce Training Program for Utah Residents

AES to provide scholarships to support the initiative Paonia, Colo., February 10, 2022 — AES, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, has collaborated with Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, announcing today their new partnership to provide solar workforce development services in Utah. The partnership includes two elements: a scholarship ...

Solar Energy International and Mayfield Renewables Team Up to Offer Online Energy Storage Training

PAONIA, CO. - The cooperative relationship between Solar Energy International (SEI), the industry-leading training organization for solar professionals, and PV design firm Mayfield Renewables goes back decades. In January 2022, the two organizations will start a new collaborative chapter by hosting two training courses developed by Mayfield Renewables on SEI’s online educational platform. The launch represents their first official educational collaboration. SEI’s Executive Director, ...

SEI expands contract training, curriculum licensing, and workforce development with new organizational role

Solar Energy International is excited to announce the promotion of Will White to Director of Business Development. In this new role, he will be focusing on expanding the reach of our contract training, curriculum licensing, and workforce development initiatives. He will be concentrating on the English-Speaking Americas, including the United States, Canada, and English-speaking Caribbean nations. SEI offers custom in-person courses, practical hands-on workshops and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Media Queries

For general press inquiries, please contact us. Explore SEI’s Media Kit and Brand Guidelines.

SolarReviews: “Now is the time” to pursue training in solar energy

SolarReviews interviews two SEI students on how they have transformed their professional careers while contributing to a more sustainable future. They share their experiences in the program and how it helped them become experts in solar energy. If you are interested in a career in renewable energy, don't miss out on this inspiring interview! Click here to read article. 

Grist: Solar power’s continued success rests on diversifying its workforce

Meeting projected demand will require a far larger pool of installers and technicians. Employing women and people of color is the industry's best chance to achieve that. I’ve been working in the solar industry across three continents for nearly 20 years. I’ve been a part of community installations, and I’ve supported women in the remote Indian islands of Sundarbans as they’ve expanded their solar charging ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

SEI alumni Jorge Fernández, a solar revolutionary in Mexico

The PV industry in Latin America is largely made up of professionals seeking training to transition from other careers to become solar energy professionals. Jorge Luis Fernández Gómez is part of a small segment that, since the beginning, has always aligned his career with renewable energy, laying a solid foundation by getting involved in the development and healthy growth of the solar industry in Mexico. ...

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 ...

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 ...

SEI supporting EWB solar project to improve water system in orphanage and boarding school Wema Centre in Kenya

Karo Fernandez, SEI Curriculum Developer and Technical Instructor, traveled to the Wema Children's Centre in Bukembe, Kenya volunteering for Engineers Without Borders Chicagoland Professional Chapter to support improvement efforts for the electrical and water pumping systems. This included solar site assessment and power calculations to shift the existing electrical water pump, currently not operating due to grid failure, to a solar powered system. Additionally, she assessed the ...

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 ...

Webinar to present new financing options from Colorado’s green bank, CCEF

SEI’s Solar Forward is collaborating with the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to present Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)’s latest financing products Paonia, CO- Colorado’s first green bank, Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) began in 2021 developing products for difficult-to-finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, like small commercial solar installations and for borrowers without competitive credit or access to capital. Green banks like CCEF specialize ...

Solar Forward Summer Wrap-up

In its seventh year, the Solar Forward Program is wrapping up its summer programs with many successes from community coordinators. So far this year Solar Forward has worked with four communities: San Miguel County for education and outreach in partnership with the non-profit Solar United Neighbors; Grand County as a consultant for a for-profit solar company, Active Energies Solutions; and advising two communities on implementing ...

What the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” Means for Solar

By now you have heard way too much about the momentous Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) being signed into law by President Biden. While this important legislation assists with health care costs and implements tax reform to address the deficit, what Solar Forward is most interested in is what this legislation means for energy. Highlights of the IRA Energy Incentives: 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on ...

SEI’s Solar Forward Program has developed an online Resource Center for program participants

The Solar Forward outreach program has created an information clearinghouse and forum for community partners Paonia, CO - The outreach program, Solar Forward, has developed the online “Solar Forward Resource Center” for community partners to be able to access marketing and training resources, receive updates from Solar Forward about sustainability and renewable energy funding sources, and communicate with other Solar Forward communities through an online ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Shining Women of SEI

In celebration of Women's Day this month, we highlight the amazing women that make SEI shine everyday by expressing, through our own words, how these women inspire us everyday on the job. Amanda is eternally positive and helpful, with a knack for musical wordplay. Willing to go above and beyond to solve challenges, to help others. Amanda is the glue that keeps us ...

SolarReviews: “Now is the time” to pursue training in solar energy

SolarReviews interviews two SEI students on how they have transformed their professional careers while contributing to a more sustainable future. They share their experiences in the program and how it helped them become experts in solar energy. If you are interested in a career in renewable energy, don't miss out on this inspiring interview! Click here to read article. 

Working Safe in Solar: Your Tools Matter – Get 15% Off Fluke Tools

Working in solar can be both exciting and rewarding, but risks can loom large. While SEI strives to equip you with safety-minded education, the tools you use in the field play a vital role in your safety as well. To better protect yourself while working in potentially hazardous environments, SEI is proudly partnering with Fluke to offer you 15% OFF their industry-leading ...