SOLAR ENERGY NEWS & TECHNICAL INSIGHTS
Why Hands-On Training Matters in Solar Education
Today's solar training programs vary widely in quality and depth, with many providers offering online learning that has made technical education more accessible than ever—and that's a good thing. But the quality of a training program is often closely tied to how well it reflects the realities of today's solar work. The best programs are built by people who truly understand the field, and ...
Why We Redesigned Our Foundational Solar Course, PVOL101
It may sound obvious, but vocational training should reflect the industry it prepares you for. Doing so requires real knowledge and commitment — knowing what is actually happening in the industry and having the ability to act on it. Courses age, content needs refreshing, and technology shifts. At SEI, keeping pace with solar is not just a nice thought. It is an ongoing responsibility, ...
SEI Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2026 with a New Way Into the Trades
Every April, the United States celebrates registered apprenticeship. This year's theme, America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship, puts a spotlight on one question the clean energy industry can't ignore: how do we get enough trained, credentialed workers into the field to meet demand? Solar Energy International has an answer. A New On-Ramp to the Trades This year, SEI launched the ...
From SEI Student to Tribal Solar Trainer: The Story of Marie Kills Warrior
Marie Kills Warrior took her first SEI course in 2017. She was sponsored through SEI's Native American Program, an initiative that Johnny Weiss championed with particular conviction. She has returned to campus several times since. Today, she is one of the people building the workforce pipeline that Indian Country's energy future depends on. Marie is Oglala Lakota and lives in Kyle, South Dakota, on the ...
Quantifying Sunlight for PV System Design
Getting the most out of solar starts with knowing your sun. With its intensity varying by location, time of day, and season, learning to measure and quantify available sunlight is the starting point for any good PV system design that aims to maximize energy production. In this article, we go over a few key concepts and measurements that will help you understand what drives ...
Making the Most of Residential Solar Sales Site Visits
A successful career in solar sales requires more than just product knowledge. It demands an understanding of electrical systems in order to assess a site accurately, plus strong interpersonal skills to communicate with the customer. This combination of technical skills and soft skills separates strong salespeople from the rest. Look and Listen The primary goal during most residential solar site visits is ...
From SEI Student to Tribal Solar Trainer: The Story of Marie Kills Warrior
Marie Kills Warrior took her first SEI course in 2017. She was sponsored through SEI's Native American Program, an initiative that Johnny Weiss championed with particular conviction. She has returned to campus several times since. Today, she is one of the people building the workforce pipeline that Indian Country's energy future depends on. Marie is Oglala Lakota and lives in Kyle, South Dakota, on the ...
Alumni Highlight: Upskilling Can Turn Dreams Into Reality
At SEI, we are privileged to train a diverse group of solar learners annually, each with varying levels of knowledge. While some students seek solar education to break into the industry, we also work with professionals already in the field who are eager to enhance their expertise. One such learner is Thomas Nielson, a Utah resident with a background in physics, who has spent his ...
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 ...
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. ...
Quantifying Sunlight for PV System Design
Getting the most out of solar starts with knowing your sun. With its intensity varying by location, time of day, and season, learning to measure and quantify available sunlight is the starting point for any good PV system design that aims to maximize energy production. In this article, we go over a few key concepts and measurements that will help you understand what drives ...
Making the Most of Residential Solar Sales Site Visits
A successful career in solar sales requires more than just product knowledge. It demands an understanding of electrical systems in order to assess a site accurately, plus strong interpersonal skills to communicate with the customer. This combination of technical skills and soft skills separates strong salespeople from the rest. Look and Listen The primary goal during most residential solar site visits is ...
The Basics of Multi-Mode Solar
The renewable energy landscape is always progressing, and one of the more exciting developments is the rise of multi-mode solar systems. Representing the cutting edge of solar technology, these systems offer flexibility and reliability for homeowners and businesses alike. What Makes Multi-Mode Systems Special? Multi-mode solar systems are the Swiss Army knives of the solar world—versatile, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes ...
Overview: Tools & Techniques for PV System Operations & Maintenance
Operations and maintenance (O&M) is critical for keeping solar photovoltaic systems performing at their best over their lifetime. While we often think of solar as a "set it and forget it" technology, proper maintenance ensures systems meet production targets, maintain warranties, and operate safely. Why O&M Matters Proper O&M serves several key purposes for PV systems: Maximizes system availability and ...
Understanding Grid-Direct Solar Systems: Configurations and Applications
In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, grid-direct photovoltaic (PV) systems have become the most common solar installation type over the past decade. These systems offer a practical and often economical entry point into solar energy production for homes and businesses. Let's explore how these systems work, their variations, and when they might be the right choice for your renewable energy goals. ...
Understanding Current, Loads & Power Generation
When it comes to designing and installing solar electric systems, having a good grasp of the fundamentals is crucial. In this post, we'll briefly look into the types of electrical current, the various loads we need to power, and how photovoltaic (PV) modules generate electricity. This knowledge forms the foundation for determining the best PV system configuration for any given application. Types of Electrical ...
SEI Partners with Nextpower to Expand Access to Solar Careers, Empowering People and Powering the Energy Workforce of the Future
Paonia, CO — November 25, 2025 — Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Nextpower (formerly Nextracker), whose support will significantly expand SEI’s Empowerment Program scholarships—broadening access to solar energy education and career pathways for students from all backgrounds. At SEI, the mission is clear: train the global solar workforce and empower communities through high-quality, accessible renewable energy education. Nextpower’s ...
SEI & AES Launch Commercial & Large Scale Solar Training Scholarship
Solar Energy International (SEI) has partnered with AES Clean Energy Services, LLC. to power SEI's new Commercial and Large Scale Solar Training Scholarship, creating new pathways into solar careers for students nationwide. AES is committed to economic growth and education as part of their social impact mission, and SEI specializes in training the next generation of solar professionals. Together, they're creating opportunities for displaced ...
SEI Launches the Johnny Weiss Solar Energy Access for All Initiative
"The sun belongs to everyone. Solar education should too." - Johnny Weiss Today marks a significant milestone in Solar Energy International's mission to expand renewable energy education. We proudly announce the launch of the Johnny Weiss Solar Energy Access for All Initiative, a groundbreaking program that honors our co-founder's unwavering belief that renewable energy training should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. If you ...
SEI Partners with Lnotch Africa STEM Initiative to Bring Solar Education to Kenyan Schools
Solar Energy International (SEI) recently formed a new partnership with Lnotch Africa STEM Initiative to launch the "Solar in Schools – Kenya Chapter" program, bringing hands-on renewable energy education to underserved secondary schools across Kenya. Led by Lyhane Nidhamu and his team, the initiative will establish solar clubs in schools, provide comprehensive teacher training, ...
Greenbacker Partners with SEI to Advance Renewable Energy Education and Access to Solar Jobs for Vets, Others
Paonia, CO., May 27, 2025 -- Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company (Greenbacker) and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today their partnership to expand solar education opportunities and strengthen workforce development initiatives in the renewable energy sector. The collaboration, aims to enhance curriculum resources, increase educational access for veterans, and support youth engagement through SEI's Solar in the Schools program. “The collaboration between Greenbacker and SEI makes ...
REC Group Awards $25,000 for Native American Solar Training Scholarships at SEI
Paonia, CO., 2/11/2025 - Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading provider of renewable energy education, announced today that REC Group LLC has strengthened their partnership with a $25,000 contribution to expand SEI's Native American Scholarship Program, increasing access to solar energy education and career opportunities for Native American communities. The funding will allow SEI to continue to provide comprehensive support for Native American 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 ...
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 at Solarplaza Summit Asset Management North America
Solar Energy International (SEI) is heading to San Diego April 1–2, 2026, for the 12th annual Solarplaza Summit Asset Management North America—the leading conference on optimizing solar asset performance. We're bringing four hands-on training sessions designed to sharpen your O&M skills: Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Overview Build a strong foundation in the core concepts every PV O&M ...
See You at IESNA 2026 in San Diego, California
Mark your calendars for an unmissable solar industry event. We're heading to San Diego for Intersolar & Energy Storage North America from February 17-20th, 2026, bringing our expertise in renewable energy education to one of the industry's premier gatherings. Arrive a day early for our half-day technical training workshop on February 17th, designed to enhance your solar expertise with the latest insights and ...
Solar Training at The Energy Expo 2025
Solar Energy International (SEI) will be offering two technical workshops during The Energy Expo in Miami, Florida, August 20 -21, 2024. Each session will be offered in both English and Spanish, and attendees will earn NABCEP credits. These workshops are designed for industry professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and earn continuing education credits while connecting with leaders in clean energy from across the ...
Solar Training at RE+ 2025
Join us at this year's RE+ Conference for cutting-edge solar training and industry insights! Our SEI team members will be on-site to deliver comprehensive training sessions and share their deep expertise with attendees. This is your opportunity to connect with leading industry professionals and vendors while staying ahead of the latest developments in the North American solar market. Expand your knowledge base, enhance ...
Join SEI at the Solar Asset Management Conference
SEI is proud to announce our participation in the 11th edition of the Solarplaza Summit Asset Management North America, taking place in San Diego between April 23-24th, 2025. As North America's leading event for optimizing solar asset management and operations, this conference comes at a critical time for our industry. With U.S. solar capacity now exceeding 200 GW and continued growth in utility-scale ...
Join SEI at Intersolar & Energy Storage North America 2025
Mark your calendars for an unmissable solar industry event! We're heading to Intersolar & Energy Storage North America from February 25-27, 2025, bringing our expertise in renewable energy education to one of the industry's premier gatherings. Dive into our comprehensive technical training workshop (see below) designed to enhance your solar expertise. Our sessions will include learning with the latest solar O&M insights, ensuring you ...
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.
Solar Power World: Solar and storage industry players launch equitable workforce training program
A new nationwide, equitable workforce training program has officially launched, called Building Equity in Solar Training (BEST). The program will provide skills-based training and certifications needed for a successful career in solar, energy storage and EV charging. Click here to read full 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 ...
Honoring Hispanic Heritage: SEI’s Solar Program Creating Brighter Futures for Hispanic Communities
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we at Solar Energy International (SEI) are celebrating the impact of our Hispanic Program. This initiative has successfully trained and certified over 20,000 Spanish speakers in quality solar energy education. Through our program, we are not only preparing highly qualified professionals for the solar industry but also creating pathways to better-paying jobs, helping our students access more equitable and ...
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 Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 2026 with a New Way Into the Trades
Every April, the United States celebrates registered apprenticeship. This year's theme, America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship, puts a spotlight on one question the clean energy industry can't ignore: how do we get enough trained, credentialed workers into the field to meet demand? Solar Energy International has an answer. A New On-Ramp to the Trades This year, SEI launched the ...
SEI Training Now Counts Toward Licensed Electrician Apprenticeship in Colorado & Wyoming
Solar Energy International (SEI) and Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) have established a pre-apprenticeship plus agreement that creates a direct pathway from SEI's solar training into IECRM's four-year Electricians Apprenticeship Program. The partnership is, in part, a response to Colorado Senate Bill 165, which requires licensure for solar installation work, ensuring the state's renewable energy workforce meets professional credentialing standards. Career Exploration Before ...
Train with SEI at COSSA Mountain West in Denver
Join us for COSSA’s Solar Power Mountain West Installer Day on Tuesday, March 3rd! This year, SEI is bringing five high-impact training sessions to the conference, including a dedicated session on Colorado's new SB165 licensing requirements and pre-apprenticeship pathways into IECRM’s Electrician Apprenticeship Program. This is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your technical knowledge and earn NABCEP continuing education credits while connecting with the ...
SEI & Solar Tech Collective (STC) Expand Training Partnership
Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to deepen our partnership with Solar Tech Collective (STC) as we expand our continuing education offerings for the clean energy workforce. STC brings a wealth of experience to this collaboration—not only as instructors and curriculum developers for SEI’s non-profit mission, but also as trusted industry leaders shaping the future of solar education. Several members of the STC team ...
SEI Joins Global Solar Council to Standardize Worldwide Solar Training
Paonia, CO & Brussels, Belgium - October 22, 2025 – Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading non-profit organization focused on solar energy education, today announced it has joined the Global Solar Council (GSC) as a new member. This strategic move deepens SEI’s commitment to global collaboration, with a specific focus on establishing unified training standards to advance the international clean energy workforce. The partnership integrates ...
Ode to JW – Sentiments from Scott Ely
I first met Johnny in the Fall 1986 while working at Novan Energy in Boulder. One of my cohorts told me about the Solar Retrofit Program at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. So, I rode up to Glenwood with my friend to check things out. Johnny, Ken Olson and Steve McCarney immediately sold me on the renewable energy path and I was off and ...