Eco-campus

In 2005, SEI began the process of turning a long-term dream into reality - to construct a state-of-the-art renewable energy education facility on seven beautiful acres of land in Paonia, Colorado.

Our long-range goal is ambitious - to create a renewable energy Eco-campus capable of greatly expanding SEI's ability to teach hands-on workshops using a range of teaching environments specially constructed to offer the best possible experiences. With the Eco-campus, we're taking hands-on training in renewable energy to a whole new level.

While the 'finished product' may still be some years away, we've already hosted many hands-on workshops here, from Photovoltaics to Wind Power to Natural Building. In the  PV Lab Yard facility, participants work on all aspects of the lab systems, not just a solar array or battery bank. Small student groups rotate from component to component and tear-down, dissect, and re-install lab-based systems. From detailed solar site analysis to conduit sizing, SEI participants now have the opportunity to do it all.

In 2007, SEI installed an ARE 110 Wind Generator atop a 106-foot-tall tilt-up tower at the lab facility which allowed us to power electrify our Paonia office using 100% renewable energy. Additionally, the lab facility contains PV systems, a solar hot water system, solar hot air system, and low head, high flow micro-hydro system. The SEI Natural Building Program contributed as well, with a new straw bale shed and cob bench for the PV Lab Yard. We look forward to more fun and exciting projects as we evolve our facilities into the envisioned Eco-campus in the years to come.

SEI's Lab Facility offers students an unparalleled opportunity to practice what they've learned in the classroom. Eventually, the campus will also offer students the opportunity to stay in a sustainable setting on-site, reducing the cost of paying for outside accommodations and permitting more people to participate in SEI curriculum.

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