left_shadow.jpg
banner
 

Support SEI with
Your iPad.

image003(1)
Download the Introduction to
Renewable Energy eBook
for Apple iPad
FREE


Upcoming Hands-on and Online Workshops

PV351L: PV Systems – Tools and Techniques for Operation and Maintenance Lab Week
(Grid-Direct)

Feb. 11 – Las Vegas, NV.

PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation  (Grid-Direct)
Feb. 17 – Tucson, AZ.

SHOL101:  Solar Heating Fundamentals – Online
March 10 – Online

PVOL101: Solar Electric Design and Installation  (Grid-Direct)
March 10 – Online

PVOL202: Advanced PV System Design and the NEC (Grid-Direct) – Online
March 10 – Online

PVOL203: Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based) – Online
March 10 – Online

PVOL206: Solar Business and Technical Sales
March 10 – Online

View the Full 2014
Training Schedule >>


go_pro

Solar Energy International has a strong community presence on social networks. Please consider joining these SEI groups:
 

Find us on Facebook linkedin-new
Follow us on twitter youtube-new

Your Generosity
Ensures our Success!

SEI depends on our donors to continue our educational programs.

Please join us! In 2014, we have ambitious and exciting plans to expand our Outreach Programs and reach more people than ever before. As always, we need your help to make this happen. 

Click here for details on
how to donate to SEI.

Forward this newsletter
to a friend

forward email

SEI Solar Bowl Scholarship Contest

broncos

As most of you know, SEI's campuses are located in beautiful Colorado.   Where the solar training, skiing, and Denver Broncos are awesome!  We are VERY excited about our home team going to the Super Bowl!

SEI's Chris Turek, shows his Broncos pride on the slopes of Sunlight Mountain Resort right up the mountain from the Carbondale, CO. office. GO BRONCOS!  Play Video >>
 

Guess the sum of the total points scored for both teams for a chance to win a SEI Online Campus scholarship.   We will be selecting randomly for the people (or single person) who can most accurately guess the total points scored by both teams during Super Bowl XLVIII. Just email your guess to [email protected].
 

SEI Expands Spanish Online Curriculum: Launches FV203 Prep Battery-based PV System Fundamentals

Blog_PR Banner
en Español
For over two decades Solar Energy International has provided industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to people from all around the world. Since 2008 SEI has offered its same high quality PV curriculum in Spanish to people and businesses working throughout the Americas. This past year marked a pivotal step forward for SEI's Latin American Program.

Read Matt Harris's Full Blog…
 


New SEI Online CE Course Launch 2014 National Electrical Code® and PV Systems
lab_N
It’s January, and that means the rollout of the new 53rd edition of the National Electrical Code® is in full swing. The simple fact of the matter is that in a rapidly growing industry like PV, best practices and products change quickly, and the new requirements and recommendations in the 2014 NEC® will drive them.  So whether you’re an installer, designer, manufacturer, engineer, or building official, it’s critical to stay ahead of the game.  

Read Brian Mehalic's Full Blog…
 


Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
11th International CUBA SOLAR Conference

cubascoolsolarpanels2
Eco Cuba Network invites you to participate in this exciting research delegation and conference to be held in Havana, Varadero Beach, and Pinar del Rio province.  April 17 – 27, 2014
 

This is your chance to see Cuba's remarkable achievements for yourselves! Eco Cuba Network is offering  an amazing opportunity to study renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Cuba!   We have been organizing this research tour since 1996 and have developed a rich and power-packed program, including the bi-annual Cuba Solar Conference.  If your passion is renewable and efficient energy policy and practice implemented nationwide, and you are looking for examples of models to follow, we highly recommend that you join us!

 
Click here for more information >>
or contact Laurie Guevara-Stone at [email protected]

 

SEI Travels to Tucson, AZ. for PV101
tucson 2
PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct)

If you are new to the solar industry, join SEI in Tucson, Arizona for
PV101 – Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct) February 17-21.

This five-day course will cover the fundamentals of grid-direct systems. You will see classroom theory applied as we tour PV sites at the University of Arizona and in downtown Tucson.

Course Description: This course will provide an overview of the three basic PV system applications, primarily focusing on grid-direct systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including:  system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding

More info about PV101 in Tucson, AZ…
 


SEI Travels to Las Vegas for Advanced Hands-on Lab PV351L

vegas

PV351L: PV Systems – Tools and Techniques for Operation and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct)

Solar professionals can expand their professional development by joining us in Las Vegas for our new three-day advanced training PV351L: PV Systems – Tools and Techniques for Operation and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct) February 11-13.

Officially called "Tools and Techniques for Operation and Maintenance" (unofficially dubbed the "Playing with Cool Tools class" by SEI Instructors) this class will give you hands-on experience with a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical tools.

Course Description:  Located at the Electrical JATC of Southern Nevada,  The Matt Firmenich I.B.E.W. – Local Union #357 Training Facility, this intensive, advanced training is designed for solar professionals already working in the PV industry who want to take their skills to the next level. Students in this class will learn the theory behind and gain hands-on experience with a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical tools. The class will focus on PV system operations and maintenance, performance evaluation, and troubleshooting techniques using tools such as the IV Curve Tracer, Insulation Resistance Tester, Thermal Camera, Multimeter, and Clamp-On Meter.

More info about PV351L: PV Systems – Tools and Techniques for Operation and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct)…
 


SEI Travels to Solar Middle East
SEI Middle East

SEI's PV training team travels to the Middle East to offer the world's best technical solar training.  

Designing Grid-Connect PV Systems: This workshop provides a broad yet thorough technical discussion of grid-connected PV systems. Components, sizing and production estimations, equipment selection strategies, and installation best practices will be covered by a trainer with extensive field experience designing and installing PV systems. Includes practical hands-on training.

Running alongside the world’s leading power event – Middle East Electricity, Solar Middle East provides the ideal meeting place for solar industry professionals from across the globe. With the current industry growth and expected developments in the region, Solar Middle East promises to be an essential event in the solar industry calendar.

More conference information…

 


2014 Solar Professionals Certificate Program Candidate Selection

SPCP_banner

The SEI Student Services Team is reviewing candidate applications for 2014 Solar Professionals Certificate Program (SPCP) – Apply Today!

SPCP button

Applicants should apply as soon as possible in order for SEI Student Services advisors to schedule a training advising session before the next round of prerequisite courses.
 


Work Trader Position Available at SEI!
lab_slider1
Work trader position Title:
 Summer workshop helper
Click here for application >>
 
Description   This person will assist the Paonia office manager in taking care of students and staff during the busy summer months when hands-on lab classes are offered in Paonia.  Duties include taking charge of student lounge (particularly the drink station), assisting with potlucks, helping students with use of solar ovens, running errands in town, help with recycling and composting, checking and cleaning bathrooms, data entry, mailing projects, making Records of Completion, etc.  While not working directly with PV systems, this person will have a chance to converse with instructors and students and will be working in close proximity to SEI’s hands-on PV lab.
 
Dates:  This job will require more than one work-trader. Dates are mid-April to end of September 2014.
 
Length:   This person will work 8-4 Monday-Friday. Open to flexible hours, or even working less than 8 hours per day which would enable one to work another part-time job.
 
Lead:  Chris Smith
 


SEI Alumni Interview: Whitney Painter
Buglet Solar Electric Installationboulder_crew

 

What you are currently doing in the solar industry?
We own a small PV installation business based in Golden, Buglet Solar Electric Installation. My partner, Bart Sheldrake, named the business after my childhood nickname. The two of us work together to design and install all of our systems as a team.

 
How long have you been working in the solar industry?

We started our business in 2006, and we've been grateful to stay busy since then!

 
What training did you take at SEI and how did it help advance your career?

Both of us studied at the Paonia campus; Bart took the PV Design and Installation course, and I took the same course for women. At at this moment, in preparation for NABCEP recertification, Bart is looking forward to taking several online courses as well.

 
Why are you a member of SEI?

We are honored to be part of the SEI community because our industry is underpinned by the quality and integrity of SEI's educational offerings. Additionally, SEI provides a connection point for a variety of folks passionate about solar energy across our state–and across the globe. We believe that it's important to extend the ethic of sustainability to supporting SEI, as we all benefit from the foundational presence it provides for our work over time.

If you would like to join SEI's Alumni and Friends Assocation – visit www.solarenergyalumni.org!
 


Congratulations to Jerrod Bley
Winner of SEI Alumni Essay Contest

jerrod_4

By Jerrod Bley – SEI Alumnus
I attended my first SEI class in July of 2013. It was the PVOL 101 course and I was very, very pleased with what I experienced. Since then I have attended a week long course in Paonia and recently completed another online course. Within a half year I have attended and completed three courses in all. I must say they have all been outstanding! 

What I learned through SEI is the caliber of intelligent instruction I have been looking for over the past few years. I have taken other, shorter courses in PV technologies and applications, but they never really provided the depth of instruction I was interested in. SEI has given a leg up on the PV industry and has provided me with the know-how and motivation to make me successful in the industry.

Read Jerrod's Full Blog…


 
Thank you for supporting Solar Energy International

To all Solar Energy International supporters, SEI sends thanks!

Help create a sustainable future. Please forward this e-newsletter to your friends and colleagues.

Solar Energy International – 39845 Mathews Lane • Paonia, CO 81428