INVEST

International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies

To apply for the INVEST program:
Fill out an application
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Two billion people in the world live without access to electricity. Electricity can improve lives by providing a better source of light to study and perform tasks, by powering medical appliances for health centers, and by providing power for income-generating micro-enterprises.

Numerous organizations around the world work to improve lives with renewable energy, yet many organizations are poorly funded, understaffed, or lack a sufficient number of people with technical expertise. Fortunately, many SEI alumni are willing to volunteer their time to help improve the lives of people around the world while experiencing new cultures and ways of life. Yet, many of these people are unaware of the opportunities that exist.

For this reason, SEI created INVEST: International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies. Think of INVEST as a renewable energy Peace Corps. Through this program we connect alumni of our renewable energy education program with appropriate organizations working in rural development. After successfully completing our workshops, alumni can volunteer in an international project helping to electrify rural communities with renewable energy, build sustainable houses, and train local users and technicians.

INVEST volunteers are able to choose from a number of organizations with which to work, depending on the region of the world they would like to work in, the amount of time they have, and the type of expertise needed. Depending on the project, participants spend from 3 months to a year working with the in-country organization. Volunteers are responsible for all their travel costs, and a fee to help with food and lodging.  However, SEI provides a small stipend for INVEST volunteers which helps offset some of these costs.

For a list of our partner organizations, or to find out more about upcoming projects, please email invest@solarenergy.org

For answers to frequently asked questions about INVEST, please click here.

Please note: INVEST volunteer opportunities are only available to SEI alumni.