To apply for the INVEST program: Fill out an application Send us a signed disclaimer form

Two billion people in the world live without access to electricity. Electricity can improve people's 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 people's 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 has a program called INVEST, International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies. Through this program we will 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. The program will be similar to a renewable energy Peace Corps.

Potential INVEST volunteers will be 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 will spend from two weeks to a year working with the in-country organization.

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

Note: These volunteer opportunities are open only to SEI alumni.