Workshops

Q.  How early do I need to sign up for a workshop?

A. We prefer that you sign up for a workshop at least 2 weeks before the workshop starts.  However, many of our workshops fill up months before they start, so the earlier the better, and please check the workshop page to make sure there is still space available.  We will take registrations until the workshop is full, which at times is up until the start date of the workshop.

Q. What do I need to bring to a workshop?

A. SEI will provide you with any reading materials and/or multimedia supplies that the workshop requires.  You will need to bring writing material or a laptop for taking notes.  For a hands-on workshop please bring work clothes, long pants, and closed toed shoes.  SEI will provide all installation and lab tools, but if you have your own you are free to bring those as well.  Also make sure you bring a water bottle so you can stay hydrated, sunscreen, and a hat, as a large portion of hands-on workshops is spent outdoors.

Q. If you have such a long waiting list, why don't you add more classes? 

SEI is experiencing 30-40% annual growth and we are continually adding more classes. We are currently seeking and bringing on new qualified instructors into our program. We will grow as fast as we can without sacrificing quality of our instructors or our programs. We apologize if this is an inconvenience for you but we will not sacrifice quality for quantity.

Q. Can I receive college credit for an SEI workshop?

A. Participants can receive college credit towards a Certificate in Renewable Energy (CERET) for qualifying online workshops through the Madison Area Technical College. 

Q. Is lodging included in the workshop price?

A. Most SEI workshops do not include lodging in the price.  Some workshop locations, for example workshops held on Guemes Island, provide optional lodging at the site for an additional cost.  The location page for each workshop will list lodging options available.  For workshops located in SEI’s home base in Paonia or Carbondale, Colorado, an inexpensive option is renting a room from a local homeowner.  SEI can provide you with a list of rentals after you register.  Most of our international workshops include food and lodging in the price, but please check the website as this varies.

Q. What happens if I have to cancel a workshop once I’m registered?

A. If you cancel a workshop 30 days prior to the start date, 50% of your total tuition is non-refundable, plus the cost of any material you receive prior to the workshop.  If you cancel within 30 days of the beginning of the workshop, your entire tuition is non-refundable.  Please read SEI’s cancellation policy.

Q.  If I cannot attend a workshop for which I am registered, can I let someone else come in my place, or transfer to a different session of that same workshop?

A. You may transfer your space to someone else, or if there is room in a different session of the same workshop you may change workshops.  However, you will be charged a $100 administrative fee.  You must call the SEI office to complete the transfer prior to the workshop.

Q. Are there scholarships available for SEI workshops?

A. SEI has limited scholarships available.  They are based on financial need, and usually cover half of the tuition.  Many of the scholarships are earmarked for people from developing countries, but the scholarship application process is open to everyone.  To apply for a scholarship please click here to visit the scholarship page.

Q. What happens if there are not enough people registered for a workshop?

A. SEI reserves the right to cancel a workshop if there are not enough registrants two weeks before the workshop begins.  If so, your tuition will be refunded in full. SEI is not responsible for losses incurred on housing, travel or other arrangements.

International Workshops

Q.  Which international workshop is right for me?

A. SEI’s international workshops vary in their content and setting.  Some of them will focus more on PV while others will focus more on lower technology solutions such as methane biodigestors and water filtration.  In some of the workshops you will live in quite rustic conditions with a family, while in others you might be staying at an eco-lodge.  Please review carefully the workshop descriptions and the location descriptions to find which workshop will be appropriate to you.

Q. What is included in the price of an international workshop?

A.  Prices of international workshops include the workshop tuition, and usually include lodging, most meals, and in-country transportation.  Airfare, airport taxes, visa (if necessary) and health insurance are the responsibility of the participant.  Some workshops include pick-up at the airport, some require you to provide your own transportation to the workshop site.  Occasionally lodging is an extra cost, please check the website for details.

Q. Are the international workshops taught only in English?

A.  All international workshops are taught in English.  However, the workshops in Latin America are often simultaneously translated into Spanish for any Spanish speaking participants.  Please contact SEI if you have any question about workshop translation.