News from Solar Energy International (SEI)
Would you walk a mile for water?
“Before going to school, her children would have to walk a mile each morning to fetch water for daily use. They would be late for school and were often punished for being tardy.” Solar Energy International alum Bilal Ahmed believes that everyone deserves access to clean water. A trained physician, Bilal took SEI classes so […]
Read the Full Story
Lighting the fire: A message from SEI Alumni Bilal Ahmed
Schools in rural Pakistan face energy poverty every day. Many have no, or very limited access to electricity. SEI Alum (years ’10, ’11, ’15), Bilal Ahmed, aims to change that. Bilal first came to us when he was a practicing physician in Bismarck, ND. However, his real passion is setting up solar PV powered wells […]
Read the Full Story
AmeriCorps Volunteers serve with nonprofit ‘A Little Help’
In honor of National Service Recognition Day on April 3rd, AmeriCorps Members in Paonia, Colorado teamed up with a local non-profit called A Little Help to serve their community. AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers In Service To America) from Solar Energy International and Elsewhere Studios, who are working on economic and community revitalization in Delta County, joined […]
Read the Full Story
SEI’s Solar in Schools achieves new milestone: First successful 10 kW high school install in Paonia
Nine Paonia High School students who are participating in Solar Energy International’s high school solar course had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience installing a solar system for their school this February. They worked during their class period for a week alongside Empowered Energy Systems LLC, who donated their time to the project, to install […]
Read the Full Story
[REALLY COOL]
THINGS TO DO AFTER SOLAR PV INSTALLER TRAINING CLASS
Experience the very best in renewable energy training in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Professional development and a vacation of a lifetime all in one trip!
![Outdoor Adventures]()
Whether you're looking for a quick adventure after class or a longer adventure on the weekends, Paonia is surrounded by BLM land, National Forests, and the West Wilderness. Rent a…![Festivals of Fun]()
For a little town, Paonia sure does like to party! Cherry days is our small town at its finest. It's complete with a parade, bull-riding, and a carnival in the…![The Farms]()
On your way to SEI, you'll pass by acres and acres of orchards. Paonia is known for its organic fruit...cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, pears, apples. Go peach picking once and…![Not to be missed! Black Canyon of the Gunnison]()
Big enough to be overwhelming, still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time, Black Canyon of the Gunnison exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and…![Get Your Art On]()
The North Fork Valley (Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford) is designated as a creative district by the state of Colorado. The valley is home to many artists, performers, writers, musicians, theaters,…![River Sports]()
Plan on staying an extra day or two to take advantage of the rafting and fly fishing on the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Our river was designated as…![Local Drinks]()
Revolution Brewery (the Rev) is a favorite hang-out spot for locals, staff, instructors, and students. If you like beer, check out the SEIPA (named for your favorite PV training organization),…![Local Eats]()
For being a small town, Paonia has some great restaurants that meet any budget. The flying fork is known for high-end italian food. Take advantage of Paonia's perfect summertime evening…![Hot Springs]()
There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in natural hot springs bubbling up from the ground while surrounded by some of the most majestic mountain views in the world. Here…![Nationally Award-Winning Wineries]()
Paonia is home to highest altitude commercial wineries and vineyards in the world! After class, may we suggest visiting Azura Cellars for wine tasting while enjoying an epic view from…
