VETERANS PROGRAM

Solar training design for our service men & women

SEI is proud to support all U.S. Military Service members who are currently wearing the uniform or have honorably served our country in the past. In recent years, SEI proudly helped launch the Solar Ready Veterans Program through the Department of Energy’s SunShot initiative offering our Solar Professionals Certificate Program (SPCP) and all other training offerings to help veterans start their solar career journey. We accomplish this support through scholarship programs supporting active duty military and veterans.

SOLAR READY VETS PROGRAM

For Employers

Are you ready to build the future of the solar industry with top-tier talent? Solar Energy International (SEI) invites solar industry employers to take advantage of an incredible opportunity by participating in our Solar Ready Vets training program. This initiative, designed as a solar career-specific version of the Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge program, connects military service members transitioning to civilian careers with invaluable training and hands-on solar energy experience. By partnering with SEI, employers can access a pipeline of highly skilled, motivated, and mission-driven candidates ready to energize your workforce—at no cost for their wages during training!

The DoD SkillBridge program allows service members to participate in job training and internships during their last 90 to 180 days of military service. It is a win-win: transitioning service members gain real-world job experience to prepare for civilian careers, and participating employers benefit from a skilled, temporary workforce with zero labor cost during the training period. SEI’s Solar Ready Vets program adapts this concept specifically for the renewable energy sector, providing industry-relevant education and experience to veterans eager to launch careers in solar.

Access to Pre-Trained, Mission-Ready Talent
SEI’s Solar Ready Vets participants undergo rigorous solar-specific training through a structured curriculum that aligns with national solar energy standards. From solar design and installation to operations and maintenance, veterans bring technical expertise and a proven commitment to mission-focused work. Many veterans also have existing skills in electrical systems, logistics, leadership, and project management—key strengths that enhance their readiness for solar industry roles.

Customizable Training Tracks to Fit Your Needs
SEI offers a range of flexible training tracks tailored to meet employer-specific requirements. Each training track can be seamlessly integrated into your existing workforce development program, allowing for real-time, practical learning in your organization’s environment.

Learn More – Download the White Paper

For Transitioning Military Service Members

Reach out to SEI’s Solar Ready Vets advocate below and we will reach out to you to discuss the options in this program. Downloading the white paper offers a deep dive in greater detail of why the SkillBridge Solar Ready Vets program was created and the structure of the program.

If you are a candidate transitioning from active duty military service, we are here to help connect employers and military service members for a meaningful career in the solar industry!

Contact SEI’s Veteran Programs Advisor
Dustin Creed
[email protected]

VETERAN’S SCHOLARSHIPS

Thanks to SEI’s generous partners, SEI’s training is available to help veterans kickstart their journey in the solar field. We achieve this assistance through scholarship programs specially designed for veterans. We deeply respect and honor those who have served our country and are now choosing to transition into a new kind of service – service in the renewable energy sector. Our scholarship programs are just one way we show our appreciation and support for these individuals as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their careers.

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP NOW!

Want to honor a loved one or a passion in a meaningful way through dedicating a scholarship? Click here to make your gift!

CONTACT AN SEI COUNSELOR

We’re honored to serve those who have served. Our team is here to provide personalized support, leveraging our solar education expertise to help you succeed. Contact us to speak with a student services counselor.

Saphire Stockman
970-527-7657 x102
[email protected]

THANKS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS

Many benefits are available to advance the education and skills of Veterans. Some might find they’re eligible for more than one benefit or that one program is more suited to certain education and training goals than another.

Learn about these and other education and training programs administered by the VA or start your VA Education Benefits application now:

  • Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) – Chapter 30
  • Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) – Chapter 32
  • Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) – Chapter 35
  • Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) – Chapter 1606
  • Reserves Educational Assistance Program (REAP) – Chapter 1607
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill® – Chapter 33

The two SPCP tracks that are eligible for this funding are the Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate and / or the Battery-based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate.  Please remember: all training must be completed in-person at our Colorado training facility to be able to use the above Veterans Educational Benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) – Chapter 31
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is for veterans who have a service-connected disability. To determine eligibility for VR&E, interested applicants need to contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) at a local VA or call a national VA representatives at 1-844-MyVA311 (1-844-698-2311).  For general information about eligibility and entitlement visit,  VA – Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E).

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program (MyCAA)
Solar Energy International (SEI) loves training active duty military and Veterans and now we can offer training funding for spouses too! We are excited to have been accepted to participate in the The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship Program. MyCAA is a workforce development program (sponsored by The Department of Defense) and provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certificate, or associates degree in a portable career field and occupation. Eligible students can use their funding to pursue SEI’s  Residential and Commercial PV Systems Certificate, Solar Business and Technical Sales Certificate, Battery – Based PV Systems Certificate, or the NABCEP PV Associate Prep Package. Funding can be used to attend in-person or online courses at SEI. Contact Monique Turek, [email protected], for more information.

In order to use the various federal educational program funding, veterans must verify their Education Benefits eligibility through the various federal recognized programs by contacting their VA Education Counselor. When you first speak with your SEI Veterans Counselor to enroll in your courses, make sure to indicate that you have verified your eligibility.

All interested veterans will also need to apply for SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program acceptance and meet our selection criteria to help ensure their successful program completion. Be sure to click that you are a veteran or active duty military member when filling out the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program Application.

The Solar Energy International (SEI) Active Duty Military and Veterans outreach program will give Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines a jump start to starting a new career and learning new technical skills in solar applications. We are happy to offer this opportunity to those who are serving or have served our country in our military and we offer this program with the deepest sense of gratitude.

In order to use your Veterans Educational Benefits with SEI – follow these steps:

  1. Apply for VA Educational Benefits
  2. Complete the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program Application
  3. Schedule an appointment with SEI’s Veterans Counselor – Monique Turek at 970-527-7657 x 108 / [email protected]
  4. Enroll in your courses and complete a full track of study through the SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program

Since 9/11 and during the past decade, SEI has had the honor of training soldiers returning from their military service with the hopes of starting a new career in the solar industry.  Additionally, SEI has partnered with active duty military projects and installations in recent years to provide training with the goal of spreading solar energy applications to military bases all over the U.S. and abroad.

The SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program goes beyond a “certification test prep” format of training and takes participants to a higher level of educational experience to truly prepare them for the solar industry and a career. This Certificate Program is the most rigorous training that SEI offers. Successfully finishing the entire program of study requires completing multiple courses.

Click here for further details on the Solar Professionals Certificate Program and to apply for acceptance into the SEI Veterans and Active Duty Military Certificate Training Program. Additional scholarship funds may be available. Your Student Advisor can let you know about additional funds once you have filled out the program application.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.