NEWS
Join SEI for free COSSA conference training on February 27th, 2024
COSSA’s Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West conference is coming up soon and SEI will be attending, bringing some NABCEP-certified trainings with us. Conference attendees can join us on February 27th for the following free training: 2023 NEC® Changes Affecting PV and Energy Storage System PV + Storage Configurations for Non-fixed Rate Tariffs and Resiliency I-V Curves and Diodes Demystified Thermography and PV ...
Register for the 2024 NABCEP CE Conference
Will we be seeing you at this year's NABCEP conference? The advanced-level content presented at the annual NABCEP CE Conference is geared toward PV industry professionals who have experience with PV installation, solar + storage, technical sales, design, O&M, or system inspection. This is the only industry event that allows NABCEP Board Certified Professionals to obtain as many as 20.5 hours of continuing education ...
Alumni Highlight (in her own words): Dinille Gonzalez
"6 months ago, I received news that I had been awarded a full scholarship to attend a hands-on solar energy course in the beautiful state of Colorado. While I'll delve into the details of the scholarship in a future post, today, I want to share the invaluable life lessons it has etched in my journey. Back ...
SEI is Providing Solar Training at RE+ 2023
Join us at this year's RE+ Conference in Las Vegas, NV from September 11th-14th! Many of SEI's talented team members will be in attendance, delivering impactful training sessions and sharing their expertise. This is a unique opportunity to connect with top-notch professionals and vendors in the North American solar industry. You'll gain valuable insights that will take you to the next level, and get ...
SEI Joins Forces with Amicus O&M Cooperative for 1.5 Million Grant Project
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Fiscal Year 2022 Advancing Equity Through Workforce Partnerships has created a $13.5 million funding program for the development of collaborative workforce programs. The program facilitates the rapid deployment of solar energy technologies while supporting an inclusive workforce. This work, partly funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable more members of disadvantaged communities and ...
Solar in the Schools Provides Solar Training to Students in Montana
In the spring of 2023, NorthWestern Energy and Solar Energy International - Solar In the Schools (SEI-SIS) continued piloting a solar energy training pathway program for high school students in Montana. SEI-SIS provided two immersive one day solar energy training sessions for technical education students at Helena High School and Capital High School in Helena, Montana. ...
Alumni Highlight: Engr. Muhammad Amjad Khan of Lomas Energy shares about the Sialkot Housing Compound
We love to highlight SEI alumni using the training they've learned in our classes out in the field. Engr. Muhammad Amjad Khan, Director of Operations at Lomas Energy Pvt. Ltd, shared an article with us about one of their most recent projects. Check out his article submission below: Sialkot Housing Compound April 2019 Over the last 20 to 30 years, the need for people to ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) and Red Cloud Renewable Launch Tribal Train the Trainer Program
SEI is proud to once again join hands with Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCR) bringing advanced solar PV expertise, with an accessible technical curriculum that puts power into the hands of learners. Our ‘Tribal Train the Trainer’ model creates a new web of skillful solar trainers, equipped to initiate solar teaching and related projects in their own communities. Collaboratively, with generous support from All Points North Foundation, ...
Happy Earth Week: Here’s Your Chance to Win a FREE SEI Class!
HAPPY EARTH WEEK! Monday, April 22 is officially Earth Day, but at Solar Energy International (SEI) every day is Earth Day. We’re taking this week to celebrate the successes and journeys of our SEI students and alumni. On Earth Day we’re making a BIG announcement: One person in our network is going to receive an SEI online PVOL course of their choosing FOR FREE! Here’s ...
2019 lab sessions starting soon: Check out new additions to the SEI campus!
Paonia, Colorado is home to Solar Energy International (SEI)’s industry leading solar energy technical training facility. Since the early 2000s, tens of thousands of students have received hands-on experience in installing and commissioning solar systems at our lab yard. SEI offers classes on a variety of critical topics for industry professionals from grid-tied, to battery-based, and more advanced O&M classes. We’re constantly updating our lab ...
SEI, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) and GRID Alternatives team up to host Solar Career Expo
The free Solar Power and Energy Storage Mountain West Expo connects industry employers with prospective clean energy career seekers The Expo is powered by Solar Ready Colorado, a partnership between Solar Energy International, GRID Alternatives, and the Colorado Solar and Storage Association AURORA, Colo. -- Solar Energy International (SEI), Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA), and GRID Alternatives are teaming up for the third year ...
Register Today! NABCEP Continuing Education Conference in San Diego March 25-28
Will you be attending the NABCEP CE Conference March 25-28? Many of our students and alumni will be there, and we highly recommend getting connected with NABCEP if you are serious about a career in solar energy! This is one of the MUST ATTEND conferences for solar professionals in the industry. More information. ABOUT THE NABCEP CE CONFERENCE: The content presented in this conference is ...
New Course: EV Charging Equipment Preparedness
It can be tough to figure out all the details when it comes to Electric Vehicles (EV) and their associated charging equipment. SEI’s new on-demand course is designed to introduce you to what you need to know about EV’s and how to understand and implement electric vehicle charging equipment. Start today! After completing this course, participants will be able to: Contrast the difference between types ...
Serving Those Who Have Served
At SEI, we are proud to support all U.S. military service members who are currently wearing the uniform or have honorably served our country in the past through our Veteran’s Program. In recent years, we helped launch the Solar Ready Veterans Program through the Department of Energy's SunShot initiative, offering our training to help veterans start their solar career journey. Today, one of the ways ...
The Future is Bright for Our Youth Thanks to the Solar in the Schools Program
SEI’s Solar In the Schools (SIS) program is empowering K-12 teachers and students through renewable energy training, both online and in-person through experiential learning. This year, the program delivered hands-on learning presentations and training to over 800 students! With two focuses of the program, one aligned with younger students (K-8), and the other aimed at highschoolers, the program is having an impact across ...
A Life-changing Experience with Solar Education: Anaide’s Story
Solar Installation and Project Development is still a male-dominated sector of the solar industry, with just 27.8% of workers identifying as female. But through your support, SEI is changing that narrative by offering life-changing trainings and resources to women entering the solar workforce. Not only are we narrowing the gender gap and shifting the statistics, but we are empowering women to take a ...
Hispanic and Latinx’s Impact on the Future Solar Workforce
SEI has been training Spanish speakers worldwide since 2014, with over 15,000 people taking part in our program - and we're still counting! While the success of this milestone is meaningful to us and our longtime U.S. & Latin America partners, how does Hispanic and Latinx participation impact the solar workforce at large? Hispanics and Latinxs projected to represent 78% of new U.S. net workers ...
2022 Milestones and Empowering our Future
From all of us here at Solar Energy International (SEI), we want to say a big thank you for your support through tuition payments, partnerships, and donations! With your help, 2022 has been a year of growth towards our goal of empowering students, alumni and partners to build a well-trained solar workforce. Some 2022 highlights include: Students Trained In Scholarship Funds ...
Solar energy education opportunities expand for Caribbean practitioners through the launch of the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network (CaribSETNet)
Paonia, Colo., August 20, 2020 – Solar Island Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today their partnership to provide practical, technical skills training to current and aspiring Caribbean PV practitioners through the launch of the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network (CaribSETNet). This year CaribSETNet will award 10 to 20 partial or full tuition scholarships in solar training to selected applicants to advance their professional ...
Red Cloud Renewable (RCR), Solar Energy International (SEI), and Remote Energy (RE) announce continued partnership with All Points North Foundation through the Tribal Train the Trainer (T4) Program
Native Americans Embrace the Sun A New Way to Honor the Old Ways ### This program has been made possible through the generous support of All Points North Foundation, The Turner Foundation, In Our Hands, the Carolyn Foundation and many individual contributors to Red Cloud Renewable. For more information, contact Richard Fox at [email protected] or (970) 391-0148. www.redcloudrenewable.org ### Pine Ridge, South Dakota (July ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems Invest in Industry’s Future, Award Solar Training Scholarships
Scholarship targets industry entrants needing an economic hand up, applications for second round still open SANTA FE, New Mexico – June 25, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC (BayWa r.e.) today announced they have selected the first five recipients of solar training scholarships from the BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund. The $10,000 scholarship fund was created earlier this year ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces new Duke Energy Renewables Scholarship
Duke Energy Renewables provides $10,000 to jump-start job readiness in U.S. commercial solar energy industry Funds will be used to support Solar Energy International’s education scholarship program CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy Renewables and Solar Energy International (SEI) today announced their partnership to provide a scholarship fund to assist Americans who have experienced recent job displacement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship fund will award ...
Donate to Solar Energy International (SEI) through your 2019 Colorado tax return
Solar Energy International (SEI) could benefit from new state income tax refund donation option. This year, Coloradans will have a chance to donate from their state income tax refund to a local nonprofit they trust. Through the new Donate to a Colorado Nonprofit program, taxpayers can choose to support any eligible Colorado-registered charity with a simple designation on their state income tax return. Previously, taxpayers ...
SEI’s Solar In the Schools (SIS) outreach program hosts its sixth Solar Lab Days for Delta County 8th graders
This week SEI's Solar In the Schools (SIS) outreach program hosted its sixth Solar Lab Days for Delta County 8th grade students. Due to weather 3 of the 4 middle schools were able to participate. Over two days 160 students spent the day at SEI’s campus rotating through hands-on energy labs which included lessons and activities in energy efficiency, climate change, solar site analysis, testing properties of ...
FIMER supports Solar Energy International (SEI) through Industry Sponsorship
FIMER’s generous donations over the next 3 years will help SEI realize their vision of building a global solar energy workforce. PAONIA, CO. , JUNE 5, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce its collaboration with FIMER as a watt-level industry sponsor through SEI’s Industry Sponsorship Program. FIMER’s generous contributions will help cover SEI’s general operating expenses to facilitate the building of ...
Solar energy education opportunities expand for Caribbean practitioners through the launch of the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network (CaribSETNet)
Paonia, Colo., August 20, 2020 – Solar Island Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today their partnership to provide practical, technical skills training to current and aspiring Caribbean PV practitioners through the launch of the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network (CaribSETNet). This year CaribSETNet will award 10 to 20 partial or full tuition scholarships in solar training to selected applicants to advance their professional ...
Red Cloud Renewable (RCR), Solar Energy International (SEI), and Remote Energy (RE) announce continued partnership with All Points North Foundation through the Tribal Train the Trainer (T4) Program
Native Americans Embrace the Sun A New Way to Honor the Old Ways ### This program has been made possible through the generous support of All Points North Foundation, The Turner Foundation, In Our Hands, the Carolyn Foundation and many individual contributors to Red Cloud Renewable. For more information, contact Richard Fox at [email protected] or (970) 391-0148. www.redcloudrenewable.org ### Pine Ridge, South Dakota (July ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems Invest in Industry’s Future, Award Solar Training Scholarships
Scholarship targets industry entrants needing an economic hand up, applications for second round still open SANTA FE, New Mexico – June 25, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC (BayWa r.e.) today announced they have selected the first five recipients of solar training scholarships from the BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund. The $10,000 scholarship fund was created earlier this year ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces new Duke Energy Renewables Scholarship
Duke Energy Renewables provides $10,000 to jump-start job readiness in U.S. commercial solar energy industry Funds will be used to support Solar Energy International’s education scholarship program CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy Renewables and Solar Energy International (SEI) today announced their partnership to provide a scholarship fund to assist Americans who have experienced recent job displacement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship fund will award ...
An important message from SEI’s Executive Director
Dear SEI Solar Family, We must do better. As an organization we stand in solidarity with those fighting to end systemic racism and violence in America. We mourn George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the far too many others whose lives have been destroyed by racism. Enough is enough. We can’t all be on the front lines of the protest, but each of us ...
SEI is leading two free technical seminars at Middle East Energy in Dubai
Solar Energy International (SEI) will be leading two free technical seminars at Middle East Energy running March 3-5 in Dubai. If you haven’t already registered, you can sign up for a free visitor’s pass to attend the “world’s largest power conference,” which includes power professionals from over 130 countries and over 1300 exhibitors from around the globe. In its 44th year, Middle East Energy has ...
SEI hosting workshops and training at InterSolar 2020 North America
Between February 3-6, Solar Energy International (SEI) will be attending Intersolar North America 2020. Come and immerse yourself in our vibrant, in-depth technical training workshops, along with lively conference sessions to keep you up to speed on the latest trends and tech. On February 3, SEI will be conducting two paid workshops (see below), both of which have been approved for 4 NABCEP CE hours: ...
Intersolar North America 2020 is coming – get FREE access to the Expo Hall before Dec. 31, 2019
Intersolar North America is the premier solar event that connects innovators and decision makers in the solar + energy storage industry. With a dynamic exhibition floor and robust conference program, Intersolar North America provides business-to-business professionals a platform to advance business, expand education, and drive networking. Happening February 4-6 in San Diego, California, immerse yourself in three days of face-to-face business and networking and cutting-edge technical ...
SEI participates in first three-day Solar Industry Readiness Training pilot to Oregon Tradeswomen’s Environmental Workers Training program
From Oct 21-23rd, Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA), Solar Energy International (SEI), Energy Trust of Oregon and Remote Energy presented the first three-day Solar Industry Readiness Training pilot to Oregon Tradeswomen's Environmental Workers Training program students. Clackamas Community College Renewable Energy Program donated their new outdoor lab training facilities so students could experience classroom and hands-on training. Sunbridge Solar volunteered to host students at ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) awarded grant from the Western Colorado Community Foundation for sustainability upgrades on campus
The $5k prize will go toward a greener educational experience at SEI’s Paonia headquarters Paonia, CO– Solar Energy International (SEI) was chosen as a recipient of Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF)’s 2019 Environment grant, and the $5,000 will be put toward “reduce, reuse and recycle” efforts in their Paonia-based industry-leading lab yard. SEI is one of the longest running and most widely recognized technical solar ...
Check out the solar-powered clipper trike making its way across the Western U.S.!
This month, Eric Goakes stopped by Solar Energy International (SEI)’s campus in Paonia, Colorado during is cross country journey in his solar-powered “Clipper Trike.” The Trike is quite impressive! It can go up to 20mph on highways and interstates, in addition to having regenerative breaking and cruise control. It has 270W of solar on the bike which powers the motor on the rear wheel, a ...
Media Queries
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Solar Energy International expanding online solar training during pandemic
Solar training organization Solar Energy International is postponing all in-person training that was scheduled for March through May, but will have an expanded focus and training options through the SEI Online Campus during that time. “We wanted to reach out to all of our students, alumni, employers and supporters to let you know SEI is open for business and that we are pushing forward ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) recognized by Clinton Foundation for Solar Workforce Training in Latin America
Puerto Rico, February 19, 2020 - Solar Energy International (SEI) was recognized as an exemplary commitment maker by Secretary Hillary Clinton during the Clinton Foundation CGI Action Network on Post-Disaster Recovery event in Puerto Rico. Matthew Harris, SEI’s Spanish Program Business Development Director, represented SEI’s partnership with Bosque Modelo on the Work-Based Training for Women in Renewable Energy commitment to action. [yotuwp type="videos" id="LiSi-WxzvHU" column="1" ...
Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Programa Hispano Alumni Spotlight: Natalia Gómez
Natalia Gómez came to Solar Energy International (SEI) to attend hands-on solar installer training as a part of SEI’s Programa Hispano. She travelled to SEI’s Paonia, CO training facility from Bogotá, Colombia to complete FV201L, a hands-on, lab-based course in grid-tied, residential photovoltaic systems taught entirely in Spanish. She hopes to bring more renewable energy back to Colombia through her education at SEI. In her ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Spanish Program Job Opportunity – Marketing and Communications Assistant
SEI is excited to be hiring a NEW position to our growing Spanish training program. The Spanish Program at SEI was founded in 2013 to provide solar PV training for Spanish speakers within and outside the US, namely Latin America. The SEI Marketing and Communications Associate (MCA) is responsible for implementing the strategy around the messaging and marketing of SEI’s Spanish Program. Through working with ...
Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Spanish Program Completes Solar Installer Training Lab Week
Solar Energy International’s Programa Hispano (Spanish Program) welcomed thirteen students from all over Latin America to SEI’s solar training facility in Paonia, Colorado. The students came to SEI to attend “FV201L: Laboratorio Fotovoltaico de Sistemas Conectados a la Red- Práctico or Grid-Direct Photovoltaic Systems Laboratory. The class was taught entirely in Spanish by SEI instructors Brad Burkhartzmeyer and Chris Brooks, and assisted by the Spanish ...
The Chile Blog (En Español e Inglés)
December 8, 2015; System Commissioning Today was a great day under the sun. We completed the first round of system installs, commissioned and connected to the grid. It was a wonderful sense of accomplishment for the students as they continue to apply what they learned in the classroom. Tomorrow we will rotate groups and do it all over gain. I leave you with some pictures ...
¡Solar Energy International Seleccionado por el Gobierno de Chile para Capacitaciones Técnicos Solares!
La semana pasada la Presidente de Chile, Michelle Bachelet, anunció el programa “Becas Capital Humano,” un programa que capacitará a 150 técnicos/profesionales de Chile entre noviembre de 2015 y abril de 2016. El programa es apoyado por la Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO), una organización del gobierno de Chile dedicada a mejorar la competitividad productiva del país a través de la innovación. Las ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Selected by Chilean Government for Technical Solar Training
¡The President of Chile announces the program “Scholarships for Human Capital,” solar workshops for 150 Chileans, lead by SEI! Last week the President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, announced the program “Scholarships for Human Capital,” a program that will train 150 professionals from Chile between November of 2015 and April of 2016. The program is made possible by the Corporation of Production Development (CORFO), a governmental ...
The Nexus between Energy and Food
How can we build equitable food and energy systems that improve environmental conditions? In the podcast episode “Energy and Food Nexus”, guests Mary Marshall (SEI's Solar Forward program) and Pete Kolbenschlag (Colorado Farm and Food Alliance) share about how to improve our energy and food systems. A common characteristic of the energy and food system is the need for efficiency. The steps required ...
Solar Energy International helps two rural Colorado communities kickstart solar development
The Town of Nederland, located in Boulder County, and the entirety of Garfield County will implement holistic solar market development programs in their communities. Solar Forward provides the framework and materials for these programs, as well as a technical advisor to help community partners with implementation. The holistic approach includes tools to launch a solar bulk-purchase program, and access to free SEI solar workforce ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces two rural community partnerships for solar market development assistance
Garfield County and the Town of Nederland are slated to receive up to a year of technical advising through the Solar Forward program PAONIA, CO - Solar Energy International (SEI), an industry leader in solar energy technical training, is helping two Colorado communities kickstart solar markets through the Solar Forward Program in Q1 of 2021. The Town of Nederland, located in Boulder County, and ...
Colorado Energy Office and Solar Energy International (SEI) launch strategic partnership to support communities working to transition to clean energy
STATEWIDE - Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 - The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) today announced it has launched a formal partnership with Paonia-based educational non-profit, Solar Energy International (SEI.) This strategic partnership will expand the reach of resources to Colorado communities working to transition to cleaner energy and increase economic recovery and resiliency. The partnership will expand and promote SEI’s Solar Forward initiative and CEO’s Building ...
Colorado Mountain Town Counts on Solar for Resiliency amid COVID Concerns
Solar Energy International’s Solar Forward program adapts the Solarize model with an off-grid program CRESTONE, CO - When March 2020 hit, rural, isolated communities did not have the luxury of being shocked by the COVID-19 pandemic - they had to take action immediately. And with the imminent threat of climate-change related natural disaster, under-resourced communities recognize COVID-19 as being only the beginning of what to ...
Resiliency needed now more than ever: Let’s keep pushing Solar Forward
As COVID-19 continues to have a sweeping impact across the solar industry and local economies, how can we support sustainability and economic resilience? Solar Energy International (SEI)’s Solar Forward program is continuing full-speed ahead with efforts to help rural communities kickstart solar markets, an effort that remains critical throughout these unprecedented times. Our New Reality Last year the solar industry employed 250,000 people in ...
Agrivoltaics: The New Frontier
By Eryka Thorley, Master in Environmental Management student and SEI Fellow “It’s now or never” is the succintest way to abbreviate the latest warning from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). If the world is going to avoid the worst of the climate crisis, climate mitigation needs to happen now and with greater impact. Specifically the world needs to reduce global carbon emissions by ...
SEI 15th Annual Instructor and Staff Training Week
This month SEI celebrated our 15th Annual Instructor and Staff Training Week. During this dedicated time, the brightest solar minds in the industry gathered to share knowledge, best practices, unique experiences, and good times! This year speakers included: Ken Gardner, SEI’s Board President presented the latest and greatest tips and tricks for installation. SEI instructor Zeke Yewdall gave a presentation focused on large off-grid ...
AltEnergyMag: Solar Forward to Assist Eagle County with Community Effort in Solarize Campaign
Solar Energy International (SEI)'s outreach program, Solar Forward anticipates a successful Eagle County program in 2022 after learning about the community's goals and broad stakeholder support. Eagle County, like many mountain towns, is seeking thoughtful solutions to mitigating their carbon footprint and is now making a holistic solar campaign, like Solar Forward, a part of that conversation. Solar Forward will help Eagle County promote ...
Solar Panel Protection from Critters
OVERVIEW Pesky rodents can cause major issues in any solar system. In this informative article, Trevor Schwartz, SEI alumni and Field Service Technician at StraightUp Solar, shares his expertise on solar panel protection from critters "I was documenting much of my work on the roof as a Service Tech and soon realized that squirrels are one of our main issues in the Service ...
Elizabeth Sanderson, SEI’s Executive Director, elected as new board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
PAONIA, CO. – Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce that Elizabeth Sanderson, SEI’s Executive Director, was recently elected as a board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Sanderson is one of fifteen other newly elected SEIA board members and division chairs that will serve for a two-year term, helping SEIA advance strong policies at the state and federal levels to ensure open, competitive ...
SEI’s Latin America Business Development Director shares in a discussion on Building the Workforce of the Future
How can we build the robust, resilient workforce necessary for a regenerative future? Matthew Harris, SEI’s Latin America Business Development Director, shares in a discussion on Building the Workforce of the Future. Play the video above to learn how SEI is approaching the demand for solar workers, if we are on track with estimates, and what can be done to diversify the solar ...