NEWS
Alumni Highlight: Susan Stark
“After working in another construction-related field for over 20 years I entered the solar installation business and quickly realized I needed tons of training. After much research, Solar Energy International became my prime source, and I began working through their online curriculum nights and weekends while working as a General Manager for an installation company in New Jersey. Eventually, after earning 4 Professional Certificates (including ...
SEI Dedicates New Tech Center to Ken Gardner
Many of SEI's local staff, board members, instructors, students, and friends recently came together to celebrate Ken Gardner's outstanding contributions to SEI over the years. Gardner, a long-time instructor, board member and previous board president, has made a significant impact ...
SEI Welcomes New Board President
Gerald Espinosa elected during March board meeting as former president Ken Gardner ends tenure Paonia, Colo., May 18, 2023 — Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit organization, has announced that Gerald Espinosa from Pivot Energy was recently elected as their new Board President. Espinosa succeeds Ken Gardner, who served as Board President since 2016. Gerald joined SEI as an AmeriCorp VISTA in ...
SolarReviews’ Solar Industry Survey Results Now Available
SolarReviews’ Solar Industry Survey results are in and they're packed with exciting insights! With over 450 participants from across the industry, the survey, in partnership with NABCEP, reveals trends and expectations for 2023. The report highlights the top preferred solar brands, barriers to solar industry success, how the industry plans to adapt to the Inflation Reduction Act, and much more. Don't miss out on this ...
New Mexico Solar Workforce Development Program Making Strides
Students participate in a new solar scholarship program aimed at stimulating local participation in New Mexico’s solar industry Paonia, Colo., May 2, 2023 — July 2022 marked a milestone for Solar Energy International (SEI) as they partnered with The AES Corporation (AES) to increase access to solar energy education and career opportunities for New Mexico residents. Through the program's generous scholarship funds distributed by ...
The Shining Women of SEI
In celebration of Women's Day this month, we highlight the amazing women that make SEI shine everyday by expressing, through our own words, how these women inspire us everyday on the job. Amanda is eternally positive and helpful, with a knack for musical wordplay. Willing to go above and beyond to solve challenges, to help others. Amanda is the glue that keeps us ...
The Levi Heinold/Mountain Power Scholarship
Scott Ely and Sunsense Solar created this scholarship to honor Levi Heinold by empowering aspiring solar professionals to complete SEI’s entry-level solar training and certification. From Scott Ely: One of my best friends and long-time solar buddy, Levi Heinold, passed away in late February of 2018. As I continue to wrestle with this reality, I got to thinking about what he represented to anyone and ...
SEI’s letter to Colorado Governor Jared Polis: Ambitious renewable energy goals? We can help!
Colorado Governor Jared Polis was sworn into office in January touting the nation's most ambitious renewable energy goal, 100% renewable energy by 2040. This goal surpasses the notably progressive states of Hawaii and California, which have historically paved the way to RE-friendly policies, with both pledging to make the switch by 2045. Solar Energy International (SEI)'s industry-leading solar technical training center has been located in ...
SEI is leading two FREE technical seminars at Middle East Electricity, sign up for a free visitor’s pass today!
In less than two months Solar Energy International (SEI) will be leading two free technical seminars at Middle East Electricity running March 5-7 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 1500 exhibitors from around the globe. In its 43rd year, ...
More than Energy Savings: Why Your School Should Go Solar
Written by Stefan Johnson, SEI AmeriCorps VISTA In Western Colorado, where Solar Energy International (SEI) is headquartered, we’ve been applying our industry-leading technical training to the education of the next generation. Most of the 65,000 individuals who have received our training have been adults, but we're increasing our impact with younger demographics by partnering with high schools. SEI launched the High School Solar Career and ...
Congratulations from SEI: Solar Access Team wins first place for innovative community solar business model
Solar Energy International wants to acknowledge and congratulate the Access Solar team for taking first place in the business model pitch competition, and second place in the business plan presentation competition, that represented the culmination of their work in Colorado State University’s Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise (GSSE) MBA program. The team is made up of four incredibly talented and driven women: Addison Arnold, Luciana ...
Colorado: The epicenter of a pivotal renewable energy shift
Colorado has been the epicenter of a pivotal shift in the energy industry this past week. From a groundbreaking announcement of the state’s largest utility moving to zero carbon emissions by 2050 followed by a municipal utility making a similar pledge, to a rural electric cooperative in the West asking state regulators to weigh in on a fair exit fee from their coal-heavy electricity supplier, ...
SEI and AES Launch Solar Workforce Development Program for Colorado Residents
Solar Energy International (SEI) and AES partner to create a solar training scholarship program that encourages participation in Colorado’s solar industry Paonia, Colo., October 10, 2022 — Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, has again collaborated with The AES Corporation, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, to extend a solar ...
Lithium Ion Battery Recycling
There has been a lot of discussion from students and instructors on SEI’s campus regarding lithium battery recycling. SEI’s Lab Manager and Instructor, Alex Jahp, was able to put together some information for our students and staff on the topic. Alex began his solar career with SEI courses in 2015 and now, as the Paonia Lab Manager, we all benefit from his continual learning and ...
SEI and AES Launch Solar Workforce Development Program for New Mexico Residents
In partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI), AES supports solar scholarship program to stimulate local participation in New Mexico’s solar industry Paonia, Colo., July 26, 2022 — Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, has again collaborated with The AES Corporation, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, to expand a solar ...
SEI is hosting multiple technical training seminars at RE+
Many of SEI’s team members will be attending and teaching at this year’s RE+ Conference (former SPI)! Join us in Anaheim between September 19-22, where you can connect with North American solar industry professionals and vendors as they share the latest insights impacting your business and showcase the newest products and services in the industry. RE+ gives you access to an attendee-base that represents over ...
Utah Solar Career Training Program Scholarship Launched by Solar Energy International (SEI) and AES
AES, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, recently partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, to provide solar workforce development services in Utah. SEI's training program prepares people for a career in the clean energy sector with a focus on solar photovoltaic (electrical) technologies. With over 30 years of ...
Solar Energy International Secures Scholarship Funding, Now Enrolling for Women Training Women Program October 2022
SOLV Energy invests in a more diverse solar future through scholarship funds Solar Energy International (SEI), the world’s leading renewable energy technical training and education provider, today announced it has secured scholarship funding for its new SEI Women in Solar Power program. The SEI Women in Solar Power program was created to empower women (and anyone who identifies as such in a significant way) world-wide ...
Footprint Project empowering communities in Puerto Rico with SEI solar education
Footprint Project used Solar Energy International (SEI) curriculum to train workers from Puerto Rico communities in the design and installation of a 2.5KW PV battery system, to help with Mutual Aid Disaster Relief efforts after hurricane Maria. We talked with the Founder and Director of Footprint Project, William Heegaard to learn more about the experience and their future efforts on the island. Can you tell ...
Native Americans Embrace the Sun
A New Way to Honor the Old Ways Pine Ridge, South Dakota (August 15, 2019) - Red Cloud Renewable (RCR) and Solar Energy International (SEI) are pleased to announce selection of the first class of Native Americans to receive a full scholarship as part of the professional level Tribal Train the Trainer (T4) Program for Solar Certification. Seven Native Americans, four men and three women ...
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 ...
The Levi Heinold/Mountain Power Scholarship
Scott Ely and Sunsense Solar created this scholarship to honor Levi Heinold by empowering aspiring solar professionals to complete SEI’s entry-level solar training and certification. From Scott Ely: One of my best friends and long-time solar buddy, Levi Heinold, passed away in late February of 2018. As I continue to wrestle with this reality, I got to thinking about what he represented to anyone and ...
Thanks to SEI AmeriCorps VISTAs, Delta County becomes second smallest County in the U.S. to receive prestigious solar-friendly designation
Solar Energy International (SEI)’s AmeriCorps VISTAs helped pave the way for Delta County, Colorado to receive a Gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. The initial Bronze designation in 2017, also a VISTA-led effort, recognized Delta County for taking measurable steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles to ...
SEI partners with Kenneth King to provide scholarships
Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce a new scholarship opportunity provided by the Kenneth King Foundation. Established in 1990, the Kenneth King Foundation is a private, grantmaking organization. Located in Denver, Colorado, the Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate and expand the humanitarian principles developed by their late founder Kenneth King. Today, they support organizations that provide basic needs, create jobs, and foster entrepreneurship. ...
Response to COVID-19: SEI launches Global Solar Connection Initiative
Greetings from Solar Energy International (SEI)! During these challenging times as a global community combating the COVID-19 outbreak, we are facing an unprecedented battle. 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 with our mission. SEI is here to serve the world to provide ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces new BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund
Solar Energy Education Advances Workforce through BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund Paonia, Colo., March 16, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC (BayWa r.e.) today announced that they’re entering a partnership to create a scholarship fund, awarding over $10,000 in solar training tuition fees to SEI students. The BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund will contribute 100% of tuition fees to nine, hand-selected ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces Educational Partnership with Generac
Solar energy education now available to affiliated Generac installers and dealers Waukesha, Wis., January 29, 2020 — GeneracⓇ Power Systems (NYSE: GNRC) has today announced its partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI) to provide online and in-person training programs for the Company’s dealers and installers interested in expanding into the solar industry. The partnership provides incentive for Generac dealers and installers to gain professional training ...
Kathy Swartz, SEI’s Executive Director, elected as new board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
PAONIA, CO. – Solar Energy International (SEI) is thrilled to announce that Kathy Swartz, SEI’s Executive Director, was recently elected as a board member of Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Swartz is one of four other newly elected at-large SEIA members that will serve for a two-year tenure, helping SEIA create strategies that facilitate growing tax and trade policies, strong state solar markets and secure ...
Solar Energy International, SolarReviews, Solar-Estimate.org, and Solar Power Rocks Launch Educational Partnership for Consumers
The new partnership will combine best quality assurance practices from a technical training and consumer protection standpoint. November 19, 2019 - Paonia, CO - Solar Energy International (SEI), SolarReviews, Solar-Estimate.org and Solar Power Rocks are joining forces to bring new resources to solar energy consumers on SolarReviews’ industry-leading quality assurance platform. As the largest consumer website for reviews of solar installation companies in America, SolarReviews ...
Panasonic supports Solar Energy International (SEI) as key industry sponsor
Program recognizes highly-valued industry sponsors with long-term commitment to advancing SEI’s vision of a world powered by renewable energy PAONIA, Colo., – Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce its collaboration with Panasonic Corporation of North America as a kilowatt-level industry sponsor through SEI’s Industry Sponsorship Program. SEI is a nonprofit training organization which offers cutting-edge solar and renewable energy training to the solar ...
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 ...
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 ...
SEI selected as the Leading Training Organization at Solar Power Mexico 2019
Solar Energy International (SEI) will be offering a total of 11 solar energy workshops during Solar Power Mexico 2019. The event will take place at the Citibanamex Center, Mexico City, Mexico from March,19-21. Solar Power Mexico is organized by three of the leading trade show companies in the world: Deutsche Messe, SNEC PV Power Expo, and Solar Power International (SPI) have joined forces to help ...
SEI Will be the Leading Training Organization at Solar Power Mexico 2019
Solar Energy International (SEI) will be offering a total of 6 solar energy workshops during Solar Power Mexico 2019. The event will take place at the Citibanamex Center, Mexico City, Mexico from March,19-21. Solar Power Mexico is organized by three of the leading trade show companies in the world: Deutsche Messe, SNEC PV Power Expo, and Solar Power International (SPI) have joined forces to help ...
Media Queries
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Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Programa Hispano Travels to Chile as Presenter for IFT ENERGY 2015 Conference
SEI's Programa Hispano has been invited to present in Santiago, Chile for one of the largest energy conferences in the region - IFT ENERGY 2015! SEI will speak to the general assembly during the closing ceremony at IFT ENERGY 2015 along with First Solar, Sun Edison and others. The International Fair of Energetic Technologies, IFT ENERGY 2015, is the fair with the broadest scope/coverage in ...
SEI is Hiring a New Team Member to our Popular and Expanding Spanish Program
Solar Energy International, a world leader in renewable energy education is hiring a Program Assistant for our growing Spanish Solar Program. The Spanish Program Assistant serves as the office and program support person for the SEI Spanish Program. Deadline to apply is February 12, 2015. Candidates should have strong written and verbal skills in the Spanish language. This is a full time hourly position located ...
Solar Forward kicks off 2020 consulting with a new community partner: Crestone
Solar Forward is excited to announce that its first partnered region for a Solar Forward outreach campaign this year will be the town of Crestone and the surrounding Baca-area. Solar Energy International (SEI) has partnered with the locally-based Crestone-Baca Resiliency Energy Group, who will oversee a Solar Forward outreach campaign aimed at kickstarting a solar market, with SEI providing technical consulting along the way. This ...
New year new milestones: SEI moves ‘Solar Forward’ in 2020
Solar Forward wrapped up 2019 celebrating a year with over 1 MW of new installations across Colorado, and we’re moving into 2020 with exciting new goals and partnerships. Here are some of our program highlights from 2019, and a look ahead into 2020. The numbers: 2019 was a big year for Solar Forward. We partnered with three counties: Gunnison, Montrose and Summit. The results of ...
Gunnison County: The lasting impact of Solar Forward on communities
Nunatek Alternative Energy Solutions was the chosen solar installation company for the Solarize Gunnison County program, which launched with the help of Solar Forward technical consulting in 2019. A year out from the program launch, Lena Wilensky of Nunatek reports on the positive impact Solar Forward, and the Solarize Gunnison program, has had on the business. According to Lena, Nunatek AES has been installing in ...
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 ...
Solar Forward: Successful Summit County Solarize launch, Montrose moves forward with planning process
Solar Energy International (SEI)’s Solar Forward technical consulting program is helping communities kickstart solar markets across Colorado! We’re excited to share some recent updates. SEI is currently partnered with the High Country Conservation Center (HC3) in Summit County, and a Montrose Solarize Coalition in the City of Montrose, providing technical assistance to both of these teams to help them implement Solarize programs. Summit County officially ...
Gunnison County experiences ‘surge of solar development’ following Solarize campaign supported by Solar Forward
Results are in! Solar Energy International (SEI)’s first partnered community through the Solar Forward program, Gunnison County, has officially concluded their Solarize program. Their efforts resulted in over 100 kW of new, installed solar in the County, and solar market development that spans beyond the Solarize campaign. Check out the final results by the numbers: 15 residential solar projects installed* 100 kW total in combined ...
This university’s two year master’s program incorporates SEI solar training into its curriculum and offers $10k in fellowship funds
Are you interested in being part of the global energy transition to renewables and participating in a two-year masters’ program? Western Colorado University’s Master in Environmental Management (MEM) has partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI) to create a master in environmental management degree that integrates SEI training with MEM program courses for students interested in doing their 600+ hour second year project ...
Highlighting Diversity; The Words and Stories We Choose – Kelsey Misbrener
Kelsey Misbrener is senior editor at Solar Power World magazine, the premier media outlet for the U.S. solar market. She gets excited about all things solar policy and also enjoys covering the inverter and software beats for SPW. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Kent State University and is passionate about renewable energy and the environment. In her free time, she ...
Blue Planet Energy Upgrades Solar Training Curriculum
For nearly 30 years, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been dedicated to training the global solar energy workforce. Instrumental in SEI’s curriculum is a Blue Ion battery with a recently-upgraded monitoring system, donated by Blue Planet Energy, enabling new digital training possibilities for future solar workforces. Blue Planet Energy’s Blue Ion battery is SEI’s only lithium-ion battery on campus, and its lithium iron phosphate ...
SEI expands contract training, curriculum licensing, and workforce development with new organizational role
Solar Energy International is excited to announce the promotion of Will White to Director of Business Development. In this new role, he will be focusing on expanding the reach of our contract training, curriculum licensing, and workforce development initiatives. He will be concentrating on the English-Speaking Americas, including the United States, Canada, and English-speaking Caribbean nations. SEI offers custom in-person courses, practical hands-on workshops and ...
SEI’s Executive Director participates in PV Magazine Roundtables USA discussion
SEI’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Sanderson, recently took part in PV Magazine’s #RTUSA21 where she discussed what solar needs to expand, including the necessity for a diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce and creating better partnerships to facilitate job placement. Watch now!
How Far Have We Really Gotten With Alternative Energy?
There’s a lot of hype and confusion about carbon-free energy sources. This Wall Street Journal article looks at five of them: how much they produce, what they cost, and what obstacles they face. SEI's Executive Director, Elizabeth Sanderson, is briefly quoted in this extensive article. Note: you will need a WSJ subscription to access this article. READ FULL ARTICLE