SOLAR ENERGY NEWS & TECHNICAL INSIGHTS
Greenbacker Partners with SEI to Advance Renewable Energy Education and Access to Solar Jobs for Vets, Others
Paonia, CO., May 27, 2025 -- Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company (Greenbacker) and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today their partnership to expand solar education opportunities and strengthen workforce development initiatives in the renewable energy sector. The collaboration, aims to enhance curriculum resources, increase educational access for veterans, and support youth engagement through SEI's Solar in the Schools program. “The collaboration between Greenbacker and SEI makes ...
Overview: Tools & Techniques for PV System Operations & Maintenance
Operations and maintenance (O&M) is critical for keeping solar photovoltaic systems performing at their best over their lifetime. While we often think of solar as a "set it and forget it" technology, proper maintenance ensures systems meet production targets, maintain warranties, and operate safely. Why O&M Matters Proper O&M serves several key purposes for PV systems: Maximizes system availability and ...
Understanding Grid-Direct Solar Systems: Configurations and Applications
In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, grid-direct photovoltaic (PV) systems have become the most common solar installation type over the past decade. These systems offer a practical and often economical entry point into solar energy production for homes and businesses. Let's explore how these systems work, their variations, and when they might be the right choice for your renewable energy goals. ...
Join SEI at the Solar Asset Management Conference
SEI is proud to announce our participation in the 11th edition of the Solarplaza Summit Asset Management North America, taking place in San Diego between April 23-24th, 2025. As North America's leading event for optimizing solar asset management and operations, this conference comes at a critical time for our industry. With U.S. solar capacity now exceeding 200 GW and continued growth in utility-scale ...
Enhance Your Solar Skills at the 2025 NABCEP Conference
The premier event for solar professionals is just around the corner, and Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce our participation in the 2025 NABCEP CE Conference in Reno, Nevada from March 24-27! What to Expect at This Year's Conference The 2025 NABCEP CE Conference brings together the best minds in the solar industry, offering unparalleled educational and networking opportunities. This year's highlights ...
REC Group Awards $25,000 for Native American Solar Training Scholarships at SEI
Paonia, CO., 2/11/2025 - Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading provider of renewable energy education, announced today that REC Group LLC has strengthened their partnership with a $25,000 contribution to expand SEI's Native American Scholarship Program, increasing access to solar energy education and career opportunities for Native American communities. The funding will allow SEI to continue to provide comprehensive support for Native American and ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
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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 ...
Pivot Energy Enables Renewable Energy Careers by Supporting Solar Energy International
Pivot Energy’s reinvestment will support SEI’s ambitious goal to train 270k+ solar workers by 2025 DENVER, CO: Today, Pivot Energy is excited to announce its efforts to support education and career development in the solar sector through its partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI). Pivot’s financial support will help the internationally recognized educational nonprofit open its widely respected renewable energy training courses to more students, ...
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 ...