NEWS
Hands-on Lab Students Now Get Exposure to Cutting-edge Battery Equipment
It's no secret that the solar industry has seen a shift towards residential energy storage systems due to grid reliability issues and evolving net metering policies. SEI is staying on top of it all by ensuring that the latest technology is in our curriculum and on our campus. We are excited to announce that we have added a 10kWh Enphase ...
SolarReviews: “Now is the time” to pursue training in solar energy
SolarReviews interviews two SEI students on how they have transformed their professional careers while contributing to a more sustainable future. They share their experiences in the program and how it helped them become experts in solar energy. If you are interested in a career in renewable energy, don't miss out on this inspiring interview! Click here to read article.
SEI’s Hands-on Battery-Based Classes Now Employing New Technology
We are thrilled to announce that in 2023, our hands-on classes dedicated to battery-based systems will be employing an exciting new training rotation with Sol-Ark 12K inverters and 18.5 kWh eVault MAX batteries from Fortress Power! This means that, for those students spending a week in Colorado learning how to wire, commission, and program energy storage systems, you will be ...
It’s not just about training women…
The solar industry is on the brink of an amazing transformation - but a question still remains: how do we cultivate diverse talent so solar might realize its full potential? SEI has set out to answer that very question by considering how we provide meaningful training opportunities to those who face barriers to entry, women in particular. It's no secret that the solar sector is ...
New Training Center at SEI’s Colorado Campus
We are excited to announce SEI has added a new building to our Paonia, Colorado campus dedicated to teaching the latest in energy storage technology and energy management systems. The building integrates many cool features including 28.5kWh of lithium storage, 10kW of PV, a mini-split for heating and cooling, a load shedding energy management ...
Solar Power World: Solar and storage industry players launch equitable workforce training program
A new nationwide, equitable workforce training program has officially launched, called Building Equity in Solar Training (BEST). The program will provide skills-based training and certifications needed for a successful career in solar, energy storage and EV charging. Click here to read full article.
SEI accepted to participate in the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, provides financial assistance to military spouses
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 ...
[PHOTOS] SEI kicks off first hands-on training in Muscat, Oman!
Greetings from Muscat, Oman! It's week three of classes and the first week ever of PVOL201L: Solar Electric Lab week (Grid-Direct). Our inaugural hands-on training experience in the Middle East kicks off with 16 students from installation companies, academia and more! Shout out to all of the work from our partners at Shams Global Solutions who were integral in making this training happen. We're so ...
Alumni Highlight: SEI Alum Edwin Bifelt founds solar company, celebrates major installation and local job creation
Solar energy training can have a life-changing impact on your career path. Solar Energy International (SEI) Alum Edwin Bifelt first took SEI training online in November of 2017. Not even a full year later, he founded a solar company and just celebrated completing the first phase of a 120 kW solar PV ground mount array project on October 26th in Hughes, Alaska. Edwin explained that ...
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 ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) attends 11th annual Southern Colorado Construction Career Days
This past month Solar Energy International (SEI) was invited to attend the 11th annual Southern Colorado Construction Career Days in Colorado Springs. The mission of Construction Career Days is “To provide a venue for young people to explore the variety of career opportunities available in the construction industry upon graduation from high school. To host a day of hands-on experiences, to enable them to interface with expert ...
Climate-related catastrophe is omnipresent, take action NOW with Solar Energy International (SEI)
On Monday the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report that reveals the severe impact of climate change may be experienced well within the lifetime of the general world population, if dramatic policy changes don’t happen fast. How fast? To prevent 2.7 degrees of warming, the report recommends that greenhouse pollution should be reduced by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100 ...
SOLV Energy partners with Solar Energy International (SEI) to Launch Women in Solar Program
Paonia, CO., June 9, 2022 – SOLV Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today their partnership to create the SEI Women in Solar program to empower women and non-binary people from all over the world through solar energy training, networking, mentorship, and clean energy employer / job connections. The goal of this program is to create a global network of women and non-binary people ...
pv magazine: Solar jobs: 80,000 trained in the last three decades, over the next three years… double that
Solar has gone on an impressive journey, rising from a fledgling technology to a relevant part of the overall power generation mix, and the dominant technology in newly deployed projects. In 2012, about 2.7 GW of solar was reported to be active by the Energy Information Administration, and now, as of the end of 2021, 92.5 GW are installed. That’s an increase of over 3000% ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Now Represented by Team Members on Two National Electrical Code (NEC®) Code-Making Panels
Paonia, CO, March 28, 2022 – Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce our non-profit’s selection as members of Code-Making Panel 13 of the National Electrical Code (NEC®), which covers Article 706 “Energy Storage Systems” along with several other Articles germane to battery and storage applications. SEI Instructor Karo Fernandez has joined CMP-13 as the Principal, with noted PV and storage expert Jason Fisher ...
SEI Announces Solar Workforce Training Program for Utah Residents
AES to provide scholarships to support the initiative Paonia, Colo., February 10, 2022 — AES, a global energy company accelerating the future of energy and a leading developer of utility-scale solar generation, has collaborated with Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading solar training educational non-profit, announcing today their new partnership to provide solar workforce development services in Utah. The partnership includes two elements: a scholarship ...
Solar Energy International and Mayfield Renewables Team Up to Offer Online Energy Storage Training
PAONIA, CO. - The cooperative relationship between Solar Energy International (SEI), the industry-leading training organization for solar professionals, and PV design firm Mayfield Renewables goes back decades. In January 2022, the two organizations will start a new collaborative chapter by hosting two training courses developed by Mayfield Renewables on SEI’s online educational platform. The launch represents their first official educational collaboration. SEI’s Executive Director, ...
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 ...
Climate-related catastrophe is omnipresent, take action NOW with Solar Energy International (SEI)
On Monday the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report that reveals the severe impact of climate change may be experienced well within the lifetime of the general world population, if dramatic policy changes don’t happen fast. How fast? To prevent 2.7 degrees of warming, the report recommends that greenhouse pollution should be reduced by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100 ...
Members of the SEI community team up with San Juan College for a service trip in the Himalayas
For two weeks this past June, several members of the SEI family together with volunteers from San Juan College participated in a solar project in the Himalayas. In a continuation of the late SEI instructor Mike Sullivan’s humanitarian work on the Tibetan Plateau and throughout the world, SEI instructor Chris Brooks and San Juan College professor and longtime friend of Mike, Chris Strouthopoulos led the ...
Happy Summer Solstice! Are you 100 for 100?
Paul Ruiz envisions a world powered by renewable energy. He grew up in an off-grid cabin in the rural mountains of Costa Rica powered by solar and hydropower. He accessed electricity for the essentials only – lighting and refrigeration. He rode wild horses, wrangled cattle, and built things with his hands. As a young adult he sold roses to tourists, guided as a Costa Rican ...
With SEI’s help, high school students in Delta County install solar photovoltaic systems on their schools
Students at Paonia and Delta High Schools who are a part of Solar Energy Internationals High School Technical Training and Careers Pathways Program installed solar systems on their schools earlier this year. Nine Paonia High School students worked during their class period for a week alongside Empowered Energy Systems LLC, who donated their time to the project, to install a 10kW ground mount solar system. ...
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 he could use solar energy as a tool to provide ...
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 in drought-stricken areas of Pakistan and powering small village schools. ...
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 ...
Fluke supports Solar Energy International (SEI) as industry sponsor through equipment donation
Fluke’s generous donation will be featured in SEI’s industry-leading lab training facility in Paonia, Colorado PAONIA, CO. –Solar Energy International (SEI) is excited to announce its collaboration with Fluke as a megawatt-level industry sponsor through SEI’s Industry Sponsorship Program. Fluke achieved megawatt sponsor status through a donation of professional electronic test tools and softwareto be featured in SEI’s industry-leading lab training facility in Paonia, Colorado. ...
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, ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) opens its first International Solar Training Center in Costa Rica
With this facility SEI seeks to accelerate and expand access to solar training to Spanish speakers throughout Latin America CARTAGO, COSTA RICA- Solar Energy International (SEI), an industry leader in solar energy technical training, opened its first International Solar Training Center in Costa Rica through a partnership with CFIA (Federated College of Engineers and Architects of Costa Rica) and CIEMI (College of Electrical, Mechanical and ...
Everything you need to know about SEI, all in one place! Take a look at SEI’s new smart phone app
SEI Launches the SEI Training360 App! Download Today! The Solar Energy International (SEI) Training360 Mobile App and Student Orientation is your one stop informational resource and full 360 degree view of everything you will need to be successful during your time as a student with SEI and beyond. Even if you are considering enrolling with SEI - you should download this app to check out ...
SEI Mourns the Loss of Ed Marston, Former Board President and Champion of SEI
By Kathy Swartz, Executive Director I remember the day so clearly. We were gathered together and brainstorming SEI’s vision statement, and Ed Marston said, “What about ‘a world powered by renewable energy’?” And the room became quiet. It was perfect—visionary and simply stated. It’s with great sorrow that I share with you that Ed Marston, long-time board president and SEI champion, died last Friday, August ...
The SEI Solar Sisters String Band rocks out at Solar Battle of the Bands! And other Intersolar updates
In case you missed it... The SEI Solar Sisters String Band made their public debut performing at the 2018 Solar Battle of the Bands! This was a very historical moment for Solar Energy International (SEI). The Solar Sisters String Band proudly represented the SEI Team and our 60,000+ students and alumni from all over the world. What a night! Check out this video of our ...
In Colorado next month: Come out to the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association Summer Solstice (We’ll be there!)
A message from the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA): "Join COSEIA and New Energy Colorado at our Summer Solstice Concert in the park! Celebrate with us with fantastic live music, food and drinks as we celebrate our successes and an industry and prepare for the future. Our event will be held on Wednesday June 20th from 5:30pm-9:30pm at the Lakewood Heritage Center - 801 ...
NEW: SEI merch! Represent SEI out in the field or during your favorite summer activities
SEI has a lot in store for the busy summer class season. Seriously, check out all of the new products we’re offering in our online store and our student shop in Paonia, Colorado! Have you ever wished you could take SEI out into the field with you after training? Now you can! SEI now has a new line of construction gear: safety glasses, vests, wind-resistant ...
With SEI’s help, high school students in Delta County install solar photovoltaic systems on their schools
Students at Paonia and Delta High Schools who are a part of Solar Energy Internationals High School Technical Training and Careers Pathways Program installed solar systems on their schools earlier this year. Nine Paonia High School students worked during their class period for a week alongside Empowered Energy Systems LLC, who donated their time to the project, to install a 10kW ground mount solar system. ...
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 forces to do direct service in their community. A Little ...
Media Queries
For general press inquiries, please contact us. Explore SEI’s Media Kit and Brand Guidelines.
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 ...
Solar Forward: Gunnison ‘Solarize’ launch garners community support and media recognition
What can bring an entire community together on a dark winter night in sub-zero degree temperatures? A favorite local brewery and the power of solar energy! Last week, the Solarize Gunnison County Team kicked off their Solarize program with a launch event for the community at High Alpine Brewing Co. in Gunnison, Colorado. The event, hosted by Solar Forward partners and Solarize Program Coordinators Hunter ...
Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) releases ‘7 Principles on How To Get To 100% Clean Energy by 2040’: Solar Forward can help
This week, the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), released a new report titled "7 Principles on How To Get To 100% Clean Energy by 2040." According to their blog post announcing the report, "Colorado is in the middle of a dynamic evolution in the generation and delivery of electricity because customers are demanding choices and direct participation in how energy is generated and managed." That ...
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 ...
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 ...
Solar Forward: The importance of empowering community groups to “be the change” they want to see in their energy future
Solar Forward is on a mission to bring Solar Energy International (SEI)’s industry-leading solar expertise to communities throughout Colorado looking to kickstart solar markets. We are so excited to see solar growth efforts are ramping up in Gunnison County. As the school year gets underway, our program partners are starting their planning process for a Solarize program which is slated to reach the entire County. ...
SEI Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with scholarships for U.S. Spanish-speaking residents
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15th through October 15th to recognize a diverse range of people with Spanish-speaking backgrounds and honor their heritage, culture, spirit and extraordinary contributions as Hispanic Americans. At SEI we want to celebrate all of our Spanish-speaking students who inspire us daily with their initiative, commitment and dedication to pursuing the energy transition in their ...
Nextracker and Solar Energy International announce global scholarship to bring more women into solar
Nextracker and Solar Energy International (SEI) have announced their partnership to launch Half the Sun, a global scholarship program to support more women in joining the solar workforce. Women continue to be severely underrepresented in the solar industry, despite overwhelming agreement that a diverse workplace makes smart business sense. According the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), women account for only 28% of the Science, ...
CANCELLED: SEI is leading multiple technical training seminars at SPI 2021
While many of SEI’s team members were slated to attend SPI, the conference has been canceled due to Hurricane Ida. Click the button below to view more information. LEARN MORE
Solar Energy International (SEI) Names New Executive Director
We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Sanderson has been named Executive Director of Solar Energy International (SEI), the Colorado-based, industry-leading, internationally recognized, not-for-profit educational organization. Elizabeth joins SEI with an impressive history of leadership and experience that will be leveraged to take our non-profit educational mission of a world powered by renewable energy to the next level. With credentials including COO and Director of ...
New scholarship fund offers solar energy education opportunities for Spanish Speaking U.S. Residents
$20,000 Scholarship Aims to Increase Latino Representation Among Clean Energy Industry; Create Equitable Professional Development Opportunities Within Solar Businesses Paonia, Colo., June 7, 2021. Solar Energy International (SEI) and SolarReviews announced today their partnership to create a scholarship fund that provides financial assistance for U.S. residents with Spanish as their first language seeking solar energy education through SEI. The scholarship aims to increase hispanic representation among the ...
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 ...