NEWS
Solar Energy International Announces New Scholarship Opportunity for Women
Paonia, CO., October 11, 2022 – Solar Energy International (SEI) announced today a new scholarship that empowers women from all over the world with solar energy training and professional development through the SEI Women in Solar Power program. The program aims to further bolster the growing network of women who are pursuing career pathways in the solar energy sector and support solar professionals actively ...
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 ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Achieves Bronze Certification for Advancements on DEIJ Issues
Paonia, CO, September 29, 2022 — Today Solar Energy International (SEI) announced it has achieved Bronze certification through the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Certification Program from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Earning this certification demonstrates SEI’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace and culture in the solar industry. “We are dedicated to creating an equitable workplace, inclusive learning environment, ...
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 ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) Announces Strategic Reorganization and New Leadership
A new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) has been created as part of a year-long strategic planning process. Paonia, Colorado - Solar Energy International (SEI) today announced a transformative divisional and leadership reorganization, aimed to meet the workforce training demands of a fast-growing, technically challenging, and increasingly diverse solar industry. SEI’s board of directors is proud to share that this new Executive Leadership Team (ELT) has been created as part of ...
Webinar to present new financing options from Colorado’s green bank, CCEF
SEI’s Solar Forward is collaborating with the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to present Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)’s latest financing products Paonia, CO- Colorado’s first green bank, Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) began in 2021 developing products for difficult-to-finance renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, like small commercial solar installations and for borrowers without competitive credit or access to capital. Green banks like CCEF specialize ...
[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 ...
Are you taking advantage of SEI’s job board?
SEI's job board can help employers find qualified employees, and help job seekers find opportunities in the solar industry Did you know that SEI has trained over 60,000+ people from all over the world on solar energy? Did you also know that SEI hosts an exclusive job board that only our 60,000+ alumni can view? If your company is looking to add an SEI trained ...
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 endeavors to advance inclusivity among renewable energy workforce with new PRIDE Scholarship
In June, SEI announced the formation of a new scholarship fund aimed to advance inclusivity within our organization and the renewable energy field as a whole. After revisiting SEI’s core values to Educate, Engage and Empower, we are striving to find new ways to create equitable systems within the structure and mission of our operations, including a dedication to evolve in how we work and ...
Solar Energy Education Continues to Advance Workforce through renewal of BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund
Paonia, CO, August 9, 2021 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and BayWa r.e. announced today the continuation of their partnership to provide scholarship funds, re-upping their commitment to award another $10,000 in solar training tuition fees to SEI students. The BayWa r.e. Scholarship Fund will once again contribute 100% of tuition fees to future solar professionals hand-selected through SEI’s program, with a focus on supporting ...
Native Americans from around the country continue to receive hands-on solar training
SEI is excited to once again be partnering with Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCR), Remote Energy and All Points North Foundation to provide an accessible technical training curriculum that puts power into the hands of the learners, equipping students to initiate solar teaching and related projects in their own communities. The program provides in-depth training, equipment, curriculum, and mentored co-teaching to 10 Native Americans from 37 Great Plains ...
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 ...
Free SEI Training at Enlit Africa digital event
SEI will be hosting two free instructor-led trainings at Enlit Africa, where you can learn, connect and engage with industry leaders and Africa’s power and energy community across the 3-day, not-to-be-missed digital event. Perks of the conference: · Gain insight into the implications of climate change for the energy sector · Access the world’s leading suppliers forwarding the progress of the energy sector · ...
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. ...
SEI’s Solar in Schools achieves new milestone: First successful 10 kW high school install in Paonia
Nine Paonia High School students who are participating in Solar Energy International’s high school solar course had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience installing a solar system for their school this February. They 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. The students learned about ...
SEI Alum spearheads Village Solar Technician Accreditation (ViSTA) Program in the Philippines
In the fall, Solar Energy International (SEI) received a message from an organization in the Philippines, Stiftung SolarEnergie (StS), sharing updates on how classes positively impacted their organization. StS’s mission is to “empower rural and marginalized villages throughout the Philippines by providing access to sustainable solar energy solutions.” Their focus areas are empowering schools, health (birthing) centers, emergency response, and communities, with sustainability resources. In ...
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 ...
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 ...
Colorado Solar Career Expo results are in, participation doubles from last year!
Solar Energy International (SEI) would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who made the 2018 Colorado Solar Career Expo possible. We are proud to announce that this year’s Expo had double the participation from industry employers compared to last year, over 24 came out to network with industry job seekers! The Expo was brought to you in partnership with GRID Alternatives and ...
Solar Energy International honored with Solar Energy and Storage Award
SEI was recognized by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association at 2018 Solar Power Mountain West Aurora, CO.- On Monday, March 12 Solar Energy International (SEI) was recognized by the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) at 2018 Solar Power Mountain West’s Solar and Energy and Storage Awards in the category for projects sized 100 kW- 500 kW. The awards recognized “the success stories of ...
SEI provided a solar installer training workshop for the Solar Energy Education Program of Costa Rica Chamber of Industries
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica invited Solar Energy International (SEI) to provide a workshop on PV Design in its educational program "Solar Energy for Efficient Electric Generation." This program offers knowledge for the use and optimization of the application of solar energy including the implementation and maintenance primarily in the industrial and commercial sector. This specialization has been developed in partnership with the 4E Program of ...
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. ...
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 ...
Free Webinars sponsored by Goodwe
GoodWe, a leading, strategically-thinking enterprise which focuses on research and manufacturing of PV inverters and energy storage, has partnered with Solar Energy International (SEI) to provide a FREE webinars throughout 2021. See below for more info on each webinar. A Look at Lithium-ion Battery Types and Considerations April 28th, 1-2pm MT Lithium-ion battery technologies are advancing rapidly as their cost ...
SEI and New Energy Equity announces the creation of the Lift as We Climb Foundation
ANNAPOLIS, MD, April 6, 2021- New Energy Equity LLC, a solar developer and financier based in Annapolis, MD, announces the creation and funding of its Lift as We Climb Foundation. The Foundation was started by New Energy Equity employees as part of a 2020 initiative called Operation Shared Success, supporting New Energy’s core purpose of “Leaving behind a better world”. Each year, New Energy Equity ...
Don’t miss out on these upcoming FREE webinars
SEI has added a series of new webinars to our 2021 solar education line up! Take advantage every free educational opportunity that suits you and your schedule. Click on a webinar below to get more info and sign up. Most of our webinars fill up quickly, so secure your spot and make sure to attend the webinar in it's fulness. {title:linked} {excerpt}{url}ENROLL ...
New scholarship fund offers solar energy education opportunities for Native Americans
Paonia, Colo., March 24, 2021. Solar Energy International (SEI) and REC Americas announced today their partnership to create a scholarship fund that provides financial assistance for Native American students seeking solar energy education through SEI. The scholarship aims to increase Native American Indian representation among the clean energy industry by awarding $10,000 in solar training tuition fees to hand-selected Native American students, helping to facilitate ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) announces Executive Director, Kathy Swartz, will be stepping down
Greetings SEI Friends, Family and Supporters, Solar Energy International (SEI) has announced that our Executive Director, Kathy Swartz, will be stepping down as of May 31, 2021. Kathy has successfully led the industry-leading, internationally recognized, not-for-profit educational organization since 2012. “This has been such an incredibly difficult decision for me to make because I love this organization, the mission, and the people. I am so ...