NEWS
Solar Forward Summer Wrap-up
In its seventh year, the Solar Forward Program is wrapping up its summer programs with many successes from community coordinators. So far this year Solar Forward has worked with four communities: San Miguel County for education and outreach in partnership with the non-profit Solar United Neighbors; Grand County as a consultant for a for-profit solar company, Active Energies Solutions; and advising two communities on implementing ...
What the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” Means for Solar
By now you have heard way too much about the momentous Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) being signed into law by President Biden. While this important legislation assists with health care costs and implements tax reform to address the deficit, what Solar Forward is most interested in is what this legislation means for energy. Highlights of the IRA Energy Incentives: 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on ...
Electrical Contractor Magazine: Native Champions for Solar: The sun is rising on renewable power installations on Tribal lands
As Red Cloud began contacting other Northern Plains tribes, he found interest in solar-generated electricity. He then reached out to Solar Energy International (SEI), a nonprofit based in Paonia, Colo., which is focused on training for solar electric and thermal installers. In 2008, he opened the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCREC) to bring professional training to Pine Ridge. Now, RCREC offers SEI-certified solar-installation training ...
The 19th Newsroom: Women are working to make the clean energy transition more equitable
In a profession dominated by men, solar training nonprofits and trade unions are providing networking opportunities, creating caregiving pilots and training men to be better allies against harassment. For decades, women have been working to carve out a safe space for themselves in the field. The first women’s solar training at SEI, for example, was created in 1999 after the institute noticed that only one ...
New report sheds light on the solarize, group buy model
A new report “The Solarize Model: A Synthesis from across the United States” from SEI discusses how the model is being employed at different scales Paonia, CO- The year was 2009 and a group of enterprising neighbors in a Portland neighborhood knew that they wanted to be able to produce their own electricity via rooftop solar and that they had power in numbers. ...
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 ...
SEPA report predicts the rapid growth of solar+storage: SEI classes can help you get an edge on this emerging market
This week, The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) released its 2018 Utility Energy Storage Market Snapshot. According to SEPA, the report delivers "unbiased analysis and figures based on verified interconnection data from over 130 US utilities." This year’s Utility Energy Storage Market Snapshot covers the expanding applications of energy storage and key market trends. Here are some of the key take-aways from the report, based on ...
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 ...
Improve your solar resume in minutes with these tips from our Student Services Team
At Solar Energy International (SEI) we train around 2,000 students per season, many of them looking to break into the solar industry as a new career path. One question we get asked all the time is, how do I format my resume with past experience in a different industry in a way that appeals to solar employers? We sat down with the SEI Student Services ...
5 strategies for improving your solar sales game
Are you looking for a job in solar sales, or simply trying to improve your everyday sales strategies? We asked Solar Energy International (SEI) Instructor and Curriculum Developer Will White to share some exclusive insight on the dos and don’ts of solar sales. Know your client Who are you selling to? Try to understand what their limitations are in going solar. Some potential limitations could ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Kickstart on your professional career while completing your graduate degree
Start your career in sustainability with SEI while getting a masters in this 2-year program! 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 ...
FREE WEBINAR: 2020 NEC Changes Affecting PV & Energy Storage Systems
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 webinar on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. The webinar, 2020 NEC Changes Affecting PV and Energy Storage Systems, will focus on critical updates and changes in the National Electrical Code® that impact PV system design and installation, ...
Solar Island Energy and SEI announce their first round of recipients for the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network Scholarship
Paonia, Colo., November 2, 2020 – Solar Island Energy and Solar Energy International (SEI) are thrilled to announce their first round of recipients for the Caribbean Solar Energy Training Network Scholarship: Sapphire Vital is joining the SEI student body from Commonwealth of Dominica with an incredible diversity of renewable energy, policy, and climate mitigation experience. She earned a BS in Civil with Environmental Engineering from ...
Solar energy education scholarship opportunities now available for women and non-binary students
Paonia, Colo., October 13, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and Swinerton Renewable Energy (SRE) announced today their new partnership to provide a scholarship aimed to increase diversity representation among the clean energy industry. The scholarship will award $10,000 in solar training tuition fees to hand-selected women and non-binary students to help facilitate their professional development and eventual entry into the solar energy workforce. With ...
Don’t miss SunCast Puerto Rico’s 3D Virtual Event!
Get a 10% registration discount with exclusive code SEI2020! SunCast Puerto Rico, a collaboration between the Solar + Energy Storage Association of Puerto Rico (SESA) and SunCast Media, kicks off on October 12-14. This exciting, fully-immersive 3D virtual conference features industry thought-leaders, the latest technology and solutions, and programming supporting Puerto Rico’s 100% renewable energy future. As with an in-person experience, attendees can explore the ...
2017 National Solar Jobs Census: SEI supports solar job market growth
The 2017 National Solar Jobs Census, the leading and most comprehensive report on solar labor market trends in the United States, was made public on Wednesday, January 2, revealing that solar jobs increased in 29 states with emerging solar markets including Utah, Arizona, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee and others. The annual report, by The Solar Foundation, an independent 5019(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has shown ...
Solar Service Projects in the Himalaya, in memory of SEI Instructor Mike Sullivan
Solar Service Projects in the Himalaya, in memory of SEI Instructor Mike Sullivan! Click here to learn more and apply: https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/learning/departments/global-studies/travel-study/india-solar-project-in-the-himalaya/ SEI is pleased to share San Juan Community College’s Solar Project in the Himalaya, from June 16-29 in the Ladakh region of northern India. The class will be limited to 12 people. Not only will participants be installing a PV system at a remote SECMOL ...
A message from SEI Executive Director Kathy Swartz–Thank you!
To Our Supporters, Friends, and Alumni, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! We are so pleased to announce that we reached our goal of raising $120,000 to build our first international training facility in Costa Rica! We couldn’t have done it without you! The solar training facility in Costa Rica will serve people within the region, including all of Latin America and the Caribbean. The ...
Solar, in spite of the tariff, will continue to thrive and disrupt
A message from Kathy Swartz, Solar Energy International (SEI) Executive Director Dear Friends and Alumni of SEI, On Monday, January 22, the Trump Administration made a deciding call on the anticipated solar trade case, announcing a 30 percent tariff on imported solar cells and modules, to taper off by five percent over four years. While we are disappointed in this decision, this is not doom ...
SEI Instructors travel to Puerto Rico in light of Hurricane Maria
In what has been called the most destructive Atlantic storm on record, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico this past fall leaving 3.4 million without electricity. Three months later, nearly half are still left without power, and rural communities in the mountainous regions of the island might be without power for many more months to come. Solar Energy International (SEI) Instructor Chris Brooks and SEI Instructor ...
An SEI Alum’s take on green jobs: Why Mark donated stock
Mark left his expiate job in Belgium and returned to the U.S. in pursuit of living his passion through a green job. From Belgium to Carbondale, Colorado in 2002 he studied solar PV, solar hot water, wind, and natural building at Solar Energy International (SEI). Fast forward to today, Mark’s passion led him to an unsuspecting place: working for a pharmaceutical company. In his packaging ...
Announcing the new Solar Energy International (SEI) Online Alumni and Career Center!
SEI is excited to announce the launch of our brand new Online Alumni and Career Center (ACC). SEI students have helped SEI become what it is today - the leading Renewable Energy Training provider in the world! In return, we strive to continually improve the resources and information that we provide to our students and alumni, that you will need throughout your solar career. We are ...
Solar Energy International and Shams Global Solutions Leaders of Solar Training in Oman
Solar Energy International (SEI) and Shams Global Solutions (SGS), a local Omani company, have partnered to launch Oman’s first and only certified solar photovoltaic training course! The course, PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct) is officially certified by Oman’s Distribution Code Review Panel (DCRP) and supports applications to become a DCRP approved Solar Professional. This DCRP certification is required for individuals looking to work ...
SEI launches Solar Forward: A new solar advising program for rural Colorado communities
This year, Solar Energy International (SEI) has launched a new statewide initiative for rural communities in Colorado. Read more about the program that powers rural Colorado communities into the future by starting or supporting solar markets: SEI is seeking communities interested in growing their local solar, renewable energy, and energy efficiency markets to participate in a new program, Solar Forward. The Solar Forward program is ...
Paradise Energy Solutions Selects Solar Energy International as Training Partner
We are excited to announce Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC has chosen Solar Energy International (SEI) as their official training partner! Through this partnership we're offering discounts on PV and FV courses to employees at Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC. Whether you're just starting out in the industry, or have been in solar for years, SEI's industry-leading solar training has something for everyone. With class topics ranging from solar ...
A day unlike any other in SEI solar history
April 23 was a historic day for Solar Energy International (SEI). We inaugurated our first international Solar Training Center in Costa Rica. Since we started our Spanish Program in 2013, SEI has trained more than +13000 Spanish speakers. This new training center gives us the possibility to expand SEI's world-class solar training to more Spanish-speaking professionals. SEI seeks to empower more people with solar education ...
History of solar documentary, ‘Solar Roots,’ to screen in Paonia, Colorado
PAONIA, Colorado — Renewable energy advocates and solar training professionals will have the chance to see the story of the start of the modern solar photovoltaic (PV) industry through the eyes of its pioneers. On March 26, Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Paradise Theatre in Paonia, Colorado, present "Solar Roots - The Pioneers of PV" as part of the SEI’s 11th Annual Instructor Training, ...
Secure your spot for the Colorado Solar Career Expo powered by Solar Ready Colorado
Solar Energy International (SEI), Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), and GRID Alternatives are teaming up again to bring you the Colorado Solar Career Expo powered by Solar Ready Colorado. The Colorado Solar Career Expo will take place on March 14 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Aurora Conference Center in Aurora, Colorado. The Solar Career Expo is co-located with COSEIA’s Solar ...
Solar Energy International, Western join forces: Partnership to offer college-level courses in solar energy
GUNNISON, Colo. – Solar Energy International (SEI) and Western State Colorado University are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership through the Western Extended Studies Department that will give students the ability to receive college credit for SEI's industry-recognized solar training program. Through a dual enrollment agreement, students will be able to enroll in SEI's classes offered online, in-person and as hands-on labs to receive college credit ...
Solar, in spite of the tariff, will continue to thrive and disrupt
A message from Kathy Swartz, Solar Energy International (SEI) Executive Director Dear Friends and Alumni of SEI, On Monday, January 22, the Trump Administration made a deciding call on the anticipated solar trade case, announcing a 30 percent tariff on imported solar cells and modules, to taper off by five percent over four years. While we are disappointed in this decision, this is not doom ...
Colorado Gives Day: Help us give back to our home state!
An International Renewable Energy Leader, and the Rural Valley it Calls Home Solar Energy International (SEI) believes in a world powered by renewable energy, so it is only fitting that our mission begins at our homebase in Delta County, and in the surrounding communities in Colorado. Students who have visited SEI’s campus in Paonia know how special it is: the snow-capped mountains, the patchwork of ...
SEI represented at South Carolina’s largest install to date
On October 4, Solar Energy International (SEI) was represented at the grand opening of the largest solar array in Upstate South Carolina. The 1 MW solar array, which went live earlier this year, was launched by Glen Raven Fabrics LLC, in partnership with Hannah Solar, a full-service solar integrator based in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in South Carolina. The install, which is located on the ...
These are MUST ATTEND Solar Events
Register now for The California Solar Power Expo – May 1-2 The California Solar Power Expo is an interactive event designed for solar, smart energy, and storage professionals who are working in and with the California solar market to make powerful business connections. The event will feature exhibitor-led interactive training for installers as well as networking opportunities. Register now for Solar Power Southeast – May 11-12 ...
Media Queries
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Tales from the road: Solar Forward explores the San Luis Valley
In our efforts to power rural communities forward with solar energy initiatives, SEI’s Solar Forward Program Manager hit the road again this week to meet with community groups throughout Colorado in order to truly understand and explore the needs of these communities, and how Solar Forward can help. Read her recap below: As we are well aware from our experience at our home base in ...
Solar Energy International (SEI) selects Gunnison County’s Coldharbour Institute as first partnered community in ‘Solar Forward’ program
GUNNISON, CO- Solar Energy International (SEI), an industry leader in solar energy technical training, kicks off their newest program, Solar Forward, in Colorado’s Western Slope through a partnership with the Coldharbour Institute in Gunnison County. The Solar Forward program gives nonprofits or community groups located in rural Colorado communities the opportunity to partner with SEI to implement initiatives aimed at kickstarting solar markets in a ...
SEI launches Solar Forward: A new solar advising program for rural Colorado communities
This year, Solar Energy International (SEI) has launched a new statewide initiative for rural communities in Colorado. Read more about the program that powers rural Colorado communities into the future by starting or supporting solar markets: SEI is seeking communities interested in growing their local solar, renewable energy, and energy efficiency markets to participate in a new program, Solar Forward. The Solar Forward program is ...
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. ...
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’s Solar in Schools grows with the help of Jared Polis Foundation Grant
As cities across the country pledge their commitment to go 100% renewable, a challenge is presented to rural communities, like Delta County, who have been historically coal-producing, to transition into adopting energy practices of the future with limited resources compared to bigger cities. Since 2015, Solar Energy International (SEI) has recognized this struggle, and as a result sought out a means of economic development for ...
FREE WEBINAR: 2020 NEC Changes Affecting PV & Energy Storage Systems
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 webinar on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. The webinar, 2020 NEC Changes Affecting PV and Energy Storage Systems, will focus on critical updates and changes in the National Electrical Code® that impact PV system design and installation, ...
NAES Corporation forms partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI) to deliver O&M Solar Technician training
Issaquah, WA., November 16, 2020 – NAES Corporation, one of the energy industry’s largest independent providers of operations, maintenance and repair services, has announced today their partnership with Solar Energy International (SEI) to provide Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician training to NAES employees. The collaboration, a continuation of NAES’ steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work, will provide professional solar education development to ...
Solar energy education opportunities expand for Coloradans through Kenneth King Foundation Scholarships
Paonia, Colo., October 27, 2020 – Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Kenneth King Foundation announced today their partnership with support from GRID Alternatives Colorado to provide underserved Coloradans scholarships for solar skills job training, as well as performance-based stipends and support services to reduce the financial burden of pursuing career training and job placement support. 14 Coloradans living in the Denver Metro area ...
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 ...
An important message from SEI’s Executive Director
Dear SEI Solar Family, We must do better. As an organization we stand in solidarity with those fighting to end systemic racism and violence in America. We mourn George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the far too many others whose lives have been destroyed by racism. Enough is enough. We can’t all be on the front lines of the protest, but each of us ...
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 ...