Solar Energy International (SEI) has partnered with AES Clean Energy Services, LLC. to power SEI’s new Commercial and Large Scale Solar Training Scholarship, creating new pathways into solar careers for students nationwide.
AES is committed to economic growth and education as part of their social impact mission, and SEI specializes in training the next generation of solar professionals. Together, they’re creating opportunities for displaced residential solar workers and career-changers to transition into stable, high-growth Operations & Maintenance (O&M) roles—exactly the kind of skilled positions the utility-scale solar industry needs.
The scholarship will give at least 20 students hands-on training through SEI’s online courses and essential in-person labs. The funding supports O&M-focused courses, including:
- PVOL095: Introduction to PV Operations and Maintenance
- PVOL350: PV System Fundamentals for PV Operations and Maintenance
- PVOL351L: PV Operations and Maintenance Lab Week—the advanced in-person lab course held at SEI’s Paonia, Colorado facility
- May also be available for PVOL101 and PVOL203, which include utility-scale content
AES’s support goes beyond just covering tuition. Scholarship recipients can receive help with travel and lodging to attend the Paonia lab, including airfare, accommodation, and ground transportation.
Students also get personalized support from SEI’s Student Services team, from pre-enrollment counseling to post-course career guidance. Plus, they’ll have access to SEI’s network of industry employers and job board to help launch their solar careers.
“Workforce development remains the number one bottleneck in expanding utility-scale solar. This commitment from AES not only opens opportunities in solar careers, changing the lives of individuals, but will really affect change in the solar industry in the most impactful way. We’re grateful for their leadership in making real training for the real solar jobs of today available to all,” said Kiera Coughlan, Director of Philanthropy at SEI.
Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, dedication to solar career pathways, and personal challenges overcome.
About AES Clean Energy Services, LLC
AES is a subsidiary of The AES Corporation, a global energy company headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, dedicated to improving lives by delivering greener, smarter energy solutions.
About Solar Energy International (SEI)
SEI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide.
