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 training organizations in the industry. Over 70,000 alumni worldwide have been through SEI trainings, and SEI’s alumni network has been involved in approximately 10 percent of global solar systems. New sustainability upgrades on campus will further support SEI’s core mission of sustainability and “a world powered by renewable energy.”

Some of the upgrades students can expect to see are iPads in lieu of paper-bound notebooks, hand dryers in the student lounge and commercial composting systems.

“We’re so grateful for the generous award from the Western Colorado Community Foundation,” Kathy Swartz, SEI Executive Director said. “As a global leader in renewable energy training SEI strives to practice sustainable practices in every aspect of our organization. These upgrades will be a wonderful improvement to the lab training experience.”

SEI is one of the greenest campuses in the world. With around 28 kW of operational PV on campus (with the latest addition of a 10 kW carport not included) SEI generates 125% of their annual consumption, in addition to multiple free electric vehicle chargers on campus. The WCCF grant will help SEI continue to lead the way as an exemplary educational institution in solar energy and sustainability.

About Solar Energy International (SEI)– SEI was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization with the mission to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities and businesses worldwide. SEI envisions a world powered by renewable energy. 

About Western Colorado Community Foundation – The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) works with community-minded donors who share a connection with western Colorado, the place where they call home. WCCF is a collection of many different charitable funds – over 250 – each separately accounted for and with its own purpose as described by the donors who establish the funds. Through these funds, WCCF annually awards over $3 million in grants and scholarships throughout the seven counties.

Media contact:

Mary Marshall

Solar Energy International

Marketing and Communications Manager

[email protected] | 970-527-7657 x116

www.solarenergy.org