Scott Ely and Sunsense Solar created this scholarship to honor Levi Heinold by empowering aspiring solar professionals to complete SEI’s entry-level solar training and certification.

From Scott Ely:

One of my best friends and long-time solar buddy, Levi Heinold, passed away in late February of 2018.  As I continue to wrestle with this reality, I got to thinking about what he represented to anyone and everyone in his orbit.

I first met Levi at a Solar Technology Institute PV class in Carbondale, Colorado in 1992 (the forerunner of SEI).  Richard and Karen Perez from Home Power were the guest instructors and I was there in a support role as the local solar business owner.  We hit it off immediately (with some assistance from a 12-pack)!

Our friendship only blossomed from there.  As budding solar businessmen, we collaborated on projects and over the next 25 years, we worked extremely hard and shared countless experiences and stories.  We climbed peaks, we camped, we played in the snow and we partied.  I have always, and will always, considered him my brother.

Levi had a work ethic like no other.  In his earlier days he hiked both the Pacific Coast Trail and the Appalachian Trail (twice!).  He built a reputation around a quality business without the use of a website, logos on vehicles…heck, I’m not sure he even had business cards!  Everyone wanted Levi on the job because they could count on personalized service and a job well done.

Most of all, Levi built things and he fixed things.  My standard description of Levi always included…”nothing scares him.”  He was a Master Plumber, NABCEP Certified in PV and DHW, a self-taught mechanic and a problem solver.  Levi was practical, but never shied away from a challenge.  He was a risk-taker, yet laid-back as well.  In short, one of the most solid people I have ever known.

It is with this in mind that I wanted to pay tribute to those that build.  The awards, recognition and yes, the money, generally stay upstream.  But it is literally the people in the trenches that make this whole solar thing work.

So God speed, Levi.  You brought so much love, joy, laughter and passion to this world.  I am a better person having known you and will forever work as hard as I can to continue your vision of a caring people and a sustainable planet.

To those interested in hard work without the hoopla, but with a passion for PV and getting the job done, I offer this scholarship opportunity.  And to those successful in this endeavor, potential employment awaits at Sunsense Solar!

Join us in honoring Levi by making a gift in his honor today. Visit:  https://www.solarenergy.org/scholarship-funds/

Select “donate now” which will redirect you to our donation page. Write in “Levi Heinold/Mountain Power Scholarship” under Your own cause.  Together, we are envisioning a world powered by renewable energy. Rest easy, Levi.