SEI Instructor Empowers Students

Solar Energy International has worked since its inception in 1991 to empower people with training in renewable energy. Entering the industry in a country where solar was just getting off the ground, SEI Instructor Karo Fernandez understands the power of passing on knowledge in solar, and the endless opportunity that comes along with access to a new industry.

“SEI has completely changed my perspective on what collaborating means,” Karo said. “It has given me the power to take what I’ve spent years learning and give that to students in just one week.”

Growing up in Costa Rica, Karo explained that there was not yet a major presence of solar technology or training in the country. A young trail-blazer, she created her own path into the industry. She discovered PV (photovoltaics) when she was 15 years old, in a magazine. “I read about how people were harnessing energy from the sun,” She recalled.  “As a young Latina in Costa Rica, solar was not a thing, I had never seen a solar panel in my life, but after reading this article I was hooked.”

This sparked Karo’s journey in solar, which would eventually lead her to solar installer training with SEI. In college, because solar was not yet mainstream, Karo majored in mechanical engineering and continued with her own self-education, hoping to stay on a path that would lead her to solar. In addition to keeping up with the industry as much as possible, she maintained contacts and often read installation manuals.

As her pursuit for knowledge continued, she took a job with a utility company where she had the opportunity to learn more about electricity. During this time, Karo worked on a project where she was able to design and work on a 16 kW solar system, the largest in the country at the time. It was so innovative that a staircase was built for students and community members to see and learn about the system.

“The utility wanted to make the project an academic experience. It sparked something in me, which was this passion to explain things to people,” she said. “Teachers kept asking questions, and kept being interested, and that led me to become a source of information to people, I was happy to collaborate and enjoyed explaining.”

Karo went on from that point to teach workshops on solar in Costa Rica, which is how she connected with SEI. She now teaches PV101 and PV203 in person and online, and PV201L, in English and in Spanish.

“When I see students in my classes that have been wanting to learn solar for so long, SEI’s curriculum allows me to explain these concepts in a digestible way. It amazes me how I can compress 10 years of experience into a one week course,” Karo said. “I love to have the opportunity to be the instructor, to empower students the way I wish somebody would have empowered me when I was first learning about this.”

 

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from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) https://www.solarenergy.org/solar-story-karo-fernandez-sei-instructor/
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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

Last year’s event was energized starting with opening remarks from the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the numerous special events, and the sold out exhibit hall. This year’s schedule looks to expand on last year’s success.

Over 300 companies attended last year, a 50% growth 2015. The Southeastern market is poised for more growth, along with this marquee regional event. Learn more about Solar Power Southeast.

Register now for Solar Power International  – September 10-13

Solar Power International (SPI) generates success for solar energy professionals and the global solar industry. SPI sets the standard for solar events as the fastest growing and largest solar show in North America as recognized by Trade Show Executive and Trade Show News Network. SPI has also been among the Gold 100 for seven years running and named “Stickiest Show Floor” by Trade Show Executive for the innovative ways in which attendees stay engaged.

With its breadth of industry experts sharing their knowledge and exhibitions from the industry’s pacemakers, SPI is the leader among solar trade shows.  More than 18,000 solar energy industry professionals from 80+ countries attend. More than 600 leading manufacturers, service providers, and vendors on the expo floor.
Four days of power-packed ROI that will help you grow, learn, connect, and compete.

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from Solar Training – Solar Installer Training – Solar PV Installation Training – Solar Energy Courses – Renewable Energy Education – NABCEP – Solar Energy International (SEI) http://www.solarenergy.org/must-attend-solar-events/
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SEI’s Solar Ready Colorado Welcomes Employer Partners!

Through Solar Ready Colorado, SEI is recruiting Colorado-based students who are interested in getting into the solar industry as well as candidates from many employment sectors.  People with transferable skills are enrolling in our program and come from coal mining and oil and gas development, electricians and construction trades, military veterans and other professionals.

SEI is pleased to welcome more employer partners and Career Expo participants, Bella Energy, Go Green Electric, Inc., and the Stion Corporation to the Solar Ready Colorado initiative.  Through industry partnerships and support from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the program provides a dedicated outreach and recruitment effort as well as technical solar training through Solar Energy International’s (SEI) long running, non-profit 501(c)(3) technical training program to those interested in entering the Colorado solar industry.

Bella Energy said, “We are proud to stand by the Solar Ready Colorado program in its new efforts to make training more accessible, and support an educated workforce for both Bella Energy and the greater solar energy industry. We encourage broad support of this valuable Solar Ready Colorado program.”

“Go Green Electric is a locally owned and operated solar installation company out of Denver, Colorado, made up of a skilled team of solar design, installation, and maintenance professionals! Go Green Electric works closely with their clients to provide easy financing, personal design, and excellent customer service. The company is committed to their clients every step of the way, and is led by their NABCEP certified Master Electrician who has 20+ years of experience. Go Green Electric’s quality installations stand out, and they support Solar Ready Colorado’s mission of a well-trained workforce to support the Solar Industry here in Colorado!”

“The US solar workforce is growing 25% year over year, and technical training is necessary to ensure employees are successful at their jobs.  As a US-based manufacturer that sells the majority of product into the US market, Stion’s success is dependent on our employees’ ability to comprehend and clearly communicate the benefits of Stion’s unique solar technology. That’s why Stion whole-heartedly backs SEI and Solar Ready Colorado’s initiatives to connect technical learning opportunities, interested job-seekers and the companies that need them!”

More information about Solar Ready Colorado…

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