SEI Team Member Highlight: Andrew Sprauer

Recently we had a chance to sit down for an interview with Andrew Sprauer, SEI’s new Social Coordinator, who will be a great resource for our students when they are here this hands-on lab season.  Andrew is super excited to show our students all of the great things to do while here in Paonia, Colorado.  We asked Andrew to tell us a little more about himself and his solar journey.

“I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and joined the Marine Corps out of high school. I served from 2005 to 2009. During that time I deployed to Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2008.

Following my service, I earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration from Elmhurst College. I moved to Chicago and started working. It was going well for a little while, but I was finding myself feeling unsatisfied with what I was doing. There was something that was lacking in my life; a purpose that was bigger than myself. I wanted to be involved in something that was going to help other people, specifically those who were less fortunate than me.

An interest in clean energy had been in the back of my mind for a while, so I decided to give it some more attention. That is when I started reading about SEI and the training that they offered to people who were looking to get involved in the solar industry. I thought about how a career in solar would align with my desire to help people, as well as to see some different parts of the country and the world. After a couple of weeks of research, it seemed like a no brainer. I placed a call to SEI, and Monique Turek responded the same day. Within a week, I had registered for seven weeks of courses using my remaining GI Bill benefits.

In September of 2016 I showed up in Paonia. Having zero electrical or solar experience I was a bit nervous about this undertaking. However, within a week or two those fears had subsided and I realized that I was learning and picking up the material very well. On top of that, Paonia was turning out to be a place where I could finally relax. What started out as a big risk (quit my job, left home), turned out to be an incredible experience of healing and preparation for a career in a new industry. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

While I was in South America over the winter, I emailed Kathy Swartz asking her for some professional advice. She offered her advice, but also suggested that I might be a great fit for the Summer Assistant position with SEI. “The pay will be low, but the fun will be high.” I jumped on the opportunity. And here I am in Paonia again, this time working for the team that provided me such an exceptional experience.

I’m incredibly happy to be here helping to provide new students the same amazing experience that I had. I felt like it was a great way to show my appreciation for what SEI did for me.”

The post SEI Team Member Highlight: Andrew Sprauer appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

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/sei-team-member-highlight-andrew-sprauer/
via IFTTT

Strengthening Community Through Solar

Dayne came to Solar Energy International (SEI) with his eyes toward the future: his future career, a more prosperous future for his community, and a sustainable future for his wife and son. Dayne travelled from Lapwai, ID where he works at the Nez Perce National Historic Park and is a member of the Nez Perce Tribe. He sees solar as a way to support the people and organizations he cares about. His first day in class, Dayne shared that, in part, he wants to use his solar training to ensure his son would never have to worry about utility bills. He’s hoping to integrate solar electric and solar thermal systems into his home, along with an orchard, so his son will be provided for into the future.

It soon became clear that Dayne’s solar aspirations extended far into his community. He hopes to utilize solar technology as a way to be a responsible steward of the planet and reduce energy costs for his church and other community programs. “With the community saving some money there will be more funding for better programs. Programs that would fix the roads, sidewalks, school programs and supplies, better equipment for the clinics, funding for that clinic to grow to a hospital. Funding to have a full fire station instead of a fire department run on volunteers. That’s my goal as a community member, Nez Perce Tribal member, First Presbyterian Church Trustee and most importantly of all, Husband and Father.”

He is taking great strides into his future through his pursuit of solar training. His first step was research on the industry and certification. Eventually,  Dayne hopes to become a NABCEP Certified Solar Installer and  he found SEI’s program through the educational resources page. He is well on his way as his journey to SEI’s Paonia, CO training for PV201L: Solar Electric Lab Week  marked his completion of SEI’s Solar Professionals Certificate Program for Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems. The SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program is a selective admissions program to help ensure the success of our students and provide a quality workforce for the solar industry. His application and performance demonstrated his commitment to his solar training and all of the skills and dedication he’d bring to a future solar career. Now that he’s completed the five requisite courses, both online and in-person, to complete this certificate program, he’ll be ready to take the NABCEP PV Certification exam. SEI eagerly awaits word of his success the good work he’s doing for his community.

The post Strengthening Community Through Solar appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

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/strengthening-community-solar/
via IFTTT

Solarize Delta County Announces Launch Event!

The Solarize team invites Delta County residents to join them to hear about Solarize Delta County Farms.  Solarize Delta County Farms provides educational outreach to the community about solar and renewable energy, and it provides an exclusive program discount if you register before July 18.

Join us as we celebrate the next phase of Solarize on Wednesday, April 26 at a Delta Chamber special event at CB’s Tavern in Delta! 

Who: Solar Energy International (SEI) and program partners Delta County Economic Development (DCED), Empowered Energy Systems, LLC, Sunsense, and Black Canyon Resources will be there to promote the launch of Solarize Delta County Farms

What:  Solarize Delta County Farms is an educational outreach program aimed at providing farms, businesses, and homes with a streamlined process to go solar

When:  April 26 at 5:00 pm

Where:  CB’s Tavern in Delta, Banquet Room, 334 Main Street

Why:  To formally celebrate and announce the launch  of Solarize Delta County Farms! A program bringing resources to the community about solar and renewable energy

For more details on the program contact the Solarize Team at solarize@solarenergy.org or call 970-527-7657 x213.  Sign up at www.solarenergy.org/solarize-delta-county-farms/ 

 

The post Solarize Delta County Announces Launch Event! appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

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/solarize-delta-county-announces-launch-event/
via IFTTT

Interested Business Owners Invited to Tour ProSpace Solar System Before Launch Event

Our third and final round of Solarize is focusing on farms and businesses, and we’re celebrating our launch with a special event at CB’s Tavern on April 26 at 5 p.m. To follow the overarching theme of this round of Solarize, we are also hosting a tour for interested business owners of the solar system at ProSpace Services in Delta at 4:30 p.m.

The 25 kW system was installed during last year’s round of Solarize, and we hope to use this tour to increase understanding about the financials, and business decisions associated with going solar. According to business owner, Tom Huerkamp, going solar is a no-brainer for businesses. After just 4 months the system was sending power back to the grid, and ProSpace is going into 2017 paying only the monthly minimum fee of $25 on their utility bills.

Solarize Delta County Farms launched April 18 and its registration period will continue to July 18. The program provides educational resources to the community about what solar and renewable energy systems can do for your farm, home or business, and it provides a streamlined process to go solar. The program offers an exclusive equipment discount and local loan options from banks in Delta County.

Interested business owners must RSVP to the Solarize program coordinator, Mary Marshall, at mary@solarenergy.org or call 970-527-7657 x213. We will head over to the launch event after the tour, first beer is on us!

Pictured: The 25 kW system installed at ProSpace during the 2016 round of Solarize.

The post Interested Business Owners Invited to Tour ProSpace Solar System Before Launch Event appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

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/interested-business-owners-invited-tour-prospace-solar-system-launch-event/
via IFTTT

Solar Career Platform Launched!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Solar Career Platform at solartrainingUSA.org. Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to be an official Training Provider of the Solar Training Network, and we know this platform will be helpful for students and job seekers nationwide.

If you’re interested in a career in solar, you’ll be glad to know that the number of solar jobs in America has almost tripled in the past six years, according to The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census 2016. The solar industry is adding workers at a rate nearly 17 times faster than the overall economy. That said, the Census also found that 82.7% of solar installers reported difficulty in finding qualified candidates. With the number of employment opportunities rapidly expanding, there is an ever-increasing need for skilled solar workers, and we want you to be onboard!

For students and solar job seekers, the Solar Training Network will improve access to solar training, resources, and career opportunities. Members have the ability to upload a resume, search for solar trainers and employers using an interactive map, find helpful resources, and attend Solar Training Network regional job fairs. All of this and more is available on the Solar Career Platform launching today, April 8th, at solartrainingUSA.org

The Solar Training Network is a U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative program that connects job seekers with training opportunities and employers. The program is designed to help meet the workforce needs of the growing solar industry. It is led by The Solar Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization with a reputation for excellence in solar jobs, research, and workforce development.

Join the Solar Training Network today to start your meaningful and dynamic career in solar!

The post Solar Career Platform Launched! appeared first on Solar Training - Solar Installer Training - Solar PV Installation Training - Solar Energy Courses - Renewable Energy Education - NABCEP - Solar Energy International (SEI).

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-career-platform-launched/
via IFTTT