Solarize Delta County Farms Enters Its Final Month!

Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Solarize Delta County Farms, a community-powered outreach program offering a streamlined process to go solar by partnering with a local installer, is entering its final month. After 10 weeks of 20 outreach events reaching over 500 community members, the program is entering its final three weeks and registration closes on July 18.

Solarize Delta County Farms is the last of three Solarize programs which have been implemented by SEI in Delta County in the past three years. After the success of the first two programs, this final program was designed with the mission of providing more resources to farms and business, crucial components to the Delta County Economy. In the past month, the Solarize team has partnered with the Colorado Energy Office and the Department of Agriculture for outreach programs to farmers, along with other events such as a sustainable farming documentary viewing and solar and micro-hydro farm tours.

Mid-way through June with one month left to go, the program was successful in garnering community commitment to 100 kW of newly installed solar in the form of both residential and commercial systems. Comparatively, last year the program ended with 150 kW, and the year before with 123 kW. Per program design, if more community members go solar, there will be a higher rebate back on solar system equipment cost.

Community members interested in going solar who register for the program now will be eligible for an exclusive program discount, but only if they register by July 18. Registering for the program includes a free remote site assessment, and a no-cost, no-commitment onsite assessment from our partnered installers, Empowered Energy Systems.

The Solarize Team will be appearing throughout Delta County in July at various community events and through Solarize outreach events. Community members can see the team to learn more about the program at Celebrate Cedaredge on July 1 or Cherry Days in Paonia on July 4. There will also be a financing workshop on July 13 at 138 Grand Avenue in Paonia from 6-8 p.m., a Summer Solarize Celebration at Delicious Orchards on July 14, 6-8 p.m. and a Registration Rush Happy Hour in Delta at CB’s Tavern on July 17 from 5:30- 7 p.m.
Interested community members can sign up for Solarize at https://www.solarenergy.org/solarize-delta-county-farms/ or contact the Solarize Team at 970-527-7657 x213 or email solarize@solarenergy.org.

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SEI Instructor Spotlight: Will White

One of the things that makes SEI unique is the incredible backgrounds our 40+ instructors bring to their classes. Will White is no different. He works with SEI as a Curriculum Developer and Instructor and has been working in the solar industry for more than 10 years. He is also the face behind the newly invigorated PV206: Solar Business and Technical Sales course.

Will began working in the renewable energy industry in 2005 as an installer for small East Coast integrator. During more than ten years with that company, which eventually became RGS Energy, he took on many roles. After starting as an installer, he worked in sales, design, and project management, and he eventually became the Director of Construction for the East Coast. He brought this experience to curriculum team, in particular to the PV206 course so it would be relevant and engaging for solar professional doing PV Sales whether they are coming from a technical or business background.

Like many, Will started his career as an installer before transitioning into sales. He managed the full sales process from the initial customer contact, to the preliminary evaluation, site visit, quote and preliminary design. This process is mirrored in the PV206 curriculum which “goes through the entire sales process, breaking it into steps and going through them each in detail. Coming from PV101, and you know basic technical information of solar so you can confidently sell a residential PV system.” He added “sales people can come from technical background or sales background. There’s a lot that goes into solar, and it can get confusing for customers quickly. It is a talent for salespeople to give customers enough information to give them options without making them confused or overwhelmed.”

In addition to his sales experience, Will has experience in wind power, solar thermal, and all scales of PV, although he has primarily focused on residential systems. He is passionate about implementing high quality, code compliant installation techniques. He is a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional and was previously a NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer. In his free time, Will can be found working with his wife and young daughter on their homestead in central Vermont, which features an off-grid strawbale house.

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SEI Student Spotlight: Eli Bowles

Eli Bowles has been in the renewable energy industry for over six years, but enrolled at Solar Energy International (SEI) to jump start his solar training! Eli is currently a Renewable Energy Instructor at the College of Southern Idaho with a background as a Wind Turbine Technician and training specialist.  He brings years of practical and technical experience to his students but came to SEI to deepen his knowledge of solar as the growing industry is where many of his students will seek careers.

“Training at SEI is going to have a phenomenal impact on my classes. Our program is limited compared to SEI. We don’t have the ability to look and see and feel like you do at SEI. The labyard here is so immense and awesome, it is really expanding my knowledge. I have so many ideas to take back to campus to incorporate the hands on learning I’ve experienced these past two weeks” Eli shared of his solar training experience.

He is currently completing his Solar Professionals Trainer Certificate through SEI’s Solar Professional’s Certificate Program which connects quality instructors to SEI’s best classroom curriculum and lab training experience to see first hand what it takes to put on a full solar training program at his college. In the fall, Eli will return to campus armed with his career experience, SEI Certificate Training and his incredible passion for all things renewable to instill his students with a solid education and some sage career advice.

 

 

 

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Delta-Montrose Electric Association and SEI Bolster Solar in the Schools Program

Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Solar in the Schools program secured solid funding this month, when Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) committed $150,000 to the program. DMEA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously at their regular May board meeting to funnel $150,000 from the co-op’s Unclaimed Capital Credit fund to support the installation of solar electric systems at five high schools within DMEA’s service territory.

Where does DMEA’s Unclaimed Capital Credit fund come from? As a member-owned cooperative, DMEA returns excess revenue back to its members in the form of capital credits. In some cases, DMEA is unable to locate members who have moved away from the service territory or passed away. After 5 1Ž2 years, capital credits that remain unclaimed are transferred to a fund for charitable and educational purposes.

“We make every effort to find members who are no longer on our system so we can return their capital credits. Sometimes, it’s just not possible. We recognize that money still belongs to the members of the co-op and we’re responsible for making sure it is funneled back into the community. DMEA’s board has specifically focused on supporting educational programs. Solar in the Schools was a natural fit,” explained DMEA CEO, Jasen Bronec.

SEI’s Solar in the Schools program works in local schools to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) training while focusing on renewable energy. Recently SEI began a solar training program in Delta and Paonia High Schools. This semester-long training includes online and practical training. With the funding from DMEA, SEI can now go beyond just teaching students about solar energy. Solar electric systems will be installed at each high school within DMEA’s service territory so students can gain real-life experience with building the array, monitoring production, and better understanding their energy consumption.

“SEI’s Solar in the Schools high school training program empowers students at a critical time in their lives by creating technical career pathways for students to excel in whichever direction life takes them. We are thrilled by DMEA’s decision to fund the PV installations in area high schools. Having these PV systems in place will be a powerful tool to engage young people with hands-on technical training right in their school,” says Kathy Swartz, SEI Executive Director.

SEI will provide technical assistance in the design and installation of the 10 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at Delta High School, Hotchkiss High School, Cedaredge High School, Olathe High School, and Montrose High School. (Paonia High School already has funding for a 10kW PV system through other grants secured through SEI.) “We are really excited about the continued efforts to introduce solar in schools and we look forward to expanding various opportunities for our students,” said Kurt Clay, assistant superintendent/public relations at Delta County School District.

Through the program, students will be involved in various steps of the project, including determining the best site, design and construction of the system, or energy production evaluation. The actual installation will be conducted by an installation company(ies) in DMEA’s service territory. The installation partners will be selected through a rigorous RFP process, led by SEI.

“This is great news for a lot of reasons,” says Ben Graves, a science teacher at Delta High School. “At Delta High School, thirty students have completed ‘Introduction to Solar Electric Design and Installation,’ a vocational course that we partner with SEI to offer to high school juniors and seniors. Many of these students are looking for careers in the growing local solar industry. Furthermore, having the PV systems on campus will enhance students’ understanding of the relationship between their energy consumption and the potential for local renewable production. The installation of the 10kW array and our subsequent real-time monitoring will infuse rich STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math) principles and practices into our AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, and vocational Solar Electric Design programs.”

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About DMEA: DMEA is a rural electric distribution cooperative, located in Montrose, Colorado. DMEA was originally founded in 1938, as Delta-Montrose Rural Power Lines Association. A board of directors from nine districts covering three counties governs the cooperative. DMEA serves approximately 32,000 residential, commercial and industrial meters, on over 3,000 miles of cooperative owned distribution line.

About SEI: For over 25 years, Solar Energy International (SEI) has provided industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. With over 55,000 alumni worldwide and named the 2015 IREC Accredited Clean Energy Training Provider of the Year, SEI is the leader in renewable energy education. Visit www.solarenergy.org

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SEI Job Opportunity: Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Vision of Curriculum and Instruction Department

SEI’s mission is to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. Since 1991, SEI has provided training for all levels of professionals within the solar electric industry; whether a person is new to the industry or wants to expand their skills—from grid-tied to battery-based to O&M, from residential to utility-scale to microgrids. The Curriculum and Instruction Department is responsible for ensuring that our online, in-person, hands-on, and contract trainings are industry-leading and delivered to SEI’s standards in the appropriate language.

Purpose of Director of Curriculum and Instruction

To fulfill this vision, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction ensures that the Department has the resources and direction that it needs to develop new curriculum for our general public and contract trainings, update over 500 hours of existing curriculum, and maintain state-of-the-art content and quality in solar training. This position ensures that the presentation of the curriculum maintains SEI’s standards and is taught by experienced instructors who uphold SEI’s vision. As the Director of the Curriculum and Instruction Department, this position ensures that budgets and deadlines are met and represents the team at the Operating Committee through a two-way communication flow. Additionally, this position plays a key role in curriculum development.

This is a full-time, salaried position that is based remotely. Approximately half of the time will be managing the team and the other half of the time will be developing curriculum. This position will supervise SEI’s curriculum developers (currently six, plus project-specific subject-matter experts), Workshop Coordinator, Director of Online Learning, Online Course Manager, and the Solar in the Schools Manager.

This position will co-instruct one online and in-person training each year.

Responsibilities

• Represent Curriculum and Instruction Department in Operating Committee meetings
• Ensure a two-way flow of communication between the Department and the Operating Committee
• Report on the Department’s work-plan and budget
• Uphold the organization’s vision and strategic plan and develop a plan for how their department achieves these goals
• Liaison with Lab Yard Manager, Student Services Team, Business Development Managers, and Contract Training Manager
• Create and update the Department’s annual work-plan and priorities, and oversee and coordinate Department members’ schedules to effectively accomplish annual goals
• Update existing and develop new curriculum in conjunction with the team
• Work with the Department to ensure that ongoing deadlines and priorities are clear and workflow processes are followed
• Complete annual reviews and contracts for Department members
• Modify, create, and implement work-flow processes for Paonia-based and remote team members
• Oversee document archival and storage processes
• Schedule, create agenda for, and moderate Department meetings, and participate in sub-committees as required
• Assist with the planning for SEI’s annual PV instructor training
• Assist with planning conference curriculum and instruction, and represent SEI at industry conferences
• Ensure IREC and DPOS requirements are met and assist with yearly renewal documentation
• Coordinate Curriculum Development Team involvement with SEI Engineering and Professional Services contracts
• Develop relationships with potential industry partners, donors, and contractors
• Develop and manage annual department budget and review and submit Department members’ timesheets and invoices
• Develop and update portfolio of content that can be offered as contract trainings
• Keep a pulse on the wellness, efficiency, and needs of the Department

Preferred skills and abilities

• Five years experience managing technical teams of at least 10 people, especially of remote workers
• Two years training or experience in adult education, both in-person and online
• Two years experience in solar industry
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the year, including to Paonia, Colorado, and to conferences
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills
• Ability to communicate efficiently with co-workers via email and Skype
• Working knowledge of Spanish language is preferred but not required
• Experience and expertise using MS PowerPoint and MS Office, Adobe Illustrator, CAD, Google drive and other industry-specific software
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field

Salary and benefits:

Salary dependent on experience. Additional benefits include health insurance, paid time-off, and a retirement package.

To Apply:

Applications due July 21, 2017, with a start date of approximately early September. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references letter in one combined PDF to jobs@solarenergy.org.

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Calling all business and farm owners! Upcoming C-PACE Presentation in Delta

Do you have a building that needs upgrades? Are you interested in going solar? Are you interested in a long-term, positive cash flow financing mechanism? The time is now! Building-owners who utilize C-PACE funding for an eligible project will repay the cost over a period of 20 years through an additional charge, or assessment, on their property tax bill.

Join the Solarize Team at 10am Saturday June 17th, at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta for a Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Presentation with our program director Tracy Phillips to learn more about this new financing option.

Please RSVP for the free event by contacting us by email, phone, or using the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/c-pace-financing-presentation-for-delta-county-tickets-34983524664?aff=es2

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/

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Agriculture Energy Efficiency Presentation with the Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Agriculture

The Solarize team invites Delta County residents to join them at 7pm Wednesday June 14th, at the Heritage Hall in Hotchkiss for an Agriculture Energy Efficiency Presentation with the Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Colorado farmers spend more than $400 million annually on energy, equaling 7 percent of the industry’s total expenses. The Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have partnered to offer a variety of programs to support and finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects throughout the state. This presentation will focus on program offerings for energy audits, small hydropower, and other renewable energy options for irrigation, greenhouses, dairies and cold storage facilities. These program offerings address barriers that frequently prevent producers from investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy by bringing partners and resources together with new funding and a turnkey approach. The presentation will cover a variety of financial offerings available to producers including Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy. C-PACE is a financing tool that allows commercial and multifamily property owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency, water conservation, and other clean energy improvements on existing and newly constructed properties, with repayment of the financing through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill.

Please RSVP for the free event by contacting us by email, phone, or using the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renewable-energy-and-efficiency-financing-for-agriculture-tickets-34920732852

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/

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