Secure your spot for the Colorado Solar Career Expo powered by Solar Ready Colorado

Solar Energy International (SEI), Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA), and GRID Alternatives are teaming up again to bring you the Colorado Solar Career Expo powered by Solar Ready Colorado. The Colorado Solar Career Expo will take place on March 14 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Aurora Conference Center in Aurora, Colorado.

The Solar Career Expo is co-located with COSEIA’s Solar Power Mountain West Conference, and is free to attend, even if you aren’t registered for Solar Power Mountain West.  

The Colorado Solar Career Expo is the perfect opportunity to explore career paths in the solar industry, and to connect with Colorado solar energy industry employers. Our employer roster is filling fast, but attendees include Namaste Solar, EcoMark Solar, Sunsense Solar, Photon Brothers, the Solar Training Network, and more!  

We welcome anyone who is actively looking for a job, is interested in talking to prospective employers, or is just getting started in the industry to come explore and get familiar with solar jobs and employers. For more information, contact Allison Moe, GRID Alternatives Workforce Development Manager at amoe@gridalternatives.org or 303-481-4384.

EMPLOYERS: Booths are still available if you are interested in representing your business or organization at the Expo! Attendees will include students of job training organizations such as Solar Energy International, and GRID Alternatives trainees who have direct hands-on experience installing solar, as well as Colorado residents looking to start or advance their solar careers. For more information, contact Kevin Sova, SEI Solar Training Recruiter at kevin@solarenergy.org.

Solar Ready Colorado is  is a statewide effort through Solar Energy International and industry partners to expand the activities of outreach, recruiting, and training to the rapidly growing Colorado solar industry and jobs market. 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 training through SEI’s long running, non-profit 501(c)(3) technical training program to those interested in entering the Colorado solar industry.

Sign up to attend the Colorado Solar Career Expo online today. Hope to see you there!

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SEI Alum spearheads Village Solar Technician Accreditation (ViSTA) Program in the Philippines

In the fall, Solar Energy International (SEI) received a message from an organization in the Philippines, Stiftung SolarEnergie (StS), sharing updates on how classes positively impacted their organization.

StS’s mission is to “empower rural and marginalized villages throughout the Philippines by providing access to sustainable solar energy solutions.” Their focus areas are empowering schools, health (birthing) centers, emergency response, and communities, with sustainability resources. In the Philippines, StS is partnered with We Care Solar, a non-profit with the mission of “promoting safe motherhood and reducing maternal mortality in developing regions by providing health workers with reliable lighting, mobile communication, and medical devices using solar electricity.”

Through their connection with We Care Solar, StS solar practitioners were able to link up with SEI co-founder Johnny Weiss, and in August 2015, three Filipino solar practitioners completed an SEI online course on Advanced Battery-based PV System Design. They were sponsored by Johnny Weiss and SEI.

One StS employee who attended is the Technical Officer of StS Phil, John Vlademiere Tomas, who piloted the Village Solar Technician Accreditation (ViSTA) program, which aims to “help ensure sustainability of StS-programs by increasing local solar technical support capacity.”

Photo courtesy of StS.

According to John, “Completing SEI classes gave me confidence in conducting PV trainings.  Because of the knowledge gained from SEI, we were able to design the ViSTA training module, and are also able to provide distance-guidance to the trained local technicians.”

SEI offers basic to advanced battery technology courses including, PV203: PV System Fundamentals (Battery-Based), PV303: Advanced PV Multimode and Microgrid Design, and PV304: Advanced PV Stand-Alone System Design. These classes are available both online and in-person, you can check out our full solar installer training schedule online.  

“If you want to [work in the] solar industry or fully understand how it works, I highly recommend taking courses so you will be more confident and have more knowledge with PV Systems. SEI offers different courses that can help you in your career in PV. In a short period of time taking this course you will enjoy [it], and the most important is you will really learn a lot and meet new people that you can share ideas [with] that will help you grow in your career in PV Systems,” John said.

Do you have an SEI alumni success story? Contact SEI Marketing Manager Mary Marshall at mary@solarenergy.org.

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History of solar documentary, ‘Solar Roots,’ to screen in Paonia, Colorado

PAONIA, Colorado — Renewable energy advocates and solar training professionals will have the chance to see the story of the start of the modern solar photovoltaic (PV) industry through the eyes of its pioneers. On March 26, Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Paradise Theatre in Paonia, Colorado, present “Solar Roots – The Pioneers of PV” as part of the SEI’s 11th Annual Instructor Training, which brings together over 70 PV instructors and staff for three days of learning, camaraderie, and industry best practices.

Executive Producer and SEI alum Jeff Spies explains that “’Solar Roots” is the true story of how a small group of backwoods engineers and business hippies brought PV technology down from space into homes around the world delivering ‘solar power to the people’.

Starting in 2015, Spies and director Jason Vetterli embarked upon a two year journey, traveling the country, interviewing more than 50 pioneers of the PV industry in the making of this educational, humorous, and touching film. “Solar Roots” features Colorado’s own solar pioneers Johnny Weiss, who co-founded the nonprofit training organization SEI in Carbondale, Colorado, in 1991, and Ed Eaton, who has taught solar to thousands of people from around the world, including many of SEI’s instructors.

“The story starts in the mid 1800s with the early scientific discoveries in photovoltaics, and quickly progresses through the development of the Bell Silicon Cell in the 1950s, the rapid deployment of PV in the space race of the ’60s, and the debut of terrestrial PV in the 1970s, before finally focusing on the colorful group of men and women who gave birth to the PV home power movement in the early ’80’s,” which Spies said “eventually grew to define the modern day solar PV industry.”

Today Johnny lives  in Paonia, where SEI’s world-class training facility is now based. Johnny frequently travels abroad and to Native American reservations in his work as a philanthropist and solar consultant.  Ed lives off-grid in Paonia, continues to install PV systems, designs and builds solar ovens, solar cooks feasts of vegetarian food, and continues to teach a variety of energy-related classes and workshops. Weiss, Eaton, and Spies will participate in a Q&A session immediately following the March 26 film screening.

Due to the limited seating, viewing is by invitation only. If you are interested in receiving an invitation or learning more, contact SEI’s Executive Director, Kathy Swartz, at kswartz@solarenergy.org, or you can find out more about the film at www.solar-roots.com. Though the film is free, all donations to support SEI’s charitable outreach programs will be greatly appreciated!

About Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization. Our mission is to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. We envision a world powered by renewable energy! Visit www.solarenergy.org.

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SEI’s updated PVOL202: Advanced PV System Design and the NEC course launches February 26th!

Want to learn about Photovoltaic (PV) Design and the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) from a technical team with over 100 years of collective solar industry experience? Take Solar Energy International (SEI)’s updated PVOL202: Advanced PV System Design and the NEC course, which launches February 26^th!

Last October,  SEI’s PV Curriculum Development Team decided it was the perfect time to get started on an extensive update to SEI’s industry-leading PV design course, PVOL202: Advanced (Grid-Direct) PV System Design and the NEC.  This course has served as a technical training rite of passage for over a decade, helping students transform themselves into Code-loving, quality-obsessed, NABCEP-certified industry professionals.

With the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Exam switching from the 2014 to the 2017 National Electrical Code at the beginning of 2018, and the majority of U.S. adopting the 2017 NEC by the end of this year, the timing of the February 26^th updated course launch is ideal. Along with covering the extensive 2017 NEC updates, PV202 also features new equipment available in our rapidly-advancing industry. In this course, you certainly won’t find old gear from manufacturers who closed their doors years ago! Instead, think efficient, industry-leading equipment used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale PV applications TODAY.

Who are the folks behind this 4-month curriculum update project? SEI’s Rebekah Hren and Brian Mehalic led the charge, along with SEI instructor Kelly Larson. This powerhouse technical team brings over 47 years of collective PV industry experience; add in critical project support from SEI’s five other curriculum developers and you have amassed over 112 years of experience, spanning all sectors of the solar industry.

Rebekah and Brian have been knee-deep in the NEC for years, writing technical articles for Solar Pro Magazine, teaching classes all across the country, and just last month, Rebekah and Brian represented SEI as principal and alternate on NFPA Code-Making Panel 4 (CMP-4) for the 2020 NEC. Together they brought their PV expertise to the table, working alongside other panel members to review and respond to hundreds of Public Inputs submitted for consideration as revisions to Articles 690, 691, 692, 694, 705, 710, and 712.

Rebekah notes: “In order to develop curriculum that’s technically accurate and truly reflective of current issues, it’s critical to stay involved. I’m thankful to contribute to the evolution and education of the solar industry!”

SEI is proud to have such a dedicated team of professionals bringing you the best technical training available. Sign up for solar installer training today to take your career to the next level!

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Alumni Spotlight: SEI student alum is site superintendent on a 6.6 MW solar farm

From Solar Energy International (SEI) student to site supervisor, we love to share success stories like those of Solar Training Alumni Andrew Niles, who began his solar journey at the Solar Ready Vets Cohort at Fort Carson, Colorado, where SEI was giving classes.

Andrew is currently a site supervisor at Strata Solar based out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but got his start with an energy-related career path in the Army, where he was a Power Generation Equipment Technician and Repairer. “Because I already had that background to electricity generation using fossil fuels, I knew that the solar industry is the future and would build on my power generation knowledge,” he explained.

According to Andrew, “My experience was exceptional because not only was I building on my knowledge, the instructors made classes interesting and provided an excellent learning environment to learn about the solar industry.” Andrew progressed through many SEI courses including PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation, PV201L: Solar Electric Lab Week (Grid-Direct), PV203 Prep and 301L: Battery-Based PV Systems Fundamentals, before successfully completing the entry-level NABCEP.

Moving forward, Andrew explained that the training he received at SEI gave him the skills and confidence needed to pursue a new career path in the solar industry. “SEI provided me with solar knowledge by starting at the basics. After completing the training and obtaining my NABCEP certificate, I felt confident in seeking a career in this field after retiring from the U.S. Army,” Andrew explained.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Niles. Pictured: A completed 6.6 MW Qualifying Farm (QF).

Andrew’s first project was a 6.6 MW Qualifying Farm (QF) solar farm, where he was the Site Superintendent. According to Andrew, The Superintendent is responsible for oversight, coordination, and successful completion the array while managing between 80 to over 200 construction employees depending on the size of the site.

Andrew provided guidance and technical support to employees, secured temp labor, and subcontractors as Site Superintendent of two QFs, and one utility-scale solar farm.  His latest project is a 20 MW Dominion Utility-scale farm in Virginia.

“My Army career prepared for me for the supervisory and managerial role, while my SEI solar classes foundation helped in building on that solid solar energy base,” Andrew said.

“Just like I made a career in the military, I hope my solar career can take me to a level where I can be a part of the decision-making: a construction manager, solar instructor, overseeing projects in my home (Caribbean Islands) and work for the Department of Energy,” Andrew said. His SEI solar instructor training has inspired his future goals: “These near term and long-term goals would tie-in my solar experience with my Master’s degree in Business Administration.”

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2017 National Solar Jobs Census: SEI supports solar job market growth

The 2017 National Solar Jobs Census, the leading and most comprehensive report on solar labor market trends in the United States, was made public on Wednesday, January 2, revealing that solar jobs increased in 29 states with emerging solar markets including Utah, Arizona, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee and others.

The annual report, by The Solar Foundation, an independent 5019(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has shown an overall positive, long-term trend in solar jobs over the past 8 years, growing 168% since 2010, or from 93,000 to over 150,000 jobs in all 50 states. 2017 was the first year that the industry saw a slight decline of 3.8% jobs since 2018, according to a press release by The Solar Foundation.

At a state-level, the report shows that the decline in jobs was in states such as California, Massachusetts and Nevada, states with well-established solar markets. The Foundation concluded that the decline could be attributed to policy and economic changes on the state level, a slowdown from the 2016 installation pace set by an anticipated expiration for the federal tax credit, and finally the anticipated decision of the 201 trade case.

As a leading non-profit solar workforce training facility, Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to contribute qualified employees to the solar jobs market throughout the United States. With over half of the nation’s states growing their solar markets, there are still ample opportunities for growth and employment in solar, an industry that offers well-paying jobs for workers of a wide variety of skill and education levels.

SEI is proud to train the workforce for an industry that is increasingly growing in diversity. The report shows this year that nearly 30% of the solar industry is made up of women, but we would love to see this number grow even more. SEI encourages prospective students to consider our scholarship programs for women, veterans and developing countries.

Photo courtesy of The Solar Foundation.

We are committed to a world powered by renewable energy, and to providing those entering the solar energy industry with top-notch technical training. Let’s continue to move solar job growth in a positive direction! Launch your career in solar today through solar installation training or enroll to complete the SEI Solar Professional Certificate Program tracks, the industry’s most rigorous training program to prepare professionals for the highly technical clean energy workforce.

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Solar Energy International, Western join forces: Partnership to offer college-level courses in solar energy

GUNNISON, Colo. – Solar Energy International (SEI) and Western State Colorado University are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership through the Western Extended Studies Department that will give students the ability to receive college credit for SEI’s industry-recognized solar training program. Through a dual enrollment agreement, students will be able to enroll in SEI’s classes offered online, in-person and as hands-on labs to receive college credit from Western. Students can also enroll in SEI’s Solar Professionals Certificate Program, which is recognized by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and comprised of a combination of SEI class offerings.

Furthermore, this partnership opens new opportunities for AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) who have educational benefits available to them through their time of service as a way to pay for their technical training with SEI.

“SEI is excited to see this partnership become a reality,” said Breccia Cressman, SEI’s Director of Student Services. “We have worked closely with Western for years with shared values of environmentalism and innovation in clean energy technologies. Our Student Services Team often receives inquiries from potential students wanting college credit for our classes, but until now we were not able to offer this benefit. The thousands of AmeriCorps VISTAs out there with educational benefits can now continue their service to the world by starting a new career of service in the clean energy sector. Our Student Counselors are standing by and excited to talk with people about our training program and this new opportunity with Western.”

John Hausdoerffer, Dean of Western’s School of Environment & Sustainability (SES) shared that, “Western’s School of Environment & Sustainability is honored to have such a great renewable energy educational resource right here in our own backyard with SEI. They have been around for decades offering renewable energy education not only to our local communities here in Colorado, but also serving a global audience bringing hundreds of people from all over the world to Paonia, Colo., every year to receive their training. We are honored to partner with them.”

Western shares SEI’s vision of a world powered by renewable energy. Western’s SES partnered with Extended Studies to provide academic credit with the intent that students consider applying their credits to an undergraduate degree as well as explore the possibilities of connecting their SEI education into a Master in Environmental Management degree at Western. Additionally, Coldharbour Institute is helping SES ensure the success of SEI and Extended Studies in delivering this partnership. Graduates of these programs will be the leaders of the future clean energy economy who will ensure a more sustainable future for this planet and all of those that inhabit it.

For more information about SEI’s training program and the dual enrollment agreement between SEI and Western, contact Monique Turek at 970.527.7657 x.1 or monique@solarenergy.org. For information about credit enrollment or the AmeriCorps funding process, please contact Extended Studies at 970.943.2885 or outdoorprograms@western.edu. Credit enrollment begins Feb. 6, 2018.

About Western State Colorado University

Western State Colorado University delivers a full liberal arts curriculum and career preparation to 2,800 intellectually adventurous students, deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The university’s small size, unique setting and low cost ensure students receive personalized attention, gain hands-on experience and graduate without taking on excessive debt. For more information, visit go.western.edu or connect on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Solar Energy International

Solar Energy International (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.

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Contact:  Dana Miller, Assistant Director for Extended Studies

970.943.2889 | dmmiller@western.edu

western.edu/outdoorprograms

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