SEI Family Mourns the Tragic Death of Instructor Mike Sullivan

We are deeply saddened and stunned by the unexpected death of SEI Instructor Mike Sullivan. Since 2009, Mike taught over 40 classes and over 1000 students through both online and in-person trainings. Mike died on Monday in a climbing accident on Steeple Peak area of the Wind River Mountain Range in Wyoming.

Mike was a living legend at SEI because of how fully he lived his 54 years of life. When he wasn’t teaching solar classes, he travelled around the world working on solar projects for people who did not have electricity. Or he was climbing and adventuring in some of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth and then sharing his amazing photos with us on social media.

When he introduced himself in classes, he said he was from “Tacoma, the truck not Washington.” We were excited when he opened a PO Box and got a storage unit in Paonia, SEI’s headquarters, because it meant we were his homebase. He was an engineer by training, and even worked for a few years behind the desk before he found solar and his life’s passion. Meticulous and singular in his focus, it didn’t surprise us when we recently learned that he had read the entire dictionary by the time he was 5 years old.

There are so many stories flowing in from instructors and other solar friends. From stripping down to his underwear to cross a river in Bolivia while carrying PV equipment, from strapping a hot water heater to his back and skiing up a steep, steep mountain to deliver it to an off-grid cabin of a friend, to awakening each morning at 4am before teaching a class so that he could find a tree to climb or a hike. His motto was work 24/7—meaning 24 hours a week for 7 months a year.

“We met on a rainy, rest day in a hostel in El Chalten, Argentina in the heart of Patagonia in 2014. I had never met someone who so seamlessly wove their passions and their profession into such an adventurous and colorful lifestyle. (He was teaching SEI online courses in between climbing.) It quickly became evident that he was more than a climbing mentor; he was the impetus I needed to pursue my passion for renewable energy systems as a career. Mike redefined possibility. He invited me to assist with a solar project in Ladakh, India last summer, where I witnessed how solar technology can be used as an incredible tool to positively impact a community and its enormous potential to further influence the course of the world.

Mike’s gentle ways and vibrant enthusiasm was infectious and his spirit full of compassion. 

I always looked forward to our next adventure as he gravitated to the most beautiful places above and around. He’ll continue to inspire with his sparky twinkle of irradiance and that big alleycat grin.”

Toby Swimmer, OnSite Energy in Bozeman, Montana

“Mike spent a lot of time working with technicians in Haiti in 2011-2012.  Each time I go to Haiti and see individual technicians they go through and diligently ask about the different people we know in common… How is Christopher? How is Brad? How is Jeff?… but when they get to Mike, each person gets this big goofy smile and asks “How is Mike? You know- he is craazzy!!” and laughs…

Recently, I asked why everyone thinks Mike was so crazy… and everyone had some story about turning their back to do something… and then when going back to find Mike… hunting around, calling his name… and then someone finding him up in the tallest part of a tree. And of course, there is no purpose of being in the tree… the tree is not a fruiting tree, etc…and this part is explained in detail as they are trying to make sense as to why he was up there. Mike was just hanging out there. Making people laugh without knowing the language. And there is always a lot of laughter in recounting these stories. 

~Carol Weis, SEI Instructor and Co-Founder of Remote Energy

Mike, we miss you. Thank you for always reminding us to go live your adventure, live your passions. We will send out more details as the memorial is finalized.

 

The post SEI Family Mourns the Tragic Death of Instructor Mike Sullivan 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-family-mourns-tragic-death-instructor-mike-sullivan/
via IFTTT

Father/Son Duo Launch Solar Careers with SEI!

Sometimes solar is a family affair. This is true for Rob and Jake Dushek, a father/son team who came to Solar Energy International (SEI) for solar training earlier this month. Rob and Jake are already business partners who see their future in the solar industry, but for different reasons. Rob, Jake’s father, is looking to expand the contracting and energy consulting business he’s been growing for the last fifteen years. He sees the growth of the business as a way empower the young people like his son Jake. Saying of his reason to pursue solar training at SEI and become a certified solar professional,  “it is a financial opportunity to help my small business grow which will in turn lead young professionals to paths and opportunities for business ownership.”

Jake is excited to make the shift to solar because he is technically inclined and shares his father’s passion for renewable energy and optimism about the industry’s potential for growth. “I understand in order to continue life as we know it, we will need to incorporate renewable energy and make it a priority. I want to become certified in renewable energy because it seems like a very lucrative field to get into at the time and I also want to save the environment.” When asked about coming to SEI with his father, Jake admitted it’s a “rare opportunity to opportunity get to work with a parent” especially one who shares a such a similar passion. “It’s really nice to work together, we already have a great relationship and we’re good at troubleshooting and collaborating on solutions.”

The two are continuing their hands-on solar training with SEI’s online training courses. Proving once again that they make a great team, they are each enrolled in complementary tracks of SEI’s Solar Professionals Certificate Program.  Jake is working towards completing his Solar Business and Technical Sales Certificate to focus on the customer-facing aspects of the business while Rob works on the Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate to grow on his experience and passion for technical solutions. Together, they’ll have a strong technical background in solar to launch the next phase of their business.

 

The post Father/Son Duo Launch Solar Careers with SEI! 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/fatherson-duo-launch-solar-careers-sei/
via IFTTT

SEI’s Solar Ready Colorado Initiative Wins IREC 3iAward!

Solar Energy International’s (SEI) Solar Ready Colorado Initiative received the 2017 IREC State/Local Government Achievement of the Year. Solar Ready Colorado is a statewide training and career outreach program led by SEI and industry partners and funded through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s WORK Act Grant. The program offers SEI’s technical training program to Coloradoans who can fill the solar industry’s predicted skilled workforce shortage and helps to ensure the state is prepared for the changing landscape of energy production and distribution. The awards, given out by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), honored the 2017 3iAward recipients which celebrate the nation’s best innovation, ingenuity and inspiration in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The winners are based on a prestigious annual national search.

The Solar Ready Colorado program was honored for its innovative approaches to outreach especially the Solar Ready Colorado Career Expo and Envision360 Virtual Reality project. The Solar Ready Colorado Career Expo was co-sponsored by project partners Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (COSEIA) and GRID Alternatives Colorado at COSEIA’s annual Solar Power Colorado conference. More than 150 job seekers attended the expo and engaged with Colorado solar companies about the jobs available in this growing industry. The partners will once again put on the Career Expo event at the newly expanded Solar Power Mountain West conference from March 12-14, 2018. coseia.org/conference/

“This event provided a forum where some of Colorado’s top solar companies could meet individually with job seekers was a unique way to showcase the opportunities in this fast growing part of our economy, which already employs more than 6,000 Coloradans,’’ said Chris Turek, Marketing Director of SEI ”we look forward to an even bigger career expo next year.’’

The event also marked the launch of the SEI Envision360 App and SEI Google Cardboard Project. Envision360 is a solar recruitment program technology tool that gives students a virtual experience of what it’s like to work in the solar industry, using Google Cardboard Viewers and virtual reality (VR) technologies. Solar companies across Colorado are featured in the app through interviews of key staff about their experience in solar and through 360o experiences of their warehouses, offices, and job sites. The app and viewers are being utilized by Coloradoans new to the solar industry as well as in schools to educate students about career opportunities in solar.

The post SEI’s Solar Ready Colorado Initiative Wins IREC 3iAward! 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/seis-solar-ready-colorado-initiative-wins-irec-3iaward/
via IFTTT

SEI Student Spotlight: Shannon Ware

Shannon Ware is a Senior Commercial PV Designer based in St. Louis, MO. This week she traveled to Solar Energy International (SEI) to take PV351L: Tools and Techniques for Operations and Maintenance Lab Week (Grid-Direct), an intensive, advanced training designed for solar professionals already working in the PV industry who want to take their technical skills to the next level. Shannon certainly has a lot of experience in the industry. She primarily designs commercial systems, recently completing a large 322 kW DC parking structure in San Diego. In 2014, she became a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional.

Before getting into the solar industry, she’d had a full career beginning with a Bachelors of Science in Ocean Engineering,followed by a stint in commercial printing and digital publishing, and then successful time in real estate sales of historic homes. After taking an interest in green home building,  she grew into a larger passion for sustainability. Shannon eventually took solar training and through an influx of serendipity immediately landed her first PV installation contact.

For that install, Shannon acted as the project manager and also designed, permitted and ran the installation of that first 25kW  commercial PV system. She was drawn to the design process of PV installations because of the creativity and problem solving skills needed. Shannon said “you need to have an engineering mindset. Every roof is different and you’re dealing with shadows and shading while looking to be efficient for your customer.”

Though Shannon has a diverse range of experience designing PV systems, she came so SEI “looking to expand skill set in commissioning and troubleshooting.”  She said “I’ve always wanted to come out [to SEI]. It’s the best in the world!”

The post SEI Student Spotlight: Shannon Ware 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-student-spotlight-shannon-ware/
via IFTTT

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.

The post Solarize Delta County Farms Enters Its Final Month! 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-farms-enters-final-month/
via IFTTT

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.

The post SEI Instructor Spotlight: Will White 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-instructor-spotlight-will-white/
via IFTTT

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.

 

 

 

The post SEI Student Spotlight: Eli Bowles 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-student-spotlight-eli-bowles/
via IFTTT