SEI Outreach - Solar Energy International

SOLAR 

ENERGY INTERNATIONAL 

2012 training catalog 

Hands-on Training 

for the renewable energy pro 

Online Campus 

anytime, anywhere, 24-7 

SEI Outreach 

for a sustainable world

WELCOME 

Celebrating 

20 big years 

Solar Energy International 

celebrated 20 years of 

renewable energy and solar 

training Aug. 12-14, 2011, 

in sunny Colorado. The 

fun weekend welcomed SEI 

friends, colleagues, alumni, 

and board members who 

traveled from as far away as 

Australia, as well as several 

of the 50 states, for rafting, a 

community BBQ, and a tour 

of the SEI PV Lab Facility in 

Paonia. Fun was had by all 

and the renewable energy buzz 

remained strong throughout the 

weekend’s events. The Town of 

Carbondale even acknowledged 

SEI with a Town Proclamation 

on Aug. 9, 2011, for 20 years 

of collaborative achievements 

and community spirit. 

Here’s to another 20 years! 

Why do you love SEI? 

Write us a note at 

sei@solarenergy.org 

or Facebook it! 

From top, left to right, Board members Jeff Scott and Jane Koger enjoy the party; SEI PV 

Instructor Kris Sutton cooks up cheeseburgers; Carbondale artist Amber Sparkles paints 

little Dewey Davis’ face; locals Michele Diamond and Wick Moses are all smiles; 

SEI Executive Director Johnny Weiss and Caryn McVoy celebrate the day; SEI alum Aaron Taylor, on drums, and vocalist Olivia 

Pevec, of Carbondale band All the Pretty Horses entertain the crowd; and Mandy Owensby’s 20th anniversary pinata was a smash. 

2 2012 training catalog

solarenergy.org 

4 

director’s note 

5 

chairperson’s note 

6 

training 

10 

international 

11 

contract trainings 

12 

online campus 

14 

outreach 

16 

development 

19 

resources 

CONTENTS 

Solar training 

at SEI’s PV Lab 

Facility in Paonia, 

Colorado. 

SEI’s Solar In the 

Schools Manager 

Noah Davis teaching 

about electricity with 

the energy bike in the 

classroom. 

SEI teaching wind 

power technology in 

Nicaragua in 2011. 

Scan here to learn 

more about SEI. 

3

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE 

We welcome you 

4 

Johnny Weiss 

Greetings and 

welcome to our 

2012 catalog 

of hands-on workshops 

and online courses! It is a 

challenging and exciting 

time for Solar Energy 

International and for 

renewable energy (RE) 

education. 

Renewable energy education is fast becoming 

mainstream and new training programs abound. Solar 

Energy International continues to set the acknowledged 

high standard for in-person classroom training, handson 

labs, fieldwork, and RE online training. Our 

nonprofit mission serves three important constituencies 

– those seeking green careers, people interested in 

learning to incorporate sustainable energy solutions 

into their own lives, and current PV professionals 

wanting to expand their skills. 

Solar Energy International has further 

strengthened our training capabilities by expanding 

our Board of Directors, initiating a Solar Training 

Certificate Program, authoring new PV textbooks, and 

providing training through the DOE Solar Instructor 

Training Network. We are proud to have served more 

than 20,000 alumni involved with solar, wind, and 

water-power projects. We believe renewable energy is 

now more important than ever for the environment, 

the economy, national security, and our legacy to 

future generations. 

Since 1991, Solar Energy International has 

been dedicated to providing practitioners with the 

knowledge and skills to help free the planet from a 

deepening dependence on fossil fuels. Solar Energy 

International continues to have the dedication and 

instructional talent to train both industry professionals, 

future industry pros, and those just personally 

interested in RE technology. Our charitable Outreach 

Programs also proudly reach thousands of kids, women, 

Native Americans and international students. The 

giving spirit of our Outreach Programs is at the core of 

SEI’s efforts to create a more sustainable future. 

The year 2012 will be one of continued celebration 

and development. While celebrating our success and 

role as leaders in RE education, we are again renewing 

our commitment to provide world-class RE education. 

There is much more work to do to make renewables 

into our conventional energy source, instead of just 

an alternative. We continue to encourage everyone to 

shop carefully and do their research before committing 

to any training service. Solar Energy International’s 

thriving online training programs continue to enable 

us to provide quality, cost-effective training to more 

people around the country and the world. In this past 

decade, our instructional and support staff has grown as 

dynamically as the photovoltaic industry. 

“We are again renewing 

our commitment to provide 

world-class RE education. ” 

Our instructors continue to help us stand out as 

the recognized benchmark in energy education services. 

The future is very exciting for both SEI and renewable 

energy education. Like never before, people worldwide 

realize that energy efficiency, and solar, wind, and water 

power are the way of the future. Decision-makers are 

beginning to understand that the brief age of abundant 

and cheap oil, gas, and coal is nearly over. It’s been a 

wild ride, but now is the time to get sustainable. 

In the coming decades, we plan to help every 

interested person learn about and implement renewable 

technology. We plan to also focus on the training-oftrainers 

and curriculum development as renewable 

energy education continues to grow exponentially. 

Come join us! Together we will create a bright future. 

2012 training catalog

Honored to serve 

Tresi Houpt 

N 

ow, more than 

ever in the history 

of our nation, 

is the time for all of us to 

make a true commitment to 

renewable energy. Climate 

change is predictably 

impacting us globally, the 

“new energy” economy is 

deemed critical for creating 

jobs in the 21st century and it simply makes sense to 

leave future generations with energy technologies that are 

clean and renewable. 

Over the past two decades, Solar Energy 

International has educated and provided technical 

assistance to thousands of people. What makes this 

achievement so outstanding is that SEI is a small 

nonprofit that continues to gain respect and recognition 

internationally for its accomplishments. SEI employs 

leading educational and technical experts in renewable 

energy and sustainable building technologies, to design 

and offer programs that reach people globally. 

SEI offers a broad spectrum of instructional 

opportunities for people interested in pursuing a 

profession in the new energy economy and for those who 

want to learn how to install renewable energy systems for 

their personal use. Whether you are seeking solar electric, 

solar hot water, wind energy or micro–hydro training 

for certification or continuing education purposes, I am 

certain you will find the right option for you. Many of 

our students are opting to participate in Solar Energy 

International’s Online Campus, which provides userfriendly 

access to our world-class curriculum. SEI’s 

online program offers access anywhere, anytime. For 

others, there is nothing that can take the place of handson 

instruction. 

SEI also offers training programs designed 

specifically for women; these workshops are run by 


BOARD CHAIRPERSON’S NOTE 

women instructors who have a wealth of experience in 

the renewable energy field. The goal of this program is to 

bring more women into this field. 

Along with our traditional educational programs, 

SEI has a very strong non-profit outreach component. 

For example, SEI’s Solar in the Schools program reaches 

out to K-12 students through classroom presentations, 

teacher trainings, a lending library of energy-teaching 

equipment and a free online renewable energy course. 

Solar In the Schools has reached more than 12,000 

students and teachers since 2002. 

Our international program provides training to 

groups around the world interested in using renewable 

energy technologies. We offer workshops in Latin 

America in conjunction with non-governmental 

organizations that manage renewable energy projects 

which serve as a model and inspiration for others. 

Our Native American program works alongside 

communities seeking assistance in implementing 

renewable energy and natural building projects. 

I hope you find the educational resource you were 

looking for in this catalog. Enjoy perusing through this 

catalog, you will find tremendous training opportunities. 

It is a great time to enhance your expertise or learn a new 

trade and take a lead in the new energy economy! 

The SEI Board of Directors is invested in the many 

goals established for 2012. As a leader in renewable 

energy education, we will continue to take the lead in 

offering state-of-the art instruction, on many levels, 

providing access to our classes across the world. We will 

also continue to enhance our outreach programs in the 

following manner; expand our scholarship program, 

adapt our RE100 for high school students, grow our 

school-based solar suitcase project, and translate our 

online course PVOL203: Solar Electric Design (Batterybased) 

into Spanish. Our Outreach Programs are made 

possible from outside grants and contributions. The SEI 

Board of Directors and Staff believe it is important for 

us to share, and through the generosity of others we are 

able to keep these programs alive and expand to areas 

most in need. Please consider making a contribution to 

SEI, so that we can continue to expand opportunities for 

renewable energy across our country and the world. 

5

Training Pros 

Solar Energy International takes renewable energy education to the next level 

A 

t Solar Energy 

International, 

we believe 

people learn by doing. 

Our Solar PV and 

Renewable Energy 

Education Programs offer 

a full spectrum of online 

courses and hands-on 

workshops in locations 

around the world. 

From solar training to 

wind power education, 

participants learn to safely 

design, build, maintain, 

and troubleshoot 

renewable energy systems. 

Solar Electric PV 

(Photovoltaics) 

Learn from the pros 

the most up-to-date 

NEC-compliant and 

safest methods of 

designing, installing, and 

troubleshooting PV systems. 

Solar Thermal 

Become a part of the 

burgeoning solar thermal 

industry or learn to design a 

system for your own home. 

Wind Power 

Learn to design, install, 

troubleshoot, and maintain 

residential wind power 

systems. 

Micro-Hydro Power 

Learn how to site design 

and install a micro-hydro 

system in-person. 

International-Rural 

Development 

Learn to help improve the 

quality of life for people 

in the developing world, 

or in lesser developed areas 

of industrialized nations 

through renewable energy. 

Renewable Energy 

for Educators 

Teachers and educators learn 

to implement renewable 

energy curriculum into their 

classrooms. 


SEI Solar Professionals 

Certificate Program 

There is a growing need in the solar industry not 

only for solar professionals to prove competency 

through certification, but also show proof of 

rigorous professional training through a formal 

training certificate program. Solar Energy 

International meets this need with its new Solar 

Professionals Certificate Program. The intent of 

this program is to fully prepare students for a 

career in the solar industry and not just a baseline 

test prep format of training. 


Certificate Paths 

• Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic 

Systems Certificate. Required courses: 

PV101 - PV201L - PV202 - one 40-hour 

PV elective 

• Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate. 

Required courses: PV101 - PV203 - PV201L - 

PV301L 

• Solar Business and Technical Sales Certificate. 

Required courses: PV101 - PV201L - PV206 

• International and Developing World 

Applications Certificate. Required courses: 

PV101 - PV203 - PV301L - and RD101 

• Renewable Energy Applications Certificate. 

Required courses: PV101 - two electives 

from Wind, Solar Thermal, Micro-hydro or 

International 

• Solar Professionals Training-of-Trainers 

Certificate. Required courses: PV101 - 

PV201L - PV202 - PV203 - PV301L - PV206 



Certificate Program Benefits 

• Premium access to employment postings 

within the SEI Alumni and Career Center and 

other state-of-the-art online career resources. 

• Online Campus library access and one full year of 

the SEI Online Continuing Education Series. 

• Formal certificate of program completion with 

total number of training hours listed. 

• Free SEI T-shirt and hat upon completion. 

Training Online or In-person 

Some of the best training experiences found in 

this program are through SEI’s hands-on labs but 

to qualify to take these lab sessions, students must 

complete the required classroom prerequisites. 

Through this certificate training program, students 

have the choice of completing the classroom portion 

of training online or in-person. The PV101, PV202, 

PV203, PV206, and RD101 courses can be 

taken online or in-person to satisfy 

that part of the certificate path. 

Visit solarenergy.org or 

call (970) 963-8855 to 

learn more about the 

certificate program. 

7

Hands-on training at SEI’s PV Lab Facility in Paonia, Colorado. 

Solar Electric 

Training 

In 2012, SEI continues to be at the 

forefront of solar electric training industry: 

PV101: Solar Electric Design and Installation 

(Grid-Direct) in-person workshops and online 

courses cover the fundamentals of photovoltaic 

systems, site analysis, mounting and grounding, safe 

installation and commissioning procedures, and more. 

FV101: Diseño e instalación de sistemas solares 

fotovoltaicos cara a cara o en linea se centra en 

sistemas conectadas a la red, la instalación fotovoltaica 

más común hoy en los EEUU. 

PV201L: Solar Electric Lab Week 

(Grid-Direct) enhances PV101 through a nutsand-bolts, 

hands-on lab workshop. Students will 

install, commission, test, and operate multiple griddirect 

PV systems, featuring a variety of mounting 

types and balance-of-system components. 

PV202: Advanced PV System Design and the NEC 

(Grid-Direct) in-person and online, is an advanced 

grid-direct PV workshop focusing primarily on the 

National Electrical Code and system design calculations. 

PVOL203: Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based) 

builds on PV101, with a focus on stand-alone and 

grid-tied with battery back-up systems. This is a must 

for anyone installing battery-based PV systems. 

PV301L: Solar Electric Lab Week (Battery-Based) 

applies the theory learned in PV203 to a variety 

of battery-based systems, from small, stand-alone 

applications to complex, grid-tied with battery backup 

systems. This is an intensive week of hands-on 

experience in Paonia, Colorado. 

PV204: Solar Sales and Marketing in-person 

workshop is for both solar salespeople and 

management/owners. We share tips for setting up a 

solid and effective sales team, then generating leads. 

PV205: Economics of Solar: Making the Financial 

Case is a rigorous, interactive workshop designed to 

help dealers, installers, and salespeople understand 

and make the most accurate and compelling financial 

case possible for PV value. 

PV206: Solar Business and Technical Sales, online 

and in-person, is an excellent companion training 

opportunity to be taken with or after any of SEI’s PV 

technical training. This course has a strong focus on 

business principles and is geared to those working in 

the solar industry or planning a career in solar sales. 

nd rebates, =cost-benefit analyses, financing options, 

Continuing Education 

Solar Energy International’s Continuing 

Education (CE) Series of courses serve 

solar and renewable energy professionals, 

electricians, roofers, inspectors, plumbers, 

architects, K-12 educators and more. Many 

of these courses are qualified for CE credits 

from NABCEP and other professional 

certification and state licensing authorities. 

These short duration courses are available for 

you to enroll online anytime and start right 

away at solarenergy.org. 


Solar Hot Water Training 

Our solar hot water program offers an 

unparalleled combination of hands-on 

knowledge and technical expertise. 

ST101: Solar Hot Water Design and Installation 

is a five-day workshop that teaches the theory, design 

considerations and installation strategies necessary to 

install and maintain a solar hot water system. 


Micro-hydro 

Training 

Micro-hydro systems convert energy from 

falling water in a river or stream into usable 

electricity. All that is needed is an appropriate 

water source, piping, a turbine generator 

system, and wiring to connect power to the 

home. Take the workshop in 2012 to learn: 

MH101: Micro-Hydro Design and Installation 

in-person workshop covers design considerations as they 

apply to both low- and high-head micro-hydro systems. 

Wind Energy 

Training 

SEI teaches wind workshops in Paonia, 

Colorado; Guemes Island, Washington; 

and internationally in Nicaragua. 

WP101: Wind Design and Installation 

teaches students to design and install residential 

wind systems that range from 10 to 70 feet in 

diameter and produce up to 100 kWh. 

WP102: Homebuilt Wind Turbines guides students 

through the process of building a small wind turbine 

from scratch. Brief sessions each day on wind 

generator theory are followed by shop sessions. 

WP201: Residential Wind Maintenance and Repair 

includes a brief review of basic wind-electric system 

design principles and practice, focusing on maintenance, 

troubleshooting, and repair of these systems. 

Educator Training 

At Solar Energy International, education 

is our mainstay. We offer training for K-12 

educators through the Solar In the Schools 

program. The educator training workshop 

is accredited at the graduate level through 

Colorado Mesa University. 

RE101: Teaching Solar Energy to Kids is a five-day, 

hands-on workshop designed to walk teachers through 

actual classroom projects while exploring the positive 

impact renewable energy can have on students’ 

outlook toward the future. Taught by top renewable 

energy educators, this workshop now incorporates the 

popular solar suitcase service learning project created 

by SEI’s partner, WE CARE Solar. 

High school students build solar suitcases 

with SEI instructor Soozie Lindbloom (left). 

9

International Rural 

Development Training 

Renewable energy technologies 

can greatly improve the lives of 

people in developing countries. 

Solar Energy International teaches 

online courses and in-person 

workshops to help empower 

people around the world with 

renewable energy technologies. 

RD101: Renewable Energy for the 

Developing World online or in-person 

explores various applications for renewable 

energy technologies in developing countries. 

Students learn to accomplish sustainable 

development projects with renewable energy. 

RD102: Solar PV Systems for the 

Developing World teaches design and 

installation of solar PV systems for the 

developing world in Costa Rica. 

RD201: Renewable Energy for the 

Developing World-Hands-on teaches 

design and installation of renewable energy 

systems such as PV, biogas, and micro-hydro 

in Costa Rica. Taught in both English and Spanish. 

RD203: Appropriate Technology for the 

Developing World in Mexico provides an 

overview of technologies promoting small-scale 

sustainable energy and resource management systems 

in the developing world. 

RD205: Sustainable Community Development: 

Renewable Energy for Rural Villages offers handson 

learning in a small Nicaraguan village, Sabana 

Grande, Madriz, which has taken up the challenge of 

becoming a solar community with Grupo Fenix. 

SEI’s Renewable Energy for the Developing 

World hands-on workshop brings 

renewable energy technolgies to remote 

areas such as Costa Rica (top) and Nicaragua. 

RD206: Wind Power for the Developing World 

teaches wind turbine construction with blueEnergy 

Group on the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. 

CU100: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency 

in Cuba educates students about Cuba’s energy 

revolution. Meet with NGOs and government 

institutions, and visit renewable energy sites in both 

urban and rural areas. Fully licensed and legal. 

FV101: Diseño e instalación de sistemas solares 

fotovoltaicos, cara a cara o en linea, se centra en 

sistemas conectadas a la red, la instalación fotovoltaica 

más común hoy en los EEUU. 


Solar Energy International and APS partnered to 

offer hands-on solar training for local installers 

and unemployed workers in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Training topics include: 

• PV101: PV Fundamentals, five-day class with lab 

kit install 

• PV202: Advanced Grid-Tied Systems, five-day class 

• PV203: Battery Systems, five-day class 

• PV206: Technical PV Sales and Solar Business, 

five-day class 

• PV108: Solar Business and Technical Overview, 

two-day class 


Contract Trainings 

Solar Energy International offers practical 

hands-on workshops and instructor-led 

online training workshops to PV designers, 

installers, and solar business professionals. 

SEI’s contract training programs are designed 

to meet the needs of manufacturers and 

wholesale distributors in the rapidly growing 

renewable energy and PV markets. 

SEI’s contract training services include: 

• Classroom workshops 

• Online training programs 

• Hybrid online/classroom programs 

• SEI corporate membership program 

• Hands-on lab installation training 

• Curriculum licensing 

PV108: Solar Business and Technical Overview 

This customized two-day classroom workshop offers 

solar wholesale distributors and manufacturers a 

Two-day PV training with SEI at Solar Power International 2011. 

comprehensive solar business and technical primer 

to train their dealers and partners. The target audience is electrical, HVAC, roofing, and general contractors. 

Online Training Programs and Hands-on Installation Training 

Choose from online or in-person training, or both. Solar Energy International offers the quality curriculum 

of in-person workshops in self-paced, six-week programs. Learn from instructors who are experienced solar 

professionals through webinars and online forums, discussions and interaction. Solar Energy International also 

offers experienced instructors who lead hands-on installation training at your facility or at SEI’s state-of-the-art 

PV Lab Facility in Paonia, Colorado. 

To arrange a consultation: E-mail b2b@solarenergy.org or call Kathy Swartz at (970) 527-7657, ext. 207. 

11

Solar Energy International’s 

Online Campus 

Solar Energy International’s Online Campus, at solarenergytraining.org, 

provides user-friendly, anywhere, anytime access to our world-class curriculum 

and highly trained instructors. What really sets SEI’s training apart from any 

other organization is our industry-leading technology. 

• PVOL101: Solar Electric Design 

and Installation (Grid-Direct) 

• FVOL101: Diseño e instalación de 

sistemas solares fotovoltaicos 

• PVOL202: Advanced PV System Design 

and the NEC (Grid-Direct) 

• PVOL203: Solar Electric Design (Battery-Based) 

• PVOL206: Solar Business and Technical Sales 

• RDOL101: Renewable Energy for the 

Developing World 

• Free RE100: Intro to Renewable 

Energy and ER100: Introducción a las 

energías renovables 

• Free webinars 

• Continuing Education Courses 


Training via Technology 

Solar Energy International built the 

Online Campus with sound learning 

theory in mind. The Campus offers: 

• Streaming video with 

instructional examples and 

expert interviews. 

• Online forums and 

discussions. 

• Chat rooms for real-time discussions. 

• Live office hours for student- 

instructor Q&A sessions. 

• Quizzes with immediate 

feedback and grading. 

• Downloadable course 

notebooks for offline viewing. 

• Engaging exercises with 

graphics and schematics. 

• Readings and resources 

authored by industry leaders. 

Courses through the SEI Online Campus are 

some of the most flexible and engaging methods 

of receiving an education in 

renewable energy. Solar Energy 

International has built these 

courses with sound learning 

theory in mind, and all courses 

have live instructor support 

from leading professionals in the 

industry. The SEI staff take this 

course design seriously as this type 

of training can be daunting for the 

student who has not experienced a 

quality online course. Each course 

offers multiple content delivery 

types - from video to audio to 

engaging readings and resources - 

to ensure each student’s learning 

style is considered. 


Alumni love the ACC 

The Solar Energy International Online 

Alumni and Career Center is here to help 

our students explore the opportunities within the 

renewable energy industry. The center provides: 

• Career exploration 

• Industry leader interviews 

• Job posting resources 

• Resume writing tips 

• Alumni networking 

This resource provides networking connections for 

students and alumni as well as opportunities to 

explore career opportunities and professional paths 

within the renewable energy industry. 

13

outreach for the 

WORLD 

O 

utreach and Solar Energy International go handin-hand. 

Through these programs, SEI promotes 

sustainability internationally as well as locally. 

Join us in our mission. 

Solar In the Schools 

Solar In the Schools reaches out to K-12 students and teachers 

through classroom presentations, teacher trainings, a lending 

library of energy-teaching equipment and a free online renewable 

energy course. Celebrating a record year in 2011 and its 10th 

anniversary in 2012, Solar In the Schools has now reached more 

than 12,000 students and teachers. 

International Program 

This program provides training to groups around the world 

interested in using renewable energy technologies. The 

International Program also offers workshops in Latin America in 

conjunction with NGO’s that manage renewable energy projects 

which serve as a model and inspiration for others. 

Women’s Program solar training in California with Grid Alternatives in 2011. 


Solar In the Schools 

New Energy Cycle 

Educating the world through outreach 

One of the favorite Solar In the Schools 

learning activities is to put a student onto an 

electricity-generating bicycle and let them feel 

just how hard it is to power a light bulb, a 

blow dryer or anything else that uses electricity. 

It takes less than a minute of powering one 

incandescent bulb before most people beg for 

something more efficient. Those minutes on 

the bike add up and the old energy cycle has 

taken a beating from literally thousands of 

students since it was built in 2004. 

In 2011, thanks to funding from the Aspen 

Skico Environment Foundation and help 

from a number of other organizations and 

individuals, the SIS program built a new and 

much improved energy cycle. The bike itself 

is a custom-welded assemblage of parts from 

a cutting-edge mountain bike prototype, a 

jogging stroller, a faucet and a soccer goalpost. 

The somewhat unlikely result is an 8-speed, 

internally-geared, belt-driven machine with a 

29” back wheel and a 16” front wheel. The new 

bike turns heads and allows people of all ages 

and sizes to generate electricity with smiles on 

their faces - for the first minute or so. 

The electrical side of the energy cycle features 

efficient generation and robust voltage 

regulation to support a wide variety of fun 12volt 

DC loads, as well as battery charging and 

AC loads powered through an inverter. For 

the first time we’ve added LED bulbs, which 

use just one sixteenth of the energy of a 

comparable incandescent bulb. We’ve even 

raced against a solar module to pop balloons 

using 12-volt air compressors. Energy 

produced is now digitally trackable with realtime 

display and graphing of 

voltage, current, wattage and 

accumulated energy. Look for 

SEI’s new energy bike at an 

event near you. 


PV instructor Carol Weis shares the plans for a PV installation 

as part of SEI’s Native American Program in Minnesota in 2011. 

Native American Program 

Solar Energy International helps Native Americans meet 

their energy and housing needs with renewable energy 

and natural building. Solar Energy International works 

with Native American groups and nonprofit organizations, 

training people from the Western Shoshone, Skull 

Valley Goshute, Lakota Sioux, Yurok, Zuni, Hopi, and 

Chippewa Nations in renewable energy technologies. 

Women’s Program 

This worthwhile program provides technical training 

workshops in a supportive learning atmosphere to bring 

more women into the renewable energy field. Solar 

Energy International women’s PV workshops are taught 

by women for women, and are intended to provide a 

supportive learning atmosphere for students. Even women 

with hands-on experience already working in technical 

fields find it helpful and rewarding to network with other 

women interested in and/or working in renewable energy. 

Scholarships are available. 

Scholarships 

This program offers scholarships for hands-on workshops 

and online courses to people from developing countries 

or people in financial hardship who may not be able to 

participate without this help. The program has brought 

renewable energy education to people around the world 

who are making a difference with their technical training. 

Scan here with your smart phone or visit 

solarenergy.org for more info on SEI outreach. 

15

More than 20 years ago, 

a seed of positive change 

was planted through the 

establishment of Solar Energy International. 

Over the course of two decades, deep roots of 

progress have been established. Those roots 

have been nourished and need to continue to 

be nourished by supporters like you. 

There are many different reasons why you, and 

people and communities throughout 

the U.S. and all over the world, are looking to 

renewable energy technologies to solve 

the challenges we all face. 

Whether your support of renewable energy 

is based on your personal interests in the 

environment, desire for energy independence, 

part of your economic strategy, technological 

interests or something else entirely, Solar 

Energy International considers you a partner in 

renewable energy education. 

As a partner we ask for your support of our 2012 

goals to: 

o Meet the needs of people requiring scholarship 

assistance for training. 

o Adapt RE100: Introduction to Renewable 

Energy online course to be more 

accessible as high school curriculum. 

o Translate our online course PV203: Solar 

Training-Battery-based Design into Spanish. 

o Expand the solar suitcase projects into 

additional schools. 

o And make improvements to our Education 

Center in Paonia, Colorado. 

Your donation to SEI will make these goals 

realities and bring renewable energy to the world. 

Your contribution, no matter the size, leads to a 

more sustainable future for us all. 

Please make a gift to SEI today by visiting 

solarenergy.org/sei-education-fund-support-sei 


SEI EDUCATION FU 


We are Solar Energy International 

Mission-driven. 

Vision-focused. 

(l to r) Solar cooking with SEI staffer Matthew 

Harris at SEI’s 20th Anniversary celebration; 

students get hands-on in Nicaragua; PV101 students 

participate in an Habitat for Humanity install in 

Tucson, Arizona; and PV students enjoy a break at 

the PV Lab Facility during summer training. 

First and foremost, Solar Energy International is a nonprofit on a mission. As an international 

nonprofit educational organization, founded in 1991 in Carbondale, Colorado, SEI helps 

others utilize renewable energy resources and sustainable building technologies through 

education and technical assistance. Our vision is focused on helping create a more sustainable future 

for our planet and its inhabitants. Through our work, we see clear opportunities to help influence 

people’s thinking and behaviors toward energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy technologies. 

17

ABOUT SEI 

SEI Team 

April E. Clark 

Rachel Connor 

Noah Davis 

Kathy Fontaine 

Phil Friedman 

Paul Gibb 

Dan Giese 

Laurie Guevara-Stone 

Matthew Harris 

Cindy Hotchkiss 

Kevin Lundy 

Brian Mehalic 

Dawn Ogren 

Tawnya Parker 

Sandy Pickard 

Chris Smith 

Kris Sutton 

Kathy Swartz 

Jeff Tobe 

Chris Turek 

Camilo Uzquiano 

Laura Walters 

Carol Weis 

Johnny Weiss 

Breccia Wilson 

SEI Board 

of Directors 

Tresi Houpt, Chairperson 

Sustainable Solutions, LLC 

Johnny Weiss, Co-founder 

and Executive Director 

Solar Energy International 

Becky Campbell-Howe 

Butterfly Pavillion 

Jeff Dickinson 

Biospaces and 

Sustainable Design 

Jock Jacober 

Jacober Brothers 

Construction 

Mark Kavasch 

Reese Henry & Company 

Ed Marston 

High Country News 

Jeff Scott 

SolSource 

SEI Advisory 

Board 

Donald Aitken 

Union of Concerned 

Scientists 

J. Douglas Balcomb 

Solar Energy Research 

Institute 

Pliny Fisk III 

Center for Maximum 

Potential Building Systems 

Alex Hillinger 

Good Chemistry 

Joe Jordan 

NASA 

Barbara Kerr 

Kerr-Cole Sustainable 

Living Center 

Thomas A. Lawand 

Brace Research Institute 

Phillip Livingston 

Sungrid Innovative 

Energy Solutions 

Amory Lovins 

Rocky Mountain Institute 

Maureen McIntyre 

McIntyre Communications 

Karen & Richard Perez 

Home Power Magazine 

Randy Udall 

Association for the Study 

of Peak Oil-USA 

Sam Vanderhoof 

Pacific Renewables Group 

Neville Williams 

Standard Solar Inc. 

Robert Wills 

Solar Stream 

The Solar Energy International Team 

Solar Energy International is well known as one of 

the longest-running renewable energy education 

and skills training organizations in the world. 

Since 1991, SEI has been a leader in providing hands-on 

workshops and online courses in solar, wind, and microhydro 

electric energies. The core of SEI’s reputation is 

built on the Renewable Energy Education Program, 

which has delivered numerous hands-on workshops 

and online courses to thousands of participants - 

many now leaders in the PV industry. We’ve also 

worked with hundreds of companies and educational 

institutions to provide contract trainings and curriculum 

licensing. Solar Energy International provides expertise 

and training to people of all ages, from around the 

world, and in less fortunate communities. Through 

outreach programs, SEI works globally with grassroots 

international development organizations, nationally 

with Native American communities, and regionally with 

K-12 school groups to achieve our mission. 

• Like SEI on Facebook: 

Search Solar Energy International (SEI) on FB 

• Follow solarenergyintl on Twitter: 

twitter.com/solarenergyintl 

• Join SEI’s three LinkedIn groups: 

Search Solar Energy International under Groups 

• Subscribe to SEI’s YouTube channel: 

youtube.com/user/solarenergyvideo 


NABCEP Certification 

After successfully 

completing PV101, alumni 

are eligible to sit for the North 

American Board of Certified 

Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Entry Level Exam. 

Both NABCEP and SEI recommend students do not 

take the exam immediately following PV101, but 

rather spend additional time preparing. The NABCEP 

exam includes questions on grid-direct and batterybased 

PV systems. To find out more visit nabcep.org. 

ISPQ Accreditation 

SEI’s PV, wind, and solar thermal 

workshops are accredited through 

the Institute for Sustainable Power 

Quality (ISPQ), which is overseen 

by the Interstate Renewable Energy 

Council (IREC). ISPQ provides a set of standards for 

evaluating different training programs. These standards 

were developed as a framework for people to compare 

the course content and training quality of renewable 

energy, energy efficiency, and distributed generation 

technology courses. To find out more, see irecusa.org. 

Registration 

Students may register online at solarenergy.org or call (970) 

963-8855 to speak to the SEI registrar. 

Workshop Atmosphere 

Solar Energy International’s workshop size is 

limited to a learning-conducive student-teacher 

ratio. We stress safety and consideration. People 

from different cultures attend SEI’s workshops, and 

all participants are expected to treat people of various 

backgrounds and abilities with respect. Workshops 

are taught in English unless otherwise noted. 

Transfers 

To transfer a space to someone in the same 

company or family, a $100 administration fee 

is charged. 


Solar ElEctric Handbook 

Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications 

RESOURCES 

Waiting List 

If a workshop is full, students are placed on the waiting 

list at no charge. If space becomes available, SEI 

contacts the first person on the list, allowing 24 hours 

for registration before SEI contacts the next person. 

College Credits 

The Consortium for Education in Renewable Energy 

Technologies (CERET) offers certificates in renewable energy. 

Certificates are granted through Madison Area Technical College 

(MATC). SEI students can receive college credit towards this 

certificate upon successful completion of qualifying online 

workshops. Visit ceret.us for details. Select workshops in SEI’s 

K-12 Professional Development program are accredited through 

Colorado Mesa University for graduate-level credit hours. 

Cancellations 

If cancelling prior to 30 days before the workshop start 

date, 50% of the total tuition is non-refundable. A 

written cancellation is required. If cancelling within 

30 days of the beginning of the workshop, the entire 

tuition is non-refundable. SEI notifies participants 

if a workshop they have registered for has been 

cancelled. They may enroll in another workshop (based 

on availability) or receive a full refund of tuition. 

Notification of cancellation normally occurs one 

month prior to the beginning of the workshop; in rare 

cases, however, it may be less. SEI is not responsible for 

losses incurred on housing, travel or other arrangements. 

New for 

2012! 



Books and 

Merchandise 

In 2012, SEI is launching 

a series of three new PV 

textbooks in English 

and Spanish. Visit 

solarenergy.org for exact 

launch dates. Find our 

textbooks and a variety 

of books, SEI T-shirts, 

stickers, and Solar 

PathFinders online at 

solarenergy.org. 

19

P.O. Box 715 

Carbondale, CO 81623-0715 

We wrote the book on PV. 

Now we’re doing it again. 

Introducing SEI’s series of three new 

PV textbooks, to be released throughout 

2012. Visit solarenergy.org to order. 

Scan here to learn 

more about the new 

SEI PV textbooks. 




Photovoltaic Fundamentals and Applications

SEI Outreach - Solar Energy International

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