Solar Energy International

Solar Energy International (SEI) is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to help others use renewable energy and environmental building technologies through education and technical assistance. SEI was founded in 1992 in the belief that renewable energy resources of sun, wind and water can improve the quality of life and promote a sustainable future for people throughout the world.  SEI educates decision-makers, technicians and users of renewable energy systems. Decision-makers gain the information they need to choose renewable energies with confidence. Technicians and users learn the practical skills they need to implement renewable energy technologies sustainably.

SEI’s programs include the Renewable Energy Education Program (REEP), International Training courses, Solar in the Schools, and International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies (INVEST).

SEI’s main educational program is the Renewable Energy Education Program (REEP).  Each year hundreds of people from around the world attend hands-on workshops seeking practical experience and skills to use renewable energy resources and technologies. Classroom and laboratory work are complemented by case studies, field tours and professional installations with commercial equipment in practical applications.  Instruction is provided by industry experts in the following workshops:

·        Photovoltaic (PV) Design & Installation

·        Advanced Photovoltaics

·        Utility-Interactive Photovoltiacs

·        Women’s PV Design & Installation

·        Wind Power

·        Homebuilt Wind Generators

·        Micro-Hydro Power

·        Introduction to Renewable Energy

·        Solar Home Design

·        Natural House Building

·        Advanced Straw-Bale Construction

·        Advanced Natural Building and Building Science

·        Solar Hot Water Systems

·        Renewable Energy for the Developing World

·        Renewable Fuels

·        Biodiesel Fuel

·        Carpentry Skills for Women

·        Successful Solar Businesses

·        Photovoltaic Design Online

·        Solar Home Design Online

SEI personnel travel domestically and internationally training people in renewable energy technologies.  SEI has taught thousands of students how to install renewable energy systems in the United States, Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean.  SEI’s international programs stress in-country training of trainers, decision makers, technicians and end-users.  Developing local and regional capabilities at each of these levels is critical to successful renewable energy utilization.  Standard training packages and custom programs are available to meet particular program needs.

SEI’s Solar in the Schools program targets grade school youth and focuses on experiential learning of energy concepts and issues.  The goal is to have students understand energy as it relates to all living things on the planet.  SEI’s INVEST program (International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies) offers alumni of our workshops an opportunity to volunteer overseas with one of our partner organizations to help bring renewable energy technologies to communities in the developing world.