About SEI
Our mission is to provide education and technical assistance so
that others will be empowered to use renewable energy technologies.
Philosophy
 Renewable energy resources of solar, wind and water can improve the
quality of life and promote sustainable development throughout the
world. Renewable energy systems are practical, reliable, cost-effective,
and healthier for people and the environment.
Approach
SEI works cooperatively with grassroots and development organizations
to meet sustainable development goals with renewable energies.
Services
SEI provides education and training to decision makers, technicians
and users of renewable energy sources. SEI also provides the expertise
to plan, engineer and implement sustainable development projects.
Experience
SEI professionals have project and training experience in the
Americas, Africa, Micronesia and the Caribbean. During the past 12
years, SEI staff have delivered services to the Pan American Health
Organizations, Non-Governmental development organizations (NGOs),
foreign, national and state governments, universities and individuals
seeking the benefits of renewable energy.
Specific Programs
Renewable Energy Education Program (REEP)
SEI is continuing a 16-year history of education in renewable energy
technologies. Many workshops are ISP certified, and participants can earn NABCEP education credits. Workshops are offered in a hands-on /
how-to style, primarily at our Colorado training facility. Classroom
and laboratory work is complemented by case studies, field tours and
professional installations with real equipment in real
settings. Instruction is provided by industry experts in the following
renewable energy technologies:
- Photovoltaic Design & Installation
- Advanced Photovoltaics
- Solar Water Pumping
- Micro-Hydro Electric Systems
- Wind Power
- Solar Cooking & Food Drying
- Renewable Energy for the Developing World
- Solar Home Design
- Natural House Building
- Strawbale Construction
- Adobe & Rammed Earth Construction
- Energy and Resource Efficient Buildings
- Alternative Fuels
International Project Development and Management
SEI assists organizations in planning and implementing renewable
energy applications for sustainability in health care, agriculture,
education and economic development projects. SEI's full service
coordinates:
- Decision Makers Outreach
- Needs Assessments
- Participatory Planning
- Funding Proposal Development
- System Engineering
- Hardware Procurement
- On-Site Installation
- Education and Training
- Project Evaluation
Technology Transfer Programs
SEI personnel have developed comprehensive education programs to
transfer renewable energy technologies to less developed
countries. 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 are offered,
varying in length from one day to three months. Custom programs are
developed to meet particular program needs.
International Volunteers in Environmentally Sustainable Technologies
(INVEST)
SEI's INVEST program connects alumni of our renewable energy education
program with appropriate organizations working in rural
development. After successfully completing our workshops, alumni can
volunteer in an international project helping to electrify rural
communities with renewable energy, build sustainable houses, and train
local users and technicians. The program will be similar to a
renewable energy Peace Corps. Potential INVEST volunteers can choose
from a number of organizations with which to work, depending on the
region of the world they would like to work in, the amount of time
they have, and the type of expertise needed. Depending on the project,
participants will spend from two weeks to a year working with the
in-country organization.
Renewable Energy Training Programs for Women
SEI's "Women and Renewable Energy Program" facilitates technology
transfer and project development for women around the world. Renewable
energies provide an opportunity that can break the chain of gender
bias. Training programs for women teach the fundamentals of renewable
energy technologies to equip women with the necessary skills to
participate in the design, installation and maintenance of systems in
their communities. Intensive training programs are available for women
to develop marketable skills in renewable energy applications.
Solar in the Schools (SIS)
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. SIS emphasizes critical thinking skills by
exploring energy choices, costs and solutions within individual
communities.
Download SEI's 2006 Annual Report (1 Mb)
2005
Annual Report (1 Mb)
2004 Annual Report (683 Kb)
Solar Energy International is a 501(c)(3) Equal Opportunity
Institution and Employer, and is not affiliated with any dealer,
manufacturer, distributor, or any other renewable energy commercial
enterprise.
PO Box 715 • 76 S. 2nd St. • Carbondale, CO 81623 • 970-963-8855 • fax: 970-963-8866 • sei@solarenergy.org
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