A future in solar looks bright

Participants in one of SEI’s solar electricity workshops getting hands-on training at SEI’s ecocampus.

Photo: SEI

The future looks bright at Solar Energy International (SEI), where a record number of people have signed up to take classes in renewable energy and sustainable building. The increased demand reflects the boom in solar caused by a strain on world energy resources and the interest from businesses, governments and consumers. Some SEI students have gone on to work on renewable-energy projects in the developing world; others become photovoltaic designers and installers. A few have even started their own renewable-energy-installation companies.

To meet the stepped-up demand for renewable-energy experts, the organization added several classes this year, and even those have filled up. "We just can't offer enough workshops," says Laurie Stone, international program manager, who works at the pioneering institution's headquarters in Carbondale, Colorado, three hours west of Denver. "There are other groups out there doing similar training, but ours is very hands-on and we do it in more locations." SEI teaches in 22 countries worldwide, including special programs for grassroots organizations and in developing countries. Last year, enrollment topped 2,000 students. Courses are also available online.

Also in 2008, the 18-year-old non-profit group's teaching campus in Paonia, two hours from Carbondale, was transformed into a totally sustainable facility powered by sun, wind and water. "Our eco-campus has been an ongoing exciting project," says Stone. "We have some great living labs for our workshops in many different technologies." One of SEI's newest programs is Solar in the Schools, which enables experts to visit schools and help students understand energy as it relates to living things. In addition, Renewable Energy for Educators workshops train teachers to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy into classroom curricula.

"So far, we've only done that in Colorado, but we hope to expand it," Stone says. "Interest has really grown in the past few years."