With this year's PV Workshop soon approaching, it is a prime time for women to enter the solar electricity market. This extremely popular workshop has been well-attended by women from all over the world looking to gain technical knowledge on how to design and install code compliant solar electric systems. This class is taught by leading women in the field and designed to be an empowering class to encourage women to explore the industry.

SEI's women-only workshops are intended to provide women with a supportive learning atmosphere. The workshop is also helpful and rewarding for women who already have hands-on experience, as they network with other women who share an interest in renewable energy.

Women's Workshop, 2008:

• "PV Design and Installation"
  June 1- 12, Paonia, Colo. (10-day)
  SEI world class training center
  Cost is $2,095 / Scholarships available on a limited basis
  Register online at www.solarenergy.org or call (970) 963-8855

PV Design and Installation will include energy efficient solutions for homes, incorporate local climate and site conditions in a PV system, explore the differences between commercially available supplies, obtain and apply module data from a spec sheet, and perform load analysis for a home business.  Participants will also learn how to size a grid-tied system, identify advantages/disadvantages of mounting types, list order of commissioning/decommissioning and safety, define net metering and state incentive programs, and perform detailed site evaluation. This workshop is certified by the Institute of Sustainable Power and fulfills one of the requirements for national photovoltaic certification.

About Solar Energy International

Solar Energy International (SEI) is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization with a mission to help others to use renewable energy and natural building technology through education and technical assistance. For information about SEI's PV (solar electricity) curriculum and the 2008 workshop schedule please visit www.solarenergy.org or contact SEI at (970) 963-8855.

###

**Interviews and high resolution images available upon request.**

Media contacts: Matthew Harris

                            Solar Energy International

                            (970) 527-7657 xt 203

                            matthew@solarenergy.org