For two decades, Solar Energy International (SEI) has been a leader in renewable energy training and workforce development. This week, SEI continues its mission of teaching best practices for renewable energy resources and sustainable building technologies by hosting PV Instructor Training in Paonia, Colo.

In its third year, SEI's annual instructor training is part of SEI's commitment to train the trainers interested in boosting the growing solar training workforce. Instructor training features four days of reviewing and strengthening course curriculum, exploring new instructional methods, OSHA training, and more.

The week's activities also includes presentations by National Electric Code expert Bill Brooks. He is speaking on SEI's PV202 Grid-Direct Solar Electric Systems and Code Criteria curriculum — featuring industry updates and new sections — and technical solar training. More than 25 instructors are attending from across the country, from Pennsylvania to Washington state.

"I'm thrilled to be here," said Brad Burkhartzmeyer, SEI instructor and owner of Sun's Eye Power Company, based in Tacoma, Wash. "And I'm looking forward to learning a lot from the people here."

SEI instructor Tommy Jacoby, owner of Jacoby Solar Consulting and project manager for the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), is utilizing the training for idea sharing among colleagues.

"I love what we all do, but I also love the SEI community, " he said. "My goal is to learn a lot from SEI's instructors."

As a member of the Rocky Mountain Solar Training Consortium (RMSTC), SEI is dedicated to fostering the development of renewable energy through solar training and technical assistance in the Rocky Mountain region. The RMSTC is a recipient of a $3.1 million U.S. Dept. of Energy grant to help train trainers and offer professional development activities at community and technical colleges to further develop and improve existing solar photovoltaics and solar heating and cooling installation courses.

About Solar Energy International (SEI)

Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization to train people on renewable energy and sustainable building technologies. More than 16,000 people from all 50 states and 66 countries have attended SEI’s hands-on workshops and online courses. Over 3,200 participants attended renewable energy training in 2009, including participants from 61 countries. SEI works with grassroots and development organizations worldwide. Visit http://www.solarenergy.org for information about SEI, including renewable energy workshop training, alumni, and outreach programs.