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Solar Energy International Sites Largest Class Enrollment in 18-Year History
PAONIA, CO–Jul 8, 2008 — Solar Energy International (SEI), the non-profit pioneer in renewable energy and sustainable building programs, reports a booming trend in popularity of its renewable energy courses. Throughout the company’s 18-year history of providing educational programs to consumers and industry experts, the past year has garnered a record number of registrants, resulting in a 14 percent increase in enrollment in SEI’s Renewable Energy Education Program (REEP).
Demand is high for renewable energy experts: employers are seeking a workforce skilled in the field, people are eager to be trained to enter the industry and consumers are enthusiastic to learn how to make their homes more green. In efforts to accommodate the demand, SEI increased this year’s course offerings by adding five additional in-person PV (photovoltaic/solar electric) workshops and one additional online PV course compared to 2007. Despite the increased number of participants as a result of the additional classes, SEI’s waiting-lists have hit record highs for the 2008 PV workshops. This year alone, 1,700 people have already signed up for SEI’s workshops and online courses.
In total, an anticipated 300 more people will take the company’s renewable energy workshops and online courses in 2008 than in 2007, representing a 14 percent spike in enrollment in SEI courses overall.
"From a global perspective, solar energy has been — and continues to be — an important commodity. The increase in demand is reflective of the changing state of the world’s energy resources," said Johnny Weiss, executive director of Solar Energy International. "The world is so eager for trained renewable energy professionals that students often get hired while still completing our programs. This is a very exciting time for the industry and the environment."
SEI provides online courses and hands-on workshops in 22 locations throughout the world. Courses specialize in the practical use of solar, wind, water power, and natural building technologies. SEI also offers comprehensive trainings at its state-of-the-art renewable energy and sustainable living Eco-Campus nestled in the mountains of western Colorado. Trainings at the 7-acre site take hands-on workshops and sustainable living practices to their full potential.
About Solar Energy International
Solar Energy International (SEI) is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization founded in 1991 with a mission to help others to use renewable energy and natural building technology through education and technical assistance. SEI offers online courses and hands-on workshops in 22 locations throughout the world. For additional information about SEI and a workshop schedule please visit www.solarenergy.org or call (970) 963-8855.
**Interviews and high resolution images of hands-on workshops are available upon request.**
Contact:
Media contacts:
Christy Luther
Richmond Public Relations
(206) 682-6979
Email Contact
Matthew Harris
Solar Energy International
(970) 527-7657
Email Contact
Source: Solar Energy International