Senator Hickenlooper’s Visit to Solar Energy International (SEI): A Step Forward for Solar Equity and Workforce Development

On Thursday, June 27, Senator John Hickenlooper visited Solar Energy International (SEI) in Paonia, Colorado, marking a significant milestone for the solar industry and workforce development in the region. SEI, a nonprofit technical training school serving Colorado and the world since 1991, has been a beacon for solar education, training over 150,000 students and alumni worldwide. The visit underscored the importance of SEI’s work and highlighted new initiatives aimed at fostering equity in the solar sector through enhanced solar training.

Solar Energy International: Pioneers in Solar Education
Since its inception, SEI has envisioned a world powered by solar energy. The organization has been at the forefront of solar education, providing comprehensive training programs that cater to a global audience. SEI’s commitment to excellence in solar training is evident in its expansive curriculum, which covers everything from basic photovoltaic (PV) system design to advanced solar electric design and installation.

Senator Hickenlooper’s visit to SEI was a testament to the organization’s impact and its pivotal role in advancing renewable energy. During his visit, the Senator toured the facilities, engaged with SEI leadership, staff, and learned about SEI’s various programs and initiatives. This visit also served as an opportunity to discuss the broader implications of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its potential to drive significant advancements in the renewable energy sector.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Advancing Equity through Workforce Partnerships
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a landmark piece of legislation, aims to modernize the nation’s infrastructure while promoting sustainable energy solutions. One of the key components of this law is the emphasis on equity and workforce development, particularly in the clean energy sector. SEI, in collaboration with Amicus O&M Cooperative, has embraced this vision through the creation of the Solar Operations and Maintenance (O&M) High Road Training Partnership. This collaborative project is being funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office.

The objective of this partnership is to increase equity in the solar O&M sector by expanding training and certification tracks for solar O&M professionals across the country. This initiative is being implemented in partnership with strategic workforce development organizations, employers, and workers. By creating a robust training framework and offering scholarships to disadvantaged communities, the partnership aims to ensure that the benefits of the clean energy transition are accessible to all.

SEI and Amicus O&M Cooperative: A Strategic Collaboration
Amicus O&M Cooperative, also headquartered in Colorado, is a leading player in the solar operations and maintenance sector. The collaboration between SEI and Amicus O&M Cooperative leverages the strengths of both organizations to create a comprehensive set of training standards that address the evolving needs of the solar industry. SEI’s portion of the project includes the development of a training program aligned with the framework being developed as part of this initiative. Additionally, SEI is administering a $100,000 scholarship program aimed at supporting individuals from disadvantaged communities.

During his visit, Senator Hickenlooper praised the collaboration between SEI and Amicus O&M Cooperative, noting that such partnerships are crucial for ensuring that the workforce is prepared to meet the demands of the rapidly growing solar industry. He emphasized the importance of providing equitable access to training and job opportunities in the clean energy sector, highlighting that initiatives like the Solar O&M High Road Training Partnership are vital for achieving this goal.

Impact on Delta County and Beyond
The impact of SEI’s training programs extends far beyond the classroom, with tangible benefits for Delta County and the nation at large. One of the standout projects in the region is the 80 MW Garnet Mesa Solar Farm in Delta County, Colorado. This solar farm is expected to produce enough energy to power 18,000 homes per year and will provide grazing land for approximately 1,000 sheep. The project exemplifies the integration of renewable energy production with sustainable agricultural practices.

SEI’s training programs are instrumental in preparing O&M technicians who can secure well-paying jobs in the clean energy sector, right in their home region. As the Garnet Mesa Solar Farm becomes operational, it will require skilled professionals to maintain the facility, ensuring its efficient operation for decades to come. SEI’s comprehensive training, which includes various levels of instruction, ensures that technicians are job-ready from day one and have access to continuing education opportunities for long-term career growth in the solar industry.

Senator Hickenlooper’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Senator Hickenlooper’s visit to SEI highlighted his commitment to advancing renewable energy and supporting workforce development initiatives. As a former governor of Colorado and a staunch advocate for sustainable energy solutions, Hickenlooper has long recognized the importance of transitioning to a clean energy economy. His visit to SEI served as a platform to discuss the ways in which federal policies, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, can support local initiatives and drive significant advancements in the renewable energy sector.

During his visit, Hickenlooper engaged in discussions with SEI staff, learning about their experiences and plans to expand training programs for a quickly changing industry. He expressed his admiration for SEI’s dedication to solar education and its efforts to promote equity in the solar workforce. The Senator also participated in a gathering located at one of the closed Paonia, Colorado area coal mines with local stakeholders, where he emphasized the need for continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure and workforce development programs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Solar Energy
The visit to SEI by Senator Hickenlooper underscores the critical role that education and training play in the transition to a clean energy economy. As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, so too does the need for a skilled workforce capable of meeting the industry’s challenges. Organizations like SEI are at the forefront of this effort, providing the training and education necessary to prepare individuals for successful careers in the solar sector.

The collaboration between SEI and  Amicus O&M Cooperative, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represents a significant step forward in advancing equity and workforce development in the solar industry. By expanding access to training and certification programs and providing scholarships to disadvantaged communities, this partnership is helping to ensure that the benefits of the clean energy transition are shared by all.

As we look to the future, it is clear that initiatives like the Solar O&M High Road Training Partnership will play a vital role in shaping the renewable energy landscape. With continued support from policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions, the vision of a world powered by solar energy is within reach. Senator Hickenlooper’s visit to SEI serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in education, equity, and workforce development as we strive to build a sustainable and inclusive clean energy future.

About the Solar Energy Technologies Office
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office accelerates the advancement and deployment of solar technology in support of an equitable transition to a decarbonized economy. Learn more at energy.gov/eere/solar.