Solar Energy International (SEI) and Illumination Solar Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Solar Education

Paonia, CO., 1/16/2025 – Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading provider of renewable energy education, announces a groundbreaking partnership with Illumination Solar to enhance hands-on solar training accessibility across the United States.

This collaboration integrates Illumination’s innovative mobile solar labs with SEI’s comprehensive in-person classroom curriculum, creating a powerful combination of theoretical knowledge and practical learning. The partnership addresses a crucial need in solar workforce development by bringing high-quality, hands-on training directly to students in their own communities.

“By partnering with Illumination Solar, we’re breaking down traditional barriers to solar education,” said Chris Turek, Vice President of Marketing and Development at SEI. “This mobile training solution perfectly integrates with our industry-recognized solar training programs, allowing students to immediately apply classroom concepts with hands-on training in a practical setting when SEI travels to offer training throughout the United States and Internationally.”

The mobile solar labs offer both grid-direct and battery-based systems that travel to where students are located, eliminating transportation barriers and expanding access to essential skills training. This approach particularly benefits communities that have historically faced challenges accessing quality solar education.

“At Illumination Solar, we believe hands-on learning is essential to building a skilled solar workforce,” said Nick Matthes, Creator and CEO of Illumination Solar. “Our Mobile Solar Training Labs empower education providers like SEI to bring professional training directly to communities, equipping students with real-world skills and job readiness. By partnering with SEI, we’re expanding access, supporting workforce development, and driving success for training organizations, educational institutions, and students nationwide.“

The partnership launches at a crucial time as the solar industry continues to experience rapid growth and increased demand for skilled workers. This innovative approach to training helps ensure that the renewable energy workforce keeps pace with industry expansion while maintaining high standards of technical expertise.

For more information about this partnership and how it may impact training opportunities for your organization, please visit SEI’s contract training page.