A Year in Review: Enstall and SEI’s Impactful Partnership
With one year of partnership behind us, 2024 marked a milestone in the collaboration between SEI and Enstall. Together, we’ve made significant strides toward building a skilled solar workforce and empowering individuals to lead in the renewable energy sector.
Enstall chose to partner with SEI when we realized our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future by training and empowering a skilled solar workforce. Founded in 1991, SEI has trained over 90,000 students from more than 150 countries, equipping them with hands-on skills for the solar industry. Their training programs provide essential technical knowledge to installers, designers, and advocates working to expand global solar adoption. By combining SEI’s educational approach with Enstall’s innovative solar solutions and industry insights, we recognized an opportunity to amplify our impact, expanding our reach and effectiveness in preparing a skilled workforce for the energy transition.
Through our partnership, Enstall provides annual financial support to SEI, helping to sustain their vital work in building a team of solar experts. This relationship has grown over the years, with several key contributions. Several Enstall brands, including IronRidge and PanelClaw, have donated cutting-edge solar mounting systems to SEI’s lab yard in Paonia, Colorado. Having access to our industry-leading racking materials ensures students gain practical, hands-on experience with the latest solar technology. Additionally, select Enstall employees are actively involved in SEI’s curriculum development. By leveraging their extensive knowledge of the latest racking and mounting trends, they’ve helped to further enhance SEI’s comprehensive suite of courses.
Earlier this year, SEI received $75,000 through the Blackstone Gives Back Challenge, thanks to Enstall Empowers’ collaboration. These funds are being put toward launching the SEI’s new Solar Ready Veterans Program, offering tuition assistance and training to help veterans transition into careers in solar energy.
This partnership has already made a substantial impact on veterans’ lives. One inspiring example is Matthew Peña, a Marine Corps Reservist and recipient of an SEI Veterans Scholarship funded by Blackstone Gives Back. With his training, Matthew plans to specialize in solar operations and maintenance while launching a nonprofit to support renewable energy projects for underserved communities.
As we continue to deepen our partnership with SEI, we are excited to see the growing impact of our shared efforts. Together, we are empowering students, veterans, and aspiring solar professionals to lead the way in creating a cleaner, more equitable future.
For more on SEI and their programs, visit Solar Energy International.
