Johnny Weiss

Johnny Weiss is a prominent figure in the solar energy sector, serving as the Principal at Johnny Weiss - Solar Consulting since January 2013. Based in Paonia, Colorado, he specializes in solar consulting and has extensive experience in renewable energy education and project management.

Background and Career

Co-Founder of Solar Energy International (SEI):: Johnny Weiss co-founded SEI in 1991 and served as its Executive Director for over 20 years. Under his leadership, SEI became a leading educational nonprofit in solar energy, training more than 55,000 students in various aspects of renewable energy technologies, including solar thermal and photovoltaics.123

Educational Contributions:: In addition to his work with SEI, Weiss has been involved in developing vocational training programs. He was an Associate Professor at Colorado Mountain College during the 1980s, where he created a hands-on solar training curriculum.13 His educational initiatives have focused on practical applications of renewable energy technologies.

Consulting Work:: As an independent consultant, Weiss has worked on numerous international projects aimed at implementing solar solutions in underserved communities. Notably, he is involved in projects like the Maasai Village Solar Radio Project in Tanzania and collaborates with organizations such as Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center to promote solar energy on Native American reservations.24

Achievements and Recognition

Johnny Weiss has received several accolades for his contributions to renewable energy, including the Mark C. Fitzgerald Memorial Award from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association.12 His work has had a significant impact on both local and international scales, particularly in promoting sustainable energy solutions in developing regions.

Current Focus

Currently, Weiss is concentrating on charitable solar projects that aim to enhance community infrastructure and education about renewable energy. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical renewable technologies in addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy poverty.4