Remembering Solar Education Pioneer Johnny Weiss

​CRES and its longtime members mourn the loss of solar education pioneer Johnny Weiss, cofounder of Solar Energy International (SEI) in Paonia, Colorado. Johnny was a leader not only in solar electric systems in the 80’s and 90’s, but for over 40 years blazed a shining path in the sustainable technology training realm, co-founding SEI in 1991 and serving as its executive Director for over 20 years.

As the solar industry grew, at campuses in Carbondale, CO, Paonia, and online, SEI trained over 100,000 people who flocked from across the country and around the world to train at their unique outdoor workshop with a stunning view of local peaks.

Johnny’s progressive ideals contributed to the organization's remarkable success: wholehearted support of anyone interested in solar and sustainable practices, a deep belief in social and energy justice, and a love for connecting people of like mind and spirit, bringing them together in many professional and social venues.

While much of SEI’s curriculum, in person and online, is structured to provide training and employment in the domestic PV industry, Johnny's first passion, as embodied in SEI's last name, was solar in developing countries.  

Feeling solar technology and sustainable practices offered the largest gains for people without reliable access to electricity, Johnny dedicated a large part of his life and energy to programs supporting solar NGOs around the world. He forged effective relationships in Tanzania, oversaw SEI’s expansion in Central America, and consulted on projects on almost every continent. He was also a key advisor to We Care Solar, which places small PV systems in overseas rural maternity clinics, and We Share Solar, locating the same systems in rural schools. 

Recognizing the urgent needs of underserved Native Americans, Johnny collaborated with Native Energy, a Navajo/Dine owned nonprofit in Arizona, the Fort Collins based Trees, Water and People, and Red Cloud Renewables, of Pine Ridge, SD. Johnny and Henry Red Cloud had a long and productive collaboration called T4: Tribal Train The Trainers, enabling Native Americans to establish their own energy and economic independence. 

As a long time member of CRES, ASES, and ISES, Johnny was always a lively presence and participant in various conferences- leading sessions, staffing the SEI booth at trade shows, and bringing his infectious humor and positivity to every public and private event.

In the last year, battling a rare form of bone marrow cancer, Johnny stepped up his international solar advocacy, helping SEI enlarge its worldwide solar and sustainability program, now called the "Johnny Weiss Solar Energy Access for All Initiative". Those courses will be free on SEI's website to enable broad access to appropriate technology for anyone wishing to solarize their home or village, and include expert lectures on resources such as micro hydro and small wind, among other sustainable practices appropriate to developing countries. 

Johnny is survived by his two brothers, Abbott and Robert in Massachusetts; sons Zach and Alex; and former wife Caryn McVoy, all of Paonia. A joyous celebration of his life was held on August 16 at the SEI campus by over 200 of his friends, colleagues, and students to offer a final goodbye and thanks.

Most importantly, Johnny's spirit survives every day in the meaningful courses and inspiration of students, trainers, and staff of Solar Energy International, and all who came in contact with his indefatigable energy and perpetual optimism that renewable energy and sustainable practices can improve human lives around the world. He left a unique and wonderful legacy to the solar industry and will be greatly missed.

~Dave Bowden
CRES 2004 President