History of solar documentary, ‘Solar Roots,’ to screen in Paonia, Colorado

PAONIA, Colorado — Renewable energy advocates and solar training professionals will have the chance to see the story of the start of the modern solar photovoltaic (PV) industry through the eyes of its pioneers. On March 26, Solar Energy International (SEI) and the Paradise Theatre in Paonia, Colorado, present “Solar Roots – The Pioneers of PV” as part of the SEI’s 11th Annual Instructor Training, which brings together over 70 PV instructors and staff for three days of learning, camaraderie, and industry best practices.

Executive Producer and SEI alum Jeff Spies explains that “’Solar Roots” is the true story of how a small group of backwoods engineers and business hippies brought PV technology down from space into homes around the world delivering ‘solar power to the people’.

Starting in 2015, Spies and director Jason Vetterli embarked upon a two year journey, traveling the country, interviewing more than 50 pioneers of the PV industry in the making of this educational, humorous, and touching film. “Solar Roots” features Colorado’s own solar pioneers Johnny Weiss, who co-founded the nonprofit training organization SEI in Carbondale, Colorado, in 1991, and Ed Eaton, who has taught solar to thousands of people from around the world, including many of SEI’s instructors.

“The story starts in the mid 1800s with the early scientific discoveries in photovoltaics, and quickly progresses through the development of the Bell Silicon Cell in the 1950s, the rapid deployment of PV in the space race of the ’60s, and the debut of terrestrial PV in the 1970s, before finally focusing on the colorful group of men and women who gave birth to the PV home power movement in the early ’80’s,” which Spies said “eventually grew to define the modern day solar PV industry.”

Today Johnny lives  in Paonia, where SEI’s world-class training facility is now based. Johnny frequently travels abroad and to Native American reservations in his work as a philanthropist and solar consultant.  Ed lives off-grid in Paonia, continues to install PV systems, designs and builds solar ovens, solar cooks feasts of vegetarian food, and continues to teach a variety of energy-related classes and workshops. Weiss, Eaton, and Spies will participate in a Q&A session immediately following the March 26 film screening.

Due to the limited seating, viewing is by invitation only. If you are interested in receiving an invitation or learning more, contact SEI’s Executive Director, Kathy Swartz, at kswartz@solarenergy.org, or you can find out more about the film at www.solar-roots.com. Though the film is free, all donations to support SEI’s charitable outreach programs will be greatly appreciated!

About Solar Energy International (SEI)
Solar Energy International (SEI) was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit educational organization. Our mission is to provide industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to empower people, communities, and businesses worldwide. We envision a world powered by renewable energy! Visit www.solarenergy.org.

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