CARBONDALE, Colo., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Solar Energy International (SEI), a leading provider of technical training in solar, wind, water power and natural building technologies, has selected Pearson to create a new professional textbook series available in print and eBook formats, Pearson announced today.

SEI offers hands-on workshops and online technical training for careers in renewable energy as well as continuing education for those already employed in the industry. Through its SEI Solar Professionals Certificate Program and other solar training, SEI serves between 2,000-3,000 students annually and has served over 20,000 students in its 20 years of service to the renewable energy industry.

Beginning in June, the first book in the new SEI Textbook Series will be available for SEI courses and other training organizations that have adopted SEI's textbooks in solar electric design and installation and solar business and technical sales.  Students have access to print and eBook formats through the textbook bundle and can access their content via their Mac or PC, or via Pearson's eText for iPad app. Pearson's eText for iPad app presents digital content in the same high resolution as on a computer, even when pages are zoomed, and displays perfect fidelity to the print book. Students can easily add their own personalization (notes, highlights, bookmarks) while working on their iPads.  

"We partnered with Pearson for their experience and expertise in new learning models and technologies," said Tresi Houpt, Executive Director for Solar Energy International. "These highly visual course materials create an immersive learning opportunity for our students. And the flexibility of Pearson's iPad App lets our students download chapters and read them on the go when they're at a job site or in the field."

"Our collaboration with SEI highlights how we're leveraging our resources and experience to support the unique needs of corporations, associations, government entities and nonprofit organizations.  Renewable energy is a growing industry and our partnership with SEI will help more adults develop their skill set for these high-demand jobs and ultimately improve their livelihoods," said Christopher Shenk, Senior Vice President at Pearson Learning Solutions.

For more information about SEI, visit www.solarenergy.org. For more information about Pearson's professional education business, visit www.pearsonlearningsolutions.com.

About Pearson

Pearson, the world's leading learning company, has global reach and market-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing (NYSE: PSO).  The company provides innovative print and digital education materials, including personalized learning programs such as MyLab/Mastering; education services including custom publishing; and content-independent platforms including the EQUELLA digital repository and Pearson LearningStudio for online learning programs.

Media Contact: Susan Aspey, susan.aspey@pearson.com or (800) 745-8489

SOURCE Pearson