PAONIA RESOURCE GUIDE
All you need to know about SEI’s training headquarters location
Paonia, Colorado is located on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains along the North Fork of the Gunnison River and at the base of the 11,395-foot-tall Mt. Lamborn. Paonia is a small rural town; within the town limits live approximately 1500 people. This page has been designed to answer some of the questions you may have and help to prepare you for arrival to Paonia. If this page does not contain the information you need, contact us today.
SEI’s Location & Contact Info
39845 Mathews Ln, Paonia, CO 81428
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Phone: (970) 527-7657
Transportation
Be sure to make travel arrangements from the airport to Paonia! The Denver Airport is a 5-hour drive from Paonia. We recommend flying into the Montrose Regional Airport or the Grand Junction Regional Airport, which an hour to 1.5 hours away respectively. Your transportation options to get to and around in Paonia include:
National Travel
The most convenient way to get to Colorado is to fly. If you choose to take to the skies to get to SEI, the airport you fly into will determine your local travel options. The Denver Airport is a 5-hour drive from Paonia. We recommend flying into a local airport, which is 1-1.5 hours away respectively.
Grand Junction Regional Airport is a 1.5 hour drive to Paonia. Airlines that fly into Grand Junction include United Express, US Airways, Allegiant Air, American, Delta and Alaska. Shuttle services available from Grand Junction to Paonia – we have a list of local drivers who can pick you up from the airport. Shuttles are generally $100. Please call 970-527-7657 option 1 for more information or a list of local shuttle drivers will be provided upon lab registration. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance when booking your airline tickets.
Montrose Regional Airport is a 1 hour to Paonia. Airlines that fly into Montrose include American, Allegiant Air, Delta and United Express. Shuttle services available from Montrose to Paonia – we have a list of local drivers who can pick you up from the airport. Shuttles are generally $100. Please call 970-527-7657 option 1 for more information or a list of local shuttle drivers will be provided upon lab registration. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance when booking your airline tickets.
Flying into Denver International Airport is usually the most budget-friendly way to get here, but SEI’s campus sits 250 miles away – meaning you’ll need your own transportation. Get ready for an incredible 5 hour journey through one of America’s most beautiful states.
Local Travel
If you are flying into a local airport, be sure to make travel arrangements to Paonia! Your options to get to Paonia include:
SEI receives a number of discounts on rental cars, see below for details on how to obtain your discount(s). All rental cars require a major credit card (not a debit card) at time of rental. International students can rent cars, but must present their driver’s license from their home. A passport will not work, it must be a driver’s license.
- AVIS: Receive between 5% and up to 25% off all rental cars. Use the discount code/AWD number: Y378524 when booking to save
- Enterprise: Receive 5% off all rentals outside Colorado and special prices within Colorado. Use the account code: L12A513 in the box “Optional: Coupon, Customer, or Corporate number”. Password is SOL
Use the Ride Board to connect with other students who may be arriving at the airport around the same time to share a shuttle. If you are willing to share a ride or need a ride to/from the airport to Paonia, please post on our ride share board.
You can access the ride share board through the Online Alumni & Career Center in 3 easy steps:
1. Visit SolarEnergyTraining.org.
2. Login with your username (your full email address or personalized username that you have created for an online course). Note: the default password created for you is ‘solar’ (or your personalized password that you have created).
3. Click on My Courses on the top menu bar. You will see the Online Alumni and Career Center listed – click that link and you are in! You will see the Student Ride Share Board on the left hand side under Alumni Resources.
Please call 970-527-7657 option 1 for more information or a list of local shuttle drivers will be provided upon lab registration
Charger #1: Standard EV’s
Level 2 charger with a standard AC SAE J-1772 plug type.
Maximum charge rate of 6kw
240v circuit with a 30a maximum supply
This is the standard charger type for most US EV’s, Tesla’s can also use this charger with a plug adapter that most Tesla owners carry in their car
Charger #2: Tesla EV’s
Level 2 Tesla Destination Charger with Tesla plug type
Maximum charge rate of 6kw
240v circuit with a 40a maximum supply
This can only be used for tesla EV’s unless the customer has an adapter
In-town Travel
Paonia is a small town making it relatively easy to explore! With its charming downtown area, quaint shops and delicious local restaurants, it’s important you discover the best way for you to get around during your stay. Options include:
Lodging
The Bross Hotel Bed & Breakfast
The Bross Hotel Bed and Breakfast is an historic hotel in downtown Paonia, built in 1906. In 2024 the Bross is offering a discounted single-occupancy rate of $140/night* for SEI students (*morning coffee and tea provided; does not include breakfast)
Redwood Arms Motel & RV Park
Redwood Arms Motel and RV Park is about half a mile from downtown Paonia. Redwood Arms will offer SEI students 5% off, 2 or more nights, at the motel. Anna Raith, General Manager – 970-527-4148 Ext 131.
The Local Nomad
The Local Nomad offers hostel-style accommodations with sparkling clean private rooms, spacious common areas, and affordable prices. Air conditioning in every bedroom. Use discount code SUPPORTSEI for 10% discounted rates.
Rocky Mountain Inn
Rocky Mountain Inn has a variety of rooms to accommodate just about everyone, from the solitary traveler, to family groups or larger special event gatherings. A leisurely walk to Town provides you with many great restaurants, plenty of local art galleries, tons of music and lots of friendly people.
Amenities
Carbon Reduction
As a small rural town, Paonia attempts to strike a balance between adventure and convenience. Most of the essentials can be found in-town or down the road in the town of Hotchkiss (10 minute drive) or city of Delta (30 minute drive). Shopping at one of the local farmers markets is one great way to discover the local community and get a taste of the area’s culture.
Please be aware that the closest hospital to Paonia is roughly 30 minutes by car. There is a walk-in clinic in Hothckiss (approx. 15 minutes away) for non-emergencies. If you have allergies to bees or any health issues that may possibly affect you during the week, please come prepared. Staff are first aid/CPR trained, as well, we have a local ambulance service. Please be cognizant of how high elevation (5654 feet) can affect you. STAY HYDRATED!
SEI is nestled among a mountainous rural area, so cell phone coverage isn’t always a guarantee. To make sure you don’t miss any updates from those important to you during your stay here, it’s best to check with your carrier provider for service coverage and possible travel options.
There are two local banks in town: First State Bank of Colorado and First Colorado National Bank. Both have ATM machines from which you can get money, however, there is a charge to do this. Both banks are located on Grand Avenue, which is the main street in Paonia. The Delta County Credit Union in Hotchkiss also has an ATM and does not charge fees if you are part of another credit union at your home.
Don’s Market (grocery store): 213 2nd Street; open seven days a week from 7:00am until 8:00pm
Indigo Autumn (health food store): 230 Grand Avenue; call or check online for hours; 970-527-3663
Paonia Laundromat 2nd and North Fork, user friendly machines, laundry services, and internet.
Hotchkiss UltraMat: 110 S. 7th Street in Hotchkiss; Open 7 days a week; call or check online for hours; 970-
872-2000
If you are bringing your dog to the area, please note, SEI does not allow dogs at the classroom or on the SEI campus. We do make exceptions for a seeing/hearing guide dog. Boarding options include:
Cottonwood Ranch and Kennel: (970) 921-7100
SEI is determined to make the world a better place by transitioning to renewable energy. No time can be wasted as dramatic climate changes have been predicted which will affect us all. Beyond training the solar energy workforce, we’re being studious in looking at where we can reduce, and we invite you to join us while you are on campus.
SEI has a flight of bikes to get you around town and to campus. These bikes are free to use and available of on a first come first serve basis. We provide you with a bike lock and helmet. We also have e-bikes available to rent at a $5/day charge. Get some exercise and reduce your carbon footprint during your training!
Use the Ride Board to connect with other students who may be coming into the airport around the same time and share a shuttle. If you are willing to share a ride or need a ride to/from the airport to Paonia, please post on our ride share board ahead of time. Once you’re on campus, coordinate with your classmates to carpool together to campus and around town.
SEI commits funds to “offset” SEI Instructors’ travelthrough The Good Traveller; these funds would go right to carbon sequestration projects in different areas of the world, particularly preserving tropical forest lands, where 50% of terrestrial plant and animal species live. We challenge you to do the same to offset your travel to Paonia. Visit the Good Traveller or talk to SEI staff to offset your trip now.
For all classes you will receive a notebook. You can opt to re-use your notebook for a future student by keeping your notebook clean and unmarked and returning to staff at the end of your training.
SEI owns at least four different solar ovens that either staff have made or we’ve received from GoSun. Test out these ovens to cook your lunch or
prepare a dish for the occasional potluck night. We have a couple particularly passionate solar cookers on staff, so just ask for help and we will gladly show you how to use the sun to cook any meals.
We compost leftover food waste and all the coffee grounds leftover from brewing your morning coffees. We use this compost in the garden and on fruit trees throughout campus.
CONTACT THE SEI STUDENT SERVICES TEAM
If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help! Our team of knowledgeable and friendly staff are available to answer any inquiries you may have. Contact us today and we will get back to you quickly.