Company Name

GREEN Solar Academy 

Call selection

SESA CALL FOR ENTREPRENEURS 2022

Sector

  • Solar/PV

Website

Social Media

Contact

Antje Klauss-Vorreiter  | CEO 

antje@solar-training.org 

Company Description

As a spin-off of maxx-solar academy, which pioneered solar training in South Africa in 2011, GREEN inherits a rich legacy. With a proven track record of training over 4700 participants across 13 academies in 7 African countries, our experience underscores our commitment to excellence. 

At GREEN, our vision is ambitious yet pivotal: to establish Africa’s largest network of solar installers and democratizing access to renewable energy. By equipping professionals with top-tier training and facilitating industry integration, we aim to make renewable energy a tangible reality for everyone across the continent. 

Our approach is multifaceted. We not only focus on individual skill development but also contribute to shaping the educational landscape by collaborating with diverse institutions. This collaborative effort ensures that our impact on the PV industry transcends borders, catering to varying educational contexts and economic strata. 

We are committed to fostering a sustainable future by nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving Africa’s solar revolution. Through comprehensive courses, continuous support, and strategic collaborations, GREEN stands as a beacon of excellence, illuminating the path towards a greener and more accessible energy landscape in Africa. 

Join us in our mission to unlock the potential of renewable energy, empower individuals, and create a brighter, more sustainable future for Africa and beyond. 

Service Description

GREEN is a distinguished institution offering comprehensive solar photovoltaic (PV) courses, catering to professionals within or transitioning into the PV industry, irrespective of technical background. Our diverse range of courses spans from introductory to advanced levels, providing robust training and networking opportunities. 

We specialize in empowering individuals by not only imparting knowledge but also fostering a supportive network crucial for career growth. Participants benefit from a holistic package, including business support to launch their own PV ventures or secure employment opportunities. 

Beyond individual courses, GREEN extends its expertise to curriculum development, teaching materials, and trainer training serving NGOs, Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions (TVETs), universities, and private companies. This broader approach ensures that profound PV knowledge transcends various education levels and income brackets, reaching diverse demographics. 

GREEN specializes in professional solar PV courses complemented by networking opportunities, training, and material development. As part of the SESA project, we aim to extend these services to Alicedale. Our vision involves transforming the solar container for uYilo research into the “Alicedale Solar Centre.” This center will serve as an educational hub, showcasing solar energy’s success and encouraging productive energy use experimentation. 

Initially, the center will offer an EV charging station, facilitating the charging of uYilo’s electric vehicles. This service will attract visitors, providing them with information about solar energy while offering practical benefits like phone charging. Future services, such as borrowing chargable torches, and offering small scale solar products to help during power cuts, will cater to local needs. 

The Alicedale Solar Centre will host workshops, solar trainings, career info days, and presentations by energy solution providers. GREEN will leverage its network to understand community needs, setting a precedent for similar rural communities in South Africa. This initiative aims to empower communities, inspire solar adoption, and serve as a blueprint for sustainable rural development nationwide. 

The founders

Antje Klauss-Vorreiter

Founder and CEO

Antje has been working in the PV business since 2003. In 2013 she started heading up the maxx-solar academy and in 2020, she formed the GREEN Solar Academy together with fellow director Vivian Blümel.
She has an overview of finances, training and project coordination. She is a great networker and pulls all the strings together. Managing teams, creating work schedules and project outlines, and acquiring capital for ideas are her specialties.

Vivian Blümel

Founder and CPO

Vivian has been working in the PV business since 2011. In 2015, she became the training coordinator of maxx-solar and in 2020, she formed the GREEN Solar Academy together with fellow director Antje Klauss-Vorreiter.
Vivian manages the content and creativity in the company. She is responsible for technical questions and all kinds of content development, which includes the trainings but also extends to the company’s marketing campaigns and GREENetwork activities.