Origins in the Solar Scholars Program®

Energypath is main educational program of the Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF), and one of the primary ways we fulfill our mission is through our annual sustainable energy conference. The conference began as an extension of SEF’s award-winning Solar Scholars® program, which launched in 2005 when SEF sponsored its first college student to attend solar photovoltaic training in Colorado.

Growth and Expansion

By 2008, the program had grown significantly, bringing 30 student–instructor teams to Dickinson College. The following year, more than 100 scholars participated when the event moved to Lafayette College. In 2009, SEF also introduced pre-conference boot camps in solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind energy, and energy efficiency—an innovation that remains a defining element of Energypath today.

The 2010 conference, held at Lehigh University and Stabler Arena, marked another major milestone, hosting more than 140 scholars, approximately 400 conference attendees, and 30 exhibitors.

Energypath Today

Over the years, Energypath has evolved into the region’s largest sustainable energy conference. What began as a small event focused on solar installation training has expanded into a multi-day experience featuring keynote speakers, expert-led breakout sessions, an exhibitor expo, and a science fair for middle and high school students.

Looking Ahead to 2026

In 2026, we will proudly host the 14th Energypath conference—continuing our long-standing commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of energy leaders.

Check out presentations from previous Energypath events here.