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Energy

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Certificates of Achievement

Solar Energy Systems Design, Estimation, and Sales Certificate

This certificate provides training in all aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, cost estimation, sales, and installation. It also includes training in oral presentations and management skills.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BUS 300 Introduction to Business (3) 3
   or BUS 350 Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship (3)
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
ENERGY 140 Electrical Applications for Solar Installers 3
ENERGY 141 Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers 3
ENERGY 143 Solar Photovoltaic Systems Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting 4
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
Total Units: 20

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the components in a complete grid-tie PV system.
  • construct solar PV battery charging systems.
  • analyze test equipment data to determine the location of the "sweet spot" on a solar PV panel's Current--Voltage (IV) curves.
  • identify tools and test equipment necessary for solar PV panel installations.
  • identify different sizes of wire according to American Wire Gauge (AWG) tables.
  • construct a simulated roof system using industry standard building materials.
  • calculate the amount of yearly solar radiance in relationship to shading using the Solmetric's SunEye predictor and software.
  • inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a functioning grid tie solar PV system.
  • estimate the yearly power output for a solar photovoltaic system using both the SunEye and the Pathfinder sun angle and shade predictor.
  • identify typical locations of electrical/mechanical failures in PV systems.
  • maximize communication effectiveness by specifying, planning for, and adapting to the specific audience.
  • identify and analyze factors that contribute to effective design, development, and delivery of presentations.
  • relate the communication process to public speaking situations.
  • assess the ways to start a business and which form of business organization should be used.
  • explain the importance of a business plan, a financial plan, and a marketing plan.
  • describe the financing process and how to access capital.
  • apply principles of management and marketing relevant to the small business.
  • evaluate financial reports.
  • analyze the impact of legal requirements and government regulations as related to the operation of the small business.

Career Information

This certificate prepares students for entry level employment in a wide variety of positions in the PV industry. It is also valuable for people working in the PV industry to upgrade their skills to include the newest advancements in solar technology. Career opportunities include PV system designers, PV systems outside sales, PV equipment and associated component sales representatives, and a variety of other emerging careers in this field.


Solar Energy Technology Certificate

This certificate provides training in all aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation, troubleshooting, and repair.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ENERGY 140 Electrical Applications for Solar Installers 3
ENERGY 141 Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers 3
ENERGY 143 Solar Photovoltaic Systems Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting 4
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
Total Units: 14

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the components in a complete grid-tie PV system.
  • construct solar PV battery charging systems.
  • analyze test equipment data to determine the location of the "sweet spot" on a solar PV panel's Current-Voltage (IV) curves.
  • identify tools and test equipment necessary for solar PV panel installations.
  • identify different sizes of wire according to American Wire Gauge (AWG) tables.
  • construct a simulated roof system using industry standard building materials.
  • calculate the amount of yearly solar radiance in relationship to shading using the Solmetric's SunEye predictor and software.
  • inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a functioning grid-tie solar PV system.
  • assess safety hazards in respect to fire, shock, and falls when installing or repairing PV systems.
  • estimate PV system using both the SunEye and the Pathfinder sun angle and shade predictor.
  • identify typical locations of electrical/mechanical failures in PV systems.
  • calculate the correct gauge wire and number of wires in a metal raceway according to National Electrical Code standards.
  • calculate the battery amperage required for a stand-alone PV system.

Career Information

This certificate prepares the student for entry level employment in a wide variety of positions in the PV industry. It is also valuable for people working in the PV industry to upgrade their skills to include the newest advancements in solar technology. Career opportunities include PV installers, PV service technicians, and other emerging careers in this field.

Certificate

Basic Solar Certificate

This certificate provides training in basic solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation, troubleshooting, and repair. to be used in remote telecommunication and industrial locations. Field trips may be required.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ENERGY 140 Electrical Applications for Solar Installers 3
ENERGY 141 Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers 3
ET 302 Principles of Electricity and Electronics 4
Total Units: 10

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • create simple electronic schematics using basic schematic symbols.
  • apply electrical concepts to measure and evaluate resistance, capacitance, and inductive devices.
  • compare and contrast series and parallel resistive, capacitance, and inductive circuits.
  • describe the components in a grid-tie or battery PV system.
  • assess safety hazards when working with PV systems.
  • identify and employ common hand tools to construct a simulated roof structure and install a solar PV system.
  • calculate the gauge wire and conduit size for a given solar PV panel array per National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
  • inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a solar PV system.
  • evaluate different types of solar inverters and solar PV panels to determine which configurations would have the highest efficiency and most power output for a given situation.
  • use industry software and measuring tools to determine solar PV panel string-size, yearly solar radiance, and yearly power output.

Career Information

This certificate prepares the student for electronic technician positions in industries that also include solar PV systems in remote locations such as the telecommunications industry.