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  • Solar and Renewable Energy

    Delivery: A mix of daytime, evening and online courses.
    Start: Fall, Spring, or Summer; Full- or Part-Time.
     

    • Energy Technical Specialist — Associate in Applied Science Degree (60 credits)
    • Advanced Photovoltaic Energy Systems — Certificate (30 credits)
    • Advanced Solar Thermal Energy Systems — Certificate (30 credits)
    • Solar Assessor — Certificate (16 credits)
    • Solar Sales and Marketing — Certificate (16 credits)

     

    Gainful Employment Disclosure

About the Program

The Associate in Applied Science Degree will convey the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in traditional and renewable energy fields. The degree will prepare students for work as technicians in in the following industries: coal fired electric power generation, natural gas distribution, ethanol production, biodiesel production, wind turbine maintenance and/or solar energy.

Century College is part of state-wide consortium of nine Minnesota State institutions offering this joint Associate in Applied Science degree in Renewable Energy. Century College is the only Metro-area college in the consortium. Many of the consortium credits are available online.

The certificate in Advanced Photovoltaic Energy Systems is designed to provide entrance into the field of photovoltaic energy systems. It is also designed to provide existing contractors and other industry professionals with skills necessary to work in photovoltaic installation and maintenance.

The certificate in Advanced Solar Thermal Energy Systems is designed to provide existing contractors and other industry professionals with installation and maintenance skills necessary to become solar contractors.

The Solar Assessor Certificate is designed to prepare you to work as solar assessors for contractors. Graduates will be able to do a basic site assessment including the feasibility of solar thermal, estimated costs, recommended products, and other information for a solar contractor to create a professional assessment and cost estimate of a solar project.

Testimonials

Testimonial_Kristina_Smith_program
Solar Alum - Kristina Smith

"I wanted a great education at an affordable price, and the option of having classes available at all times of day, so that I could schedule and take them around family and employment commitments."

Learn more >
Testimonial_Patrick_Kane_Solar
Solar student - Patrick Kane

"Our program at Century has equipped me with the knowledge and understanding to be immediately successful in a rapidly growing field." 

Planning for Your Program

Transfer

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Potential Job Titles

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  • Solar/Photovoltaic Installer
  • Solar Assessor
  • Installation Supervisor
  • Industrial Technician

Salary Data

Solar/Photovoltaic Installer*
Average Wage: $15.00-$25.00/hour

Solar Assessor *
Average Wage: $15.00-$25.00/hour; $175.00-$250.00/site

Installation Supervisor
Average Wage: $18.22/hour
Top Earners: $23.36/hour

Industrial Technician
Average Wage: $22.62/hour

* This is a new and emerging career field. Job title and salary data is difficult to estimate at this time. Please refer to the following websites for current information:
Minnesota Energy Careers | Minnesota Green Careers | Minnesota Renewable Energy Society | Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace

Information gathered pertains to seven county metro area - careerwise.mnscu.edu

Learning Outcomes

Energy Technical Specialist - AAS 60 Credits

  • Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  • Have the requisite knowledge, skill and ability to transfer successfully into the 3rd year of baccalaureate program.
  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  • An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamentals of energy conversion and application.

Advanced Solar Thermal Energy Systems - Certificate 30 Credits

  • Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  • An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamentals of energy conversion and application.

Advanced Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems - Certificate 30 Credits

  • Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  • An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamentals of energy conversion and application.

Solar Assessor - Certificate 16 Credits

  • Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  • An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the fundamentals of energy conversion and application.

Resource Links

MN Energy Careers
MN Green Careers
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES)
Midwest Renewable Energy Assn (MREA)
Dept. of Energy (DOE) News