Request for Information

About the Program

We believe in doing our part in protecting the planet from the effects of climate change. We launch fulfilling careers for those who want to make an impact and we equip you with leading-edge knowledge and skills to be successful and make a difference in the solar and renewable energy industries.

Earn $76,710 a year in 5 years!

Complete a certificate in Solar and Renewable Energy and start working immediately as an Apprentice Electrician at a solar installation company. After 4 years of employment, you will qualify to take the Journeyman's Exam and become a licensed electrician.

Electricians in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area earn $76,710 a year on average, with some earning as much as $94,238 a year.

Source: careerwise.minnstate.edu

The time is NOW for a career in Solar Energy!

  • The price of solar energy is now less expensive than nearly all other technologies, including coal and natural gas.
  • Legislation is in place to ensure the move from a fossil fuel energy economy to one of renewable energy.
  • We presently are only generating 1% of our electricity from solar energy. That leaves room for decades of great careers in the industry.

Solar Assessor Certificate

We are offering a 16-credit, fully online Solar Assessor certificate, which will enable you to become a Solar Energy Assessor or Installer. It is possible to complete this certificate in one semester or approximately 4 months. The certificate is available in both the Fall and Spring semesters. Here are just a few of the major topics that the certificate covers:

  • Solar modules and solar equipment
  • Software and apps
  • OSHA 10 safety card and NEC code requirements
  • Solar system design
  • Drone applications in the industry
  • Energy storage and monitoring systems

Students enrolled in Century College's solar program will: 

  • Implement clean energy technologies that make a difference on the environment and promote social responsibility
  • Participate on a team of technicians who design, install, and verify performance of solar systems
  • Belong to a green and sustainable industry that uses modern engineering tools and techniques to power the world

Interested in a career in Solar and Renewable Energy? Schedule a program tour!

Cost & Financial Aid

  • Tuition cost per credit*: Century College - $203.49; University of Minnesota, TC - $520.50; Private for-profit colleges - $1,300; Private colleges & universities - $2,320 *Annual tuition and fees **Based on posted institutions average cost per credit

    As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.

    Financial Aid

    Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs quality for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College's Federal School Code is 010546.

    Scholarship Opportunities

    Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.

  • Target Corporation Solar Scholarship Program

    New students enrolled in the Century College Solar Assessor certificate and Energy Technical Specialist degree program for Fall Semester 2022 may qualify to receive a scholarship toward tuition and supplies through the new Target Corporation Solar Energy Scholarship program.

    If selected, the Target Corporation Solar Scholarship program will provide the following scholarships: 

    • $1,500 scholarships for tuition and supplies for the Solar Assessor certificate program
    • $3,000 scholarships for tuition and supplies for the Energy Technical Specialist Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree

    With low tuition rates and additional financial aid available at Century College, students can avoid loan debt while earning a credential in a high-demand, high-wage career field. Apply here!

    Students of Color, Women, and other underrepresented students/demographics will be given priority, however, all are welcome to apply!
Ready to get started?
Apply today

Testimonials

Portrait of Patrick Kane standing in front of solar panels.
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." 

Portrait of Alex Cortes Ruiz
Solar Student - Alex Cortes Ruiz

"The Century College solar program is amazing and so complete. You not only learn the theory, but also practice hands-on training. You learn all the skills of a solar technician in the classroom."

Portrait of Alan Wernke.
Solar Alum - Alan Wernke

"Century College put me on the energy industry fast track with solar knowledge. By taking night classes, I could join a local Solar installer, and move from intern to a business development executive with in 1 year. Today I am a valuable member on the team, helping to build a clean energy economy here in MN."

Portrait of Kristina Smith.
Solar Alum - Kristina Foley

"What Century College did for me as an adult student was help me get back into a professional setting and a new field. The Solar program changed the course of my life and career."

Learn more >
Portrait of Hakim Abdihakin
Solar Student - Hakim Abdihakin

"The potential and need for renewable energy will continue to grow, and Century College offers one of the few programs in the state. You work with state-of-the-art equipment in a very enjoyable learning environment."

Portrait of Alcilito Almeida in front of the Solar and Renewable Energy career tree poster
Solar Alum - Alcilito Almeida

"Century College was a great place to be. The solar program was exactly what I was looking for. I got a lot of real-life work experience, with state-of-the-art equipment. Working in the solar lab and in the field, I was able to get a job in the solar industry just after graduating."

Transfer

Solar and Renewable Energy student installing a solar panel

Potential Job Titles

Faculty supporting students with the installation of Solar Panels on the roof on East Campus.
  • 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

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

Industrial Technician
Average Wage: $22.62/hour

Electrician**
Average Wage: $36.88/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

** After passing the Journeyman's Exam and becoming a licensed electrician.

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

Related Programs

Engineering

Resource Links

MN Energy Careers
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES)