Solar Energy Technology - Associate Degree
The Solar Energy Technology program provides installers, designers, and technical sales personnel the skills to assess sites; design systems; install, operate, and maintain solar electric and solar thermal systems for residential and commercial applications in the growing renewable energy industry. Potential employment possibilities will be with existing solar, electrical and mechanical contractors to help expand their offerings of solar energy technologies. Other possible areas of employment are with energy consulting firms, design firms and utilities. With additional education and experience, graduates can expand their careers to energy analyst, journeyperson electrician/plumber, project manager, energy engineer, and environmental consultant.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
Follow Your Path
All credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Renewable Energy-Solar Electric, 904821
Renewable Energy-Solar Thermal, 904822
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
- Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript) College transcript
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Solar Energy Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
- Students completing General Studies courses at NWTC must earn a "C" or better in English Composition to enroll in Technical Reporting.
- Students completing College Technical Math 1A must earn a "C" or better to enroll in College Technical Math 1B.
Program Outcomes
- Evaluate the energy use of commercial and residential buildings and perform site assessments for solar electric and solar thermal systems
- Generate technical project proposals and estimates for solar electric and solar thermal systems
- Read and comprehend mechanical blueprints
- Upload and download information from remote and local networks to aid in the operation and maintenance of systems
- Obtain, complete, and understand zoning regulations, building permit, utility intertie connection, and utility distributed generation agreements
- Assist in design, install and maintain solar electric systems
- Assist in design, install and maintain solar thermal systems
- Ensure compliance with the national electrical code
- Provide training to user upon project completion
- Install, troubleshoot, repair and modify mechanical and electrical systems including programmable controllers
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 100% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment for diverse employers, such as renewable energy businesses, energy companies, equipment supply companies, oil and gas field service companies and utilities in the following areas:
- Solar Electric Energy Technician: designs, estimates, installs, troubleshoots, repairs and modifies residential and/or commercial solar electric systems.
- Solar Site Assessor: conducts facility energy audit/assessments; is responsible for making recommendations regarding solar energy systems. Prepares cost estimates, energy analysis; is accountable for building long-term customer relationships.
- Solar Sales Representative: provides consultations and assessments to potential customers. Manages the pipeline of contacts and opportunities within an assigned territory and deliver compelling presentations. Acts as the project manager for installation of systems and coordination of closeout.
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Energy Analyst
- Plumber or Electrician Journeyperson
- Project Manager
- Energy Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Studies staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.