Solar Energy, Energy Technologies, AAS

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science, Energy Technologies, Solar Energy is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce in the renewable energy field as technicians in solar photovoltaic and thermal installations. The solar energy technician completes accurate site assessment and energy demand analysis from which a solar energy system will be designed and installed. The program prepares students to sit for industry-recognized certifications required to enter the workforce. Solar energy technicians need strong electrical, technical, and computer skills.

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
ENGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 3
ENGR 110 Introduction to Renewable Energy 3
ELM 110 Electrical/Electronic Circuits 4
IS 101 Introduction to Information Systems 3
Mathematics 3 3
 Semester Total16
2nd semester
Science 2 3
Humanities/Diversity 3 3
ENG 101
or ENG 100
or ENG 113
 Composition I
or Composition Enhanced
or Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
 3
ENGR 244 2
ENRG 120 Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency 3
ENRG 130 Introduction to Solar Energy 3
 Semester Total17
3rd semester
Elective 3 3
ADT 120 Introduction to LEED and Sustainable Building 3
ENG 107 Technical Communications I 3
ENRG 132 Solar Photovoltaic Technologies 3
ENRG 142 Solar Thermal Technologies 3
 Semester Total15
4th semester
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions 2 3
AAD 230 Design with Climate 3
CE 201 Workplace Readiness 3
ENRG 215 Electrical Distribution Systems 3
 Semester Total12
 Total Units60
2

See approved General Education list for the AAS Degree.

3

See program recommendations or requirements.

Program Requirements

AAS degrees are generally non-transfer degrees that are designed for students to enter the workforce.

To earn an AAS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AAS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
General Education Requirements
Diversity 1[3]
Communications/English[6]
Required:
ENG 101Composition I3
or ENG 100 Composition Enhanced
or ENG 113 Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
ENG 107Technical Communications I3
Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Science3
Recommended:
AAD 201
History of the Built Environment
Human Relations3
Recommended:
CE 201
Workplace Readiness
Mathematics3
Required:
MATH 120
Fundamentals of College Mathematics (or higher)
Science3
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions3
Degree Requirements
ENGR 100Introduction to Engineering Design3
ENGR 110Introduction to Renewable Energy3
ENGR 2442
ELM 110Electrical/Electronic Circuits4
IS 101Introduction to Information Systems3
Emphasis Requirements
AAD 230Design with Climate3
ADT 120Introduction to LEED and Sustainable Building3
ENRG 120Fundamentals of Energy Efficiency3
ENRG 130Introduction to Solar Energy3
ENRG 132Solar Photovoltaic Technologies3
ENRG 142Solar Thermal Technologies3
ENRG 215Electrical Distribution Systems3
Elective Requirements
Select at least 3 units from the following:3
CE 290
Work Experience
CONS 111
Commercial Building Codes
CONS 120
Print Reading and Specification
DFT 110
Print Reading for Industry
ELM 233
Introduction to Instrumentation
Any ENRG course not listed above
Total Units60
1

Course may also count toward degree requirement. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of photovoltaic and solar thermal system.

PSLO2: Demonstrate the ability to solve technical problems associated with the photovoltaic and solar thermal installations.

PSLO3: Demonstrate an understanding of environmental regulations in the installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems.