Renewable Energy Solar

Renewable Energy: Solar

Associate Degree Program

With recent advancements in solar technology and greater financial incentives, many builders, homeowners, and businesses are considering the use of solar energy.  This has prompted  Delaware’s photovoltaic companies, homebuilders, government agencies, and electric utility companies to seek successful graduates to work as entry-level solar technicians. Delaware Tech has responded with a two-year degree in Renewable Energy – Solar that will prepare you with the skills and knowledge to sell and install photovoltaic and solar thermal hot water systems as well as perform site design. As part of this program, you'll have the opportunity to work in the field at commercial and residential sites and in the office where you'll spend time estimating, assembling and building systems.

As a graduate, you'll be prepared to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic Entry Level Program Exam, and with proper additional field experience, you'll be qualified to seek the NABCEP Photovoltaic (PV) Technical Sales Certification, PV Installer Certification, or Solar Thermal Certification. If you enjoy thinking about how a system works and working with your hands, and you believe you can make a difference in how the construction industry prepares for the future, then a career in the solar industry may be for you.

This program is offered at the Dover, Georgetown and Stanton Campuses.

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare you for positions such as:

• PV Installer
• Photovoltaic Technical salesperson
• Solar Thermal technician

What You Will Earn

Salaries vary for Renewable Energy Solar professionals depending on the position. The median salary for PV installers in Delaware in 2010 was $38,000.

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

1. Utilize building systems and energy technology hardware and software to gather data on energy efficiency and building system operations.
2. Analyze the interaction between energy consuming building systems and make recommendations for improved energy management based on that analysis.
3. Evaluate the energy use patterns for residential and commercial buildings and recommend energy efficiency and alternative energy solutions for high-energy consuming buildings.
4. Formulate a renewable energy solar system design adapted from a site assessment that is appropriately sized.
5. Safely perform the installation protocol for Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Hot water Systems, including inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you, as an associate degree graduate, will be able to do upon completion of your degree, regardless of your major. You will acquire these core competencies through your general education courses (i.e. English, math, etc.) and your program of study courses.

1. Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
2. Demonstrate effective problem solving and reasoning skills.
3. Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
4. Demonstrate ethical and professional understanding and conduct.
5. Apply appropriate information literacy skills to locate, evaluate and use information effectively.
6. Use computer technology appropriate to the field.
7. Use scientific and mathematical reasoning appropriate to the technology.

Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree?

This is a Connected Degree program that enables you to complete your associate degree and then transfer to a four-year degree program as a junior. See a program advisor for details!