At Bryan University, we provide career-focused training for several educational opportunities for diplomas or degrees. One offering includes our solar energy technician diploma through the School of Trades to prepare you for a job with a solar energy firm.
Our staff answers frequently asked questions about renewable energy trade schools in today’s blog.
What program of study is best for renewable energy trade school attendees?
The best major or program of study depends on you and your interests. If you want an entry-level career track, a diploma or two-year degree may be appropriate. A four-year degree in chemistry or electrical engineering might serve your interests if you’re leaning towards research and teaching in the renewable energy field.
At Bryan University, we offer a 40-week diploma that prepares you for certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as a photovoltaic associate.
Is there a degree for renewable energy from trade schools?
Yes, there are several degree options available.Â
Bryan University offers a career-focused program covering 40 weeks, four quarters, and 12 classes at 4.5 quarter-credit hours each.
What education does a renewable energy trade school offer?
Bryan University offers a diploma program for a solar energy technician.
What qualifications do I need to start in a renewable energy field?
Entry-level jobs require a high school diploma and on-the-job training at a minimum.
What can I learn at a renewable energy trade school?
Bryan University prepares you to take the certification exam of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as a photovoltaic associate.
Our diploma program teaches you:
- The ins and outs of photovoltaic systems and their basic operation
- Fundamentals of construction for residential and commercial properties, so you can install solar panels correctly while maintaining modern building codes
- How to understand codes, processes, and requirements for solar panels.
- Installation, maintenance, and repair of solar panels
- The economics and sales behind the financing, costs, and cost-effectiveness of solar panels
What skills do you need to become a renewable energy worker?
Physical lifting, particularly if you are on a job site or working on a production line.
Math: You’ll need to know how to crunch numbers and perform mathematical calculations no matter what job you have in renewable energy.
Critical thinking and problem-solving: You’ll need to follow instructions and safety protocols while troubleshooting on-site issues or when something on the factory floor doesn’t go as planned.
Effective oral communication: You will need to communicate with members of your team and direct other members of the team to put a project together.
Customer service: Without customers and good customer service, renewable energy companies would lose business and revenue.Â
What courses are required for a solar energy technician diploma at Bryan University?
Bryan University offers nine courses in the School of Trades, all 4.5 quarter-credit hours, throughout your 40-week diploma.Â
You must complete 54 quarter-credit hours over 740 contact hours (number of hours of classroom instruction) to finish your diploma.
Core courses include:
SOL100 Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
You learn about different types of photovoltaic (PV) system applications, components, and the advantages and disadvantages of PV systems compared to other electricity sources.
SOL120 Introduction to Construction
Here you discover basic construction concepts, including site safety, construction math, types and usage of hand and power tools, construction drawings, communication, employability, and hazards and proper techniques of material handling.Â
Because installing renewable energy infrastructure requires the same types of skills as some construction workers, you need the basic knowledge of these principles to be successful in the field as a technician.
SOL125 Introduction to Electrical
This course teaches you about electrical safety, circuits, theory, codes, device boxes, conduits, raceways, fittings, conductors, and wiring as well as basic electrical drawing, testing of equipment and residential electrical services.Â
What are some advanced courses I will take for a solar energy technician diploma?
At Bryan University, some advanced courses for a solar energy technician diploma include the following:
SOL200 Solar DesignÂ
You will understand the location conditions and manufacturer restrictions ahead of installing a PV system. You also become familiar with relevant codes and requirements that impact PV design and installation, as well as performance, components, sizing, diagrams and structural requirements of PV systems.Â
SOL210 Solar InstallationÂ
Here, you will learn about site-specific safety plans and elements of layout, electrical, and equipment plans ahead of installations. You will also identify elements of racking, components, and storage installation as well as how to bring the PV system online.Â
SOL220 Solar Maintenance and Operation
This course introduces you to commonly used test equipment to analyze simple electrical circuits, performance parameters commonly monitored for PV systems. This ensures the installation is working properly.Â
SOL250 Solar Sales and EconomicsÂ
This course helps you to understand sales and economics of solar installations before installing a system, including customer information and motivations for installing solar, estimating the size of a project, analyzing client utility usage, recognizing how policies and available financial benefits affect different markets and locales, risks associated with PV systems, financing options, and possible maintenance costs over the life of a system.
SOL255 Sustainable Building Principles
Find out about sustainable building techniques, equipment, systems, utilities, and building features that improve a site’s energy operations while showing how solar and green infrastructure helps residences and businesses.
SOL299 Solar Externship
You will receive training on the duties vital within the solar field at a facility and on the job to develop fundamental skills in tasks such as solar sales, installation, maintenance and operations related to PV systems.Â
This knowledge base prepares you for the certification exam for a Photovoltaic Associate through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) following 40 weeks of study.
What help can I get when applying for employment in renewable energy?
Bryan University’s career services staff helps you with several aspects of trying to find employment following graduation. Having an externship with a photovoltaic company helps develop connections with an employer.Â
We will help you with updating resumes, job referrals, job search strategies, and interviewing skills.Â
Where can I earn a Solar Energy Technician Diploma?
Are you interested in jumpstarting a career as a solar energy technician? Contact us or call 1-855-862-9755 for more information or enroll now for our 100% online classes.