Solar Energy Technology
Overview
Solar energy technology programs prepare people to help engineers and others who design and build solar-powered systems.Students learn how energy is stored and transferred. They also learn to inspect and maintain solar energy systems.
Solar energy technology programs include topics such as:
- Solar energy principles
- Energy storage and transfer technologies
- Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technologies
- Testing and inspecting solar energy systems
- Report writing
Schools
Several community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in solar energy technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Very few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in solar energy technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Very few universities offer graduate degrees in solar energy technology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Chemistry
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
- Electrical and Power Transmission
- Energy Management and Systems Technology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Energy Auditors
- Energy Engineers
- Environmental Engineering Technicians
- Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
- Renewable Energy Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
To work as a technician in photovoltaics research, you should study subjects such as the following:
- Circuit Analysis
- Electric Circuits
- Engineering Graphics
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Performance Criteria for Photovoltaics
- Photovoltaic Technology and Manufacturing
- Pre-Calculus
- Semiconductor Properties
- Solar Cells and Systems
To work as a technician in the installation and maintenance of solar heating, you should study subjects such as the following:
- Active Solar Heating Systems
- Backup Systems
- Circuits and Controls
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
- Construction Scheduling and Estimating
- Duct Construction and Maintenance
- Energy Economics
- Heat System Sizing
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Passive Solar Heating Systems
- Retrofit Considerations
- Technical Math
- Technical Writing
Things to Know
If your school does not have a solar energy technology program, a program in one of the engineering fields or technologies, such as electrical or chemical, is a good place to start. At some colleges you can take a course in solar power as part of such a program. If no such course is offered, you may be able to find one at another college, or as a workshop offered by an alternative-energy organization. Some of the institutes doing solar-power research offer internships that allow you to learn as you work as a research assistant.
Engineering teams are working on solar solutions at universities and at government research labs. As a technician, you can be a member of such a team.
Solar energy technology is being used in homes and commercial settings, and technicians are needed to install and maintain it.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Shoreline Community College
- Clean Energy Technology & Entrepreneurship