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What is Solar Energy Technology?

Solar energy technology is a field of study emphasizing the mechanics, design, and installation of renewable energy systems.  The solar energy technology degree track prepares students to design, manage, and maintain a variety of renewable energy systems and green projects.

Expertise is garnered via hands-on training, classroom projects, and case studies for industries of all types.  The combination of pragmatic experience and academic heft helps solar energy techs translate concepts into reality.

A solar energy major will take courses in college to help provide a solid basis in the sustainability field.  While classes will flex by program, the end result will be to equip students with valuable skills.

Knowledge by solar energy graduates will include in-depth understanding of: fluid mechanics, energy management, electrochemistry, statistics, thermodynamics, photovoltaic devices, energy management, solid-state devices, energy efficient manufacturing, fuel science, and mathematical modeling.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$65,240

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

43.19%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

15,210

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Solar Energy Technology Degree

Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology offers a Diploma in Solar Photovoltaic Technician/Installer. The coursework of this program includes Mechanical, Electrical, Process Control and Renewable Energy. Completion of this program qualifies a student to sit for a NABCEP, a credential that is recognized by the industry. CPI proves to continuously expand their technical training programs.

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Arizona State University offers a Master of Science degree in Solar Energy Engineering & Commercialization. This program provides a broader impact on the wider application of solar energy. They educate to produce the future leaders of the field in the societal, business and regulatory aspects of solar energy. They put effort on maintaining a rigorous technical grounding.

Acceptance Rate

86.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers a minor and a graduate Certificate in Solar and Renewable Energy. These programs’ objective is to improve the overall effectiveness of the solar and renewable energy sector in Nevada as well as in Western U.S. Interdisciplinary minor program offers opportunities to develop skills and basic knowledge in this field. The graduate certificate serves as a specialized qualification for individuals who has a bachelor’s degree and aims to enter into career professions in the energy industry. 

Acceptance Rate

80.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The highly regarded Solar Photovoltaic System program at Charlotte Technical College has continued to earn high marks from students and industry professionals.  The solar program at CTC offers qualifying students access to a robust curriculum with challenging material and engaging courses in the ever-evolving world of solar energy.  With the technology advancements in this arena, students need a current set of skills and working knowledge of the technology at hand. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Solar Photovoltaic Program at Erwin Technical College gives the technical knowledge and skills that their students will need to conduct site assessment, to install, maintain and troubleshoot a solar photovoltaic system. Students will also be able to adapt to a solar photovoltaic design and read blueprints. Basic electricity concepts in DC and AC electrical circuits, electric codes and voltage will be discussed here. Students will also receive hands-on basic residential wiring training.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,818 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

South Georgia Technical College offers a degree for Alternative Energy Fundamentals technical certificate. This program is structured to train students for employment in emerging green technology fields. This includes wind power, solar power, biofuel technology and other power saving electrical technologies. Completion of this program gives a technical certificate of credit.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The Solar Systems Installation program at Ogeechee Technical College offers students a robust academic program in this exciting field of study.  Courses at OTC include electrical systems, circuit analysis, photovoltaic systems, direct current, and schematics to name a few.  Graduates of the program go on to earn advanced degrees or enter the field of solar tech.  Students considering this program may have access to a degree, diploma, or certificate. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The degrees in Energy Technology at Clovis Community College are AAS Degree, Diploma, and Certificate. The certificate program level has two categories, the Solar Power Certificate and the Wind Power Certificate. Students in these programs are trained to maintain power systems. They will also learn how to design and repair the instruments used for harnessing both wind and solar power and battery storage. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Western Technical College offers a Certificate, Technical Diploma and Associate’s Degree in Solar Installation Technician. These programs provide employer-recognized credentials that will open the door for a job or career advancement. It is a proven ladder approach to career education. They give training that will address the needs of regional utility power suppliers which offer renewable energy options. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Photovoltaic Systems Installation certficate program is offered at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. This program gives its students an opportunity for entry in the workforce area which specializes in electrical applications. Students will then have first-hand experience in installing and repairing solar panels in the electrical construction industry. Completion of this program will vary on the previous training that the student already has. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The Solar Energy Technology program at Cloud County Community College is an exceptional academic program.  It has earned high marks from industry professionals and students for its curricular design and hands-on learning opportunities.  CCCC has a number of academic programs for students to consider across a variety of industries and business sectors.  Reach out to the school to learn more about the myriad academic possibilities available. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Pennsylvania College of Technology offers a degree in Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency. The coursework of this program identifies five promising green industry sectors that have employees throughout the state and nation. This program will let you explore and gain fuller understanding about the two sectors, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Athens Technical College offers students access to a leading electrical systems construction technology degree program.  This academic pathway teaches students how to install and maintain a variety of electrical systems inside and outside a business, home, or factory.  The academic courses will vary by degree level at ATC but help students understand electrical systems, loads, codes, panels boards, and much more.  ATC offers associate degrees along with diploma programs for qualified students.   

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Solar Energy major at Sauk Valley Community College is specifically designed to help students learn the essential elements to become a solar installation tech.  The curricular design is curated to help students master the mechanical and electrical components involved with solar and photovoltaic systems.  Graduates of the SVCC solar energy program will be able to both install and maintain a variety of systems. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The myriad academic programs offered at Southern Crescent Technical College provides qualified students with the knowledge and skills to compete in a variety of industries.  From entry-level positions to mid-level positions, SCTC students have the tools to succeed in industries far and wide.  SCTC has academic programs that cover healthcare to Solar System Installation degree programs.   Learn more about the exciting degree programs at Southern Crescent today. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The applied science degree pathway at Riverland Community College help student prepare for a variety of career pathways.  The courses in the applied science major include social science and humanities to technical trades.  It is common for students to couple the applied science degree with a technical degree to prepare for a specific trade after graduation.  Gather admissions information today from Riverland Community College and learn what the school has to offer.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Savannah Technical College started to offer their popular Photovoltaic Systems class in May of 2013 via the Electrical Construction and Maintenance program.  Right now, Sustainable Technologies degree is available at Savannah Campus. Some of the topics included in this program are energy measures, efficiency and management, green building construction and historic preservation. They also started wind energy class and enrollment for Photovoltaic Systems or solar energy class will start this summer. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Lewis and Clark Community College offers classes in Alternative Energy Design and Installation since 2016. This gives hands-on experience and detailed information about the design and installation of solar energy sources to students. They will explore on photovoltaic or solar cells and see it as an alternate energy source. These classes are designed for both novice and professional.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The myriad degree and certificate programs at Hibbing Community College provide students with access and choice to an array of fields of study.  HCC offers accredited programs that span from trades to healthcare. Selecting the right degree for you takes time and effort to target the curriculum that inspires action and change.  Obtain the admissions information you need to make a quality decision today by reaching out to the Hibbing CC team today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Indian River State College offers a program for Electronics Engineering Technology. Some of the sections under this program are Solar Energy Technician, Basic Electronics Certificate and Electronic Technology Certificate. The Solar Energy Technician section requires 12 credits. The major field required courses are DC Circuits, AC Circuits, Solar Thermal Systems and Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

The academic programs at Eastern Arizona College include robust, high quality degree and certificate programs for students of all abilities.  The engineering track set up students for careers in solar energy technology and much more.  Across all sectors of the economy in virtually all company types, EAC students learn how to learn while in school and parlay that knowledge into meaningful career pathways. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

An Alternative Energy/Green System degree program is available at Lanier Technical College. This course familiarizes students to alternative energy and green technology systems. The topics included but not limited to are bio-fuels, solar power, inverters, power control electronics, wind turbines, environmental monitoring, and green technologies. This course is designed to give 3 credits.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Sustainable Renewable and Alternative Energy degree at Albany Technical College gives emphasis on Solar Photovoltaic and Small wind Technology. Graduates of this program are ready for entry level positions in the field of technical maintenance as well as in renewable energy technicians. They provide training that will develop skills in installation, maintenance and troubleshoot of PV, wind turbine and solar thermal systems. They offer theory and lab practice and this program can be taken as full-time, part-time or even as a student in high school. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers a Renewable Energy Systems Certificate Program. This program is tailored to provide the skillsets in site installation, evaluation, and servicing. Students will also become skilled in system modelling of Wind Turbine, Geo-Thermal Systems, Photovoltaic, and Solar Thermal. This program also trains students to develop communication skills that are essential when communicating with inspectors and with co-workers and customers in a professional manner.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Photovoltaic Systems Installation Certificate is a program that is offered at Gwinnett Technical College. This program is best suited for individuals who want to become professionally trained in the design and installation of PV systems. Gwinnett Technical College established this program because an increase to the demand for qualified technicians to install and maintain solar PV systems are expected to continue to increase. Completion of this program opens the path to enter the workforce as technicians specializing in electrical applications of inspection, installation, and repair of solar panels in the electrical construction industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Top Solar Energy Degrees

The degree programs and certificate programs in this niche field of study can be found at select community colleges, trade schools, and universities.  Solar energy is a rapidly growing market that promotes the utilization of the energy harvested from the sun as a means of sustainable energy.

A quick summary of the certificate programs and undergraduate degree programs are listed below.  To connect to top ranked schools in this field of study, simply connect with them below to collect more information about their array of programs in sustainable studies.

Solar Energy Technology Certificate Programs

Solar energy certificate programs can be earned online or in class at most major colleges.  Online degree programs offer students the ability to learn remotely within a flexible schedule.  Distance learning tends to work well for busy students that work during traditional school hours or choose not to commute to a particular location day over day.

Certificate programs can be designed to be general or specific in nature.  Meaning, a student can enroll in a solar energy program with the specific intent to become an installation expert while other programs may focus on the science of solar energy.

Solar Energy Technology Associate Degrees

An associate degree in solar energy technology can be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA) depending on how the school designs the program.  Associate degrees can be earned wholly or partially online which provides students the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

Online learning may also provide substantive cost savings by forgoing the costs associated with room, board, travel, parking, vehicles, insurance, gas, etc.  AA and AS programs will combine general education classes with technical classes to help provide students with a well-rounded educational experience.

Educational Requirements in Solar Energy Tech

In terms of educational requirements, solar energy degree holders must acquire science-laden knowledge. Courses offered by accredited universities will vary by degree level and type but will typically consist of foundational classes. Examples of academic foundation courses in solar energy include:

Employment in Solar Energy

Earning a solar energy degree prepares students for numerous careers. Students can focus solely in solar energy and grow a career in that vein. Examples may include a project manager, installation specialist, sales representative, or budget analysts for a sustainable energy company.

Alternatively, skills garnered in a solar energy degree program can prepare student for similar trades. Skills and knowledge in solar energy may be parlayed into similar fields. A sampling of related work can include jobs such as: roofer, electrician, plumber, glazer, ironworker, sheet metal worker, cost estimator, specialty contractor, budget manager, financial analyst, cost estimator, or construction manager.

Solar Energy Jobs & Career Growth

Given the emphasis by the federal government on reducing emissions, the solar energy sector continues to soar.  Government initiatives range from individual tax credits to far-reaching corporate incentives to help spur investment in green energy.

As a result, the solar energy job outlooks looks extremely bright.  Job growth for solar energy technicians is forecast to vault by 24% in the coming ten years.  To illustrate this impact, solar energy installers, solar energy managers, and solar sales representatives will account for over 110,000 new jobs during this timeframe.

Likewise, the logistic chain in solar energy will also see a huge lift in employment.  The upstream vendors such as manufacturers, fabricators, and materials distributors will see a large lift in production and jobs.  Industry experts anticipate solar and sustainable projects to grow even faster than the government is projecting.  Continued emphasis on green living and ecological awareness will bring new customers into the fold with regularity.

Additional Resources in Solar Energy

To learn more about the solar industry, we have assembled a list of associations and organizations representing this industry.  Their emphasis may include legislation, program initiatives, continuing education, and professional networking opportunities outside academia.

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