1. Do you offer
on-line courses in renewable energy?
A: No. Learning about renewable-energy is best
done in a traditional classroom & hands-on setting. This is especially
true when it comes to learning how to physically build working circuits
and photovoltaic systems, which is done in two of our courses: PV
Installation and the NEC I
& II. Back>
2. Do you offer any short courses in renewable energy?
A: At present, we offer only semester long courses
that are part of our One-year Certificate and two-year Associate
of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs. This allows you to learn
in more depth than would be possible in a short course format and
allows you to be more successful in the industry. Back>
3. How does the one-year certificate program differ from the
two-year associate of applied science degree?
A: Both share the same core courses and renewable
energy content. The One-year Certificate is intended for students
that already have a degree or currently work in a related industry.
The AAS degree has general education courses added to the core content
of the One-year Certificate. Both are equally valued by industry. Back>
4. Do you offer courses in wind, micro-hydro, solar thermal,
or passive solar?
A: We focus on photovoltaic system design and
installation. Once you understand photovoltaic systems it isn't difficult
to incorporate wind or micro-hydro. Our Renewable Energy Applications
course covers passive solar building design, active solar heating,
and briefly introduces wind, micro-hydro, and fuel cell technology. Back>
5. Do you need to have any prior hands-on experience, such as
in the building trades or electrical experience?
A: Prior knowledge or experience in electricity,
wiring, or construction isn't required. We teach those skills as
part of the PV Installation and the NEC I & II courses. Back>
6. Do you have a job placement service for graduates?
A: Although the college doesn't have a formal
placement service we do assist graduates and alumni of the program
in obtaining work. Since our program is highly valued in the industry
we are contacted by employers looking for graduates. We pass these
job prospects on to both past and present students. A few employers
visit the campus each year. Back>
7. What kind of work can I expect to do after completing your
program?
A: We prepare you for working successfully in
the renewable energy industry. Most graduates go to work as photovoltaic
installers, system designers, or in technical sales and support roles.
Some have started their own businesses, or have partnered into existing
businesses. Back>
8. What does it cost to attend your program? Are there any additional
fees?
A: We have one of the lowest tuition costs of
any community college in the country. The tuition is $480 per semester
for out-of-state students and $360 per semester for in-state students.
There are no fees for the program beyond the tuition other than the
cost of books that you need to buy for the courses. Back>
9. When can I start?
A: If you are attending the One-Year Certificate
you can start only in the Summer semester (end of May). If you transfer
in the Summer courses of Applied Basic Electronics - DC and Introduction
to Physics, then you can start in the Fall semester (middle of August).
If you are pursuing the AAS (two-year) degree, you can start at the
beginning of any semester, but preferably in the Fall semester. Back>
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