Solar Electric Technician Certificate and Individualized Studies AAS Concentration

Program Overview

This program prepares students for careers in the growing solar electric industry. Students will receive hands-on training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar electric systems. The program features a state-of-art technical training lab and provides individualized attention for students of all experience levels. Graduates are in high demand and can pursue careers in residential and commercial solar installation, sales, and maintenance.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Solar Electric Technician Certificate (CERT)

• Overview: This program prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing solar electric industry.
Students will receive hands-on training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar electric systems.
• Objectives: Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
• Install solar electric systems applying nationally accepted industry standards.
• Maintain solar electric systems applying nationally accepted industry standards.
• Test and adjust solar electric systems using nationally accepted industry standards.
• Safely and accurately diagnose common malfunctions for solar electric equipment.
• Perform corrective repairs for solar electric equipment.
• Description: The program features a state-of-art technical training lab and provides individualized attention for students of all experience levels.
GCC's solar faculty are experienced technicians with nationally recognized credentials.

Solar Electric Technician Individualized Studies Concentration (AAS)

• Overview: This program combines the Solar Electric Technician Certificate with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Individualized Studies.
• Objectives:
• In addition to the objectives of the CERT program, graduates will also be able to:
• Apply effective oral communication skills in various contexts.
• Write effectively in various contexts.
• Solve college-level mathematical problems.
• Demonstrate competency in the use of various computer applications.
• Apply the scientific method to a problem related to a social science discipline.
• Apply the scientific method to a problem related to a natural science discipline.
• Describe the importance of particular historical events in an American, international, or global context.
• Description: This program allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Students can choose electives from a variety of disciplines, such as business, computer science, or mathematics.

Outline:

Solar Electric Technician Certificate (CERT)

• Program Content: Students will learn the following topics:
• Introduction to Solar Electric Systems
• Design and Installation of Solar Electric Systems
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Solar Electric Systems
• Safety for Solar Electric Technicians
• National Electrical Code (NEC) for Solar Electric Systems
• Program Structure: The program consists of four courses:
• Introduction to Solar Electric Systems (3 credits)
• Design and Installation of Solar Electric Systems (3 credits)
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Solar Electric Systems (3 credits)
• Safety for Solar Electric Technicians (3 credits)
• Course Schedule: The program is offered in a variety of formats, including day, evening, and online.
• Individual Modules: Each course is divided into individual modules that cover specific topics.
Students will complete hands-on activities and projects in each module.

Solar Electric Technician Individualized Studies Concentration (AAS)

• Program Content:
• Students will complete the coursework for the Solar Electric Technician Certificate.
• Students will also complete 15 credits of general education courses in various disciplines.
• Students will choose 15 credits of electives from a variety of disciplines.
• Program Structure: The program consists of 60 credits total.
• 30 credits for the Solar Electric Technician Certificate
• 15 credits for general education courses
• 15 credits for electives
• Course Schedule: The program is offered in a variety of formats, including day, evening, and online.
• Individual Modules: The general education and elective courses are divided into individual modules that cover specific topics.
Students will complete assignments and projects in each module.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• exams
• quizzes
• assignments
• projects
• presentations
• Assessment Criteria: All assessments will be graded based on the following criteria:
• accuracy
• completeness
• clarity
• organization
• originality

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• lectures
• discussions
• hands-on activities
• projects
• guest speakers
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced solar technicians with nationally recognized credentials.
• Unique Approaches: The program utilizes a state-of-art technical training lab that provides students with hands-on experience with solar electric systems.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of industries, including:
• residential solar installation
• commercial solar installation
• solar sales
• solar electric maintenance and troubleshooting
• Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program are in high demand, and there are many job opportunities available.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 50% increase in demand for photovoltaic energy workers over the next ten years.
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in the solar electric industry.