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Renewable Energy Technician
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Why choose Renewable Energy Technician?
- Help ensure that the world can meet its energy needs into the future.
- Develop the skills and confidence to design an integrated portfolio of renewable and traditional energy producing systems.
- Interested in earning a bachelor’s degree? For transfer opportunities, visit mstc.edu/transfer.
Sunlight is the most abundant source of potential energy on the planet. If harnessed properly, it could easily exceed current and future electricity demand. As non-renewable energy sources dwindle and their impact on our planet intensifies, it is increasingly important that we create solar power. And we’ll need many more renewable energy technicians to work on these systems.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
In Person
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall or Spring
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
The only program of its kind in the Wisconsin Technical College System, Mid-State’s Renewable Energy Technician program prepares students to design an integrated portfolio of renewable and traditional energy-producing systems. Graduates develop a working knowledge of “green” building concepts and energy-efficient design principles as well as the foundation needed for an entry-level position in the HVAC fields.
In this program you’ll learn to perform site assessments and recommend appropriate renewable energy technologies, sell and market renewable energy technologies, and manage renewable energy installation projects. Mid-State’s unique facilities, a variety of brands of equipment and software for training, experienced faculty, and off-campus design opportunities make this program one-of-a-kind.
Outcomes
- Perform site assessments for solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and small wind systems.
- Conduct feasibility studies regarding installation of renewable energy systems.
- Design an integrated portfolio of renewable energy systems.
- Respond to customer inquiries.
- Manage renewable energy system installation projects.
- Sell renewable energy systems.
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
Estimated Entire Program Cost
Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.
- Tuition & Fees: $11,144.45
- Books: $1,192.07
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $175.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $12,511.52
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10480101 | Renewable Energy Overview | 2 | |
| 10601140 | Electricity for the Construction Trades | 2 | |
| 10483123 | Piping Installation | 2 | |
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3 | |
| 10601110 | HVAC Heating Fundamentals | 2 | |
| 10482107 | Construction Fundamentals | 2 | |
| 31442320 | Welding Foundations 1 | 1 | |
| -or- | 31442321 | Welding Foundations 2 | 1 |
| 10601130 | Blueprint Reading for Construction Trades | 2 | |
| 10476171 | Safety for Construction Trades | 1 | |
| Term Total | 17 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10601120 | HVAC Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 2 | |
| 10483113 | Hydronics and Heat Pumps | 3 | |
| 10623106 | Introduction to AutoCAD | 1 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| 10483115 | Energy Load Estimation and Modeling | 3 | |
| 10482103 | Electrical Components & Control Circuits | 2 | |
| 10601121 | Intro to HVAC Installation | 2 | |
| Term Total | 16 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10482140 | Planning, Design, & Project Management 1 | 3 | |
| 10801198 | Speech | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| 10482110 | Photovoltaic System Design & Installation 1 | 3 | |
| 10809195 | Economics | 3 | |
| 10482104 | Energy Storage Systems | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10482141 | Planning, Design, & Project Management 2 | 3 | |
| 10809198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 10482106 | Operations and Maintenance of PV Systems | 3 | |
| 10809166 | Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application | 3 | |
| Term Total | 12 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 60 Credits |
Instructors
Careers
- Energy Load Estimator
- Renewable Energy Technical Sales Representative
- Solar Installer
- Apprenticeship
- Customer Service Representative
- Engineer/Design Technician
- Installation Assistant
- Project Manager
- Site Assessor
- Solar Applications Technician
- Technical Sales Representative
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Sustainability Specialist
Video
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
Take the Next Step
"Mid-State’s coursework and instructors gave me all the tools I needed to secure a job designing renewable energy systems—even before graduation day. It feels great to work in such a progressive and innovative industry."
ROB PECK
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
