Colleges That Offer Solar Energy Technology

Solar energy is a growing technology that has the potential to save money and help the environment. As interest in solar power rises, more colleges are starting to offer courses and degrees related to this field. In this article we’ll go over some schools that have great programs in solar technology so you can start making plans for your future!

Each year, more colleges and universities offer specialized degree programs in solar energy technology. You will find degrees at several levels with the majority of them being at the bachelor’s level.

You’ll find specialized degrees at several levels in solar energy technology. The majority of them are bachelor’s degrees, but there are also master’s degrees and doctoral programs available as well. Certificate programs and certificates of achievement are also available for those who want to work in the field without requiring a full degree program. The same is true for associate degrees, diploma programs, and other options that can help you get started on your career path toward becoming a solar technician or engineer.

In addition to traditional college degree programs that focus on solar energy technology, some schools offer certificate programs or classes that can be taken either part-time or full-time while still allowing you to pursue your undergraduate studies at another institution with different requirements than those required by most two year colleges offering associate level courses (i.e., community colleges).

Solano Community College

Solano Community College, a campus of the Solano Community College District, offers a Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology. This program is offered in partnership with the Solano County Office of Education, and it’s designed for students who want to learn about renewable energy sources like solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines. Students will gain hands-on experience by installing PV systems on homes and businesses throughout Solano County.

The classes that make up this certificate include:

Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics (2 units)
Sustainable Home Building Practices (1 unit)
Wind Turbine Technology (1 unit)

University of California – Los Angeles

Renewable Energy Program
Sustainable Energy Management Program
Wind and Solar Technology Program
Sustainability Management Program
Solar System Design and Technology Program
Solar Energy Technology Program

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a bachelor’s degree in renewable energy technology and a master’s degree in the same field. There is also a certificate program for solar energy technology, as well as a separate certificate program for renewable energy. It is one of only two universities that offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees related to solar power (the other being Georgia Tech).

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a bachelor’s degree in solar energy technology. It is a two-year college located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their programs are designed to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The school is a public institution that serves more than 20,000 students each year.

University of Massachusetts – Lowell

Lowell, MA

Bachelor of Science in Solar Energy Engineering

Master of Science in Solar Energy Engineering

PhD in Solar Energy Engineering with a focus on Photovoltaics

Daytona State College

Daytona State College offers a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in renewable energy systems. This is a full-time program, and it is accredited by ABET. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and has the following prerequisites:

Precalculus (MAT 1033)
Calculus I (MAT 1034)
Physics I (PHY 2053/2054)

National University (San Diego)

Nationally recognized for its solar energy technology degree program, National University offers both a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Technology and a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Technology. The two-year associate’s degree program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as they relate to all aspects of solar energy technology. Students can choose between two concentrations: photovoltaic system design and installation or wind power engineering.

Students will learn about renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biofuel and geothermal. Classes include Introduction to Solar Systems; Photovoltaic System Design and Installation; Microinverters; Wind Power Engineering; Control Systems Fundamentals for Renewable Energy Technologies; Electrical Safety for the Solar Installer; Renewable Energy Sources: Water Resources Engineering Methods Used in Hydropower Applications

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers a bachelor’s degree in solar engineering, which can be completed in four years. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the solar energy industry.

The total cost of attendance for this program is $97,000.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have either:

A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on their transcript; or

A score of 21 or higher on the ACT; or

A combined SAT score of 1040 or higher (math + critical reading).

There are many colleges that offer programs in solar energy technology.

Here is a list of colleges and universities that offer programs in solar energy technology. Most schools offer their programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree level, but some may be available as an undergraduate minor or certificate program. If you would like to learn more about these programs, please contact the school directly for more information.

The following schools offer online programs in solar energy technology:

Colorado School of Mines – Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS)
New Mexico State University – Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS)

The following schools offer online degrees:

Appalachian State University – Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology with Concentration in Solar Energy Engineering Technology

The following schools offer online certificates:

There are many colleges that offer programs in solar energy technology. With the recent surge in popularity, there has been an increase in the number of institutions offering these degrees. This has led to more students being able to pursue this field and receive a higher education.

Colleges That Offer Solar Energy Technology