Construction Technology: Alternative Energy Systems

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Diploma: Construction Technology Diploma, Alternative Energy Systems Track

Length: Five semesters

Purpose: Consumer and commercial demand for green energy systems (driven by tax credits and other energy incentives) continues to grow, as will the need for tradesman and contractors versed in green technology applications, including solar, wind, geothermal, and energy conservation (weatherization). The Alternative Energy Diploma track (with an integrated Solar Installer Career Studies Certificate) provides green energy training for contractors and tradesman and a pathway that can lead to a number of Construction and Energy related credentials including the Alternative Energy Systems (AES) Contractor Licensure endorsement, North American Board of Certified Energy Providers (NABCEP) Entry Level Solar PV training, and the OSHA 10-30 Construction Industry Safety Training.

Occupational Objectives:
Contractor Endorsement (Alternative Energy Systems)
Entry Level Solar PV/Solar Thermal Installer

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Construction Technology Diploma, Alternative Energy Systems Program requires competency in English and Math – MDE 10 as demonstrated through direct enrollment and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required EDE and/or MDE units or the equivalent.

The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.

First Semester

BLD 110 Introduction to Construction 3 credits
ELE 115 Basic Electricity 3 credits *
ENE 100 Conventional and Alternate Energy Applications 4 credits *
SDV 100 College Success Skills 1 credits ¹
BLD 215 OSHA 30 Construction Safety 2 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 13

Second Semester

BLD 105 Shop Practices and Procedures 2 credits
ENE 105 Solar Thermal Active and Passive Technology 4 credits *
BLD 111 Blueprint Reading and the Building Code 3 credits
ENG 100 Basic Occupational Communication 3 credits
BLD 200 Sustainable Construction 2 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 14

Summer Semester

BLD 190 Coordinated Internship 3 credits *
or
BLD 198 Seminar and Project 3 credits *

Suggested Credits for Semester: 3

Third Semester

BLD 101 Construction Management I 3 credits
Elective Core Elective 3 credits**
ENE 99 Supervised Study in Alternative Energy 2 credits *
ENE 120 Solar Power-Photovoltaic and Thermal Technology 4 credits *
MTH 111 Basic Technical Math 3 credits ²

Suggested Credits for Semester: 15

Fourth Semester

ENE 110 Solar Power Installations 4 credits *
BLD 290 Coordinated Internship 3 credits *
or
BLD 298 Seminar and Project 3 credits *
ENE 199 Supervised Study in Alternative Energy 4 credits
MTH 130 Fundamentals of Reasoning 3 credits ²

Suggested Credits for Semester: 14

Total Minimum Credits Required for this Curriculum: 59

^*Integrated 24 credit Solar Installer Career Studies Certificate

**Core Electives Include BLD 140 , BLD 141 , BLD 142 , ELE 110 , ELE 127 , AIR 121 , AIR 122

¹SDV Electives: SDV 101 SDV 104 SDV 108 SDV 110

²MTH Electives: MTH 154 , MTH 155 , MTH 157 , MTH 161 , MTH 162 , MTH 167 , MTH 245 , MTH 246 , MTH 261 , MTH 262 , MTH 263 , MTH 264 , MTH 265 , MTH 266 , MTH 267

NOTE: Students may only earn ONE Construction Technology Diploma. Completion of additional coursework in multiple Construction Technology tracks MAY lead to the awarding of Career Studies Certificates in the other tracks if appropriate. Consult with your faculty advisor if you wish to earn multiple awards.