The Renewable Energy Technologies Program is a hands-on, technology-based program of study that will award an A.A.S. degree. The program includes the study of electricity, electronics, wind energy production, power distribution, photovoltaic systems installation, operation, and maintenance, along with general education study in humanities, science, and technical math. The core courses have a specific focus on the preparation of graduates for immediate employment in a renewable energy field as installers, troubleshooters, sales, system engineering or technical support. Students may also pursue self-employment opportunities, expand existing business services to include renewable energy installation, maintenance and repair, or pursue advanced study.
Graduates of the program will not only be desired to fill jobs locally but will be able to work anyplace in the country where renewable energy is being produced. As the trend to rely more on renewable energy production continues to grow, trained technicians will be needed to service them. These technicians will require a strong background in industrial electricity, renewable energy production and transmission as well as knowledge of electronics systems in order to safely and competently work in this environment.
Why consider the Renewable Energy Technologies degree at Clinton?
According to the American Council on Renewable Energy “Renewable energy technologies are at the center of New York’s concerted strategy to move to a clean energy economy. The state is ranked in the top 10 states for installed wind generation capacity and installed solar generation capacity…” ACORE ranks New York as 8th in the nation in installed wind capacity and 7th in installed solar capacity. Steady expansion is expected.
The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. According to O*NET, projected growth in the renewable energy field from 2008 to 2018 is expected to be faster than average. The American Solar Energy Society recently published the Green- Collar Jobs report showing that renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors generate more than 9 million jobs and $1 trillion in annual revenue in the U.S., a trend that is likely to continue.
Students will:
- Describe the role of renewable energy as an alternative energy source.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanical and electro-mechanical systems of Renewable Energy Technologies.
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair photovoltaic renewable energy systems.
- Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair wind power systems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of electrical power delivery systems.
- Demonstrate proficiency with multiple types of electrical test equipment.
- Prepare to solve mathematical problems typically encountered in the Renewable Energy industry.
Minimum Degree Requirements (60 Credits)
Mathematics (8 Credits)
Computer Science (3 Credits)
Electrical/Electronics Technology (21 Credits)
Mechanical Technology (6 Credits)
Wind Energy and Turbine Technology (7 Credits)
Free Electives (4 Credits)
Students must select one Clinton approved SUNY General Education Course.
NOTES:
- It may take a student more than two years to complete this degree, or may require summer coursework, if basic skills courses are required.
- The Renewable Energy Technologies degree program features a course schedule with set classes in the fall and spring semesters. Not all classes are offered each semester. Students who start in the spring and meet all other requirements may take five semesters to complete the program.