UHD continues to expand its professional development certificate programs in clean technology with the launch of two new online certificate programs in the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry. As solar energy is expected to generate 50% of the world’s electricity by 2050, these programs will help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in this sector.
The new Solar Energy Technician and Solar Panel Installer certificate programs provide flexible, self-paced online learning, removing barriers to entry, and making it easier for students and working professionals to transition into this growing field. In 2024, UHD launched a Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program to address the growing global need for workers skilled in servicing, diagnosing, repairing and installing wind turbines and related equipment. All three certificate programs are made available through George Brown College, a global leader in distance learning.
“Solar panels are an important component of creating a more sustainable energy portfolio, and energy experts predict increases in this field,” said Lisa Morano, Ph.D., UHD Professor of Biology and Microbiology and Director, Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability.
Vassilios Tzouanas, Ph.D., who chairs UHD’s Computer Science and Engineering Technology department and teaches a course on renewal energy systems, said, “The world runs on energy, and the future is solar energy. The transition to solar energy is not a question of if, but when — and that 'when' is accelerating every day. As technology advances and costs drop, solar will power the global transition to clean, sustainable energy.”
As both programs are delivered online and asynchronous, students can learn at their own pace based on their schedules. Additionally, once enrolled, students have lifetime access to all materials so they can refresh their learning as needed. The programs are supported seven days a week by tutorial and technical staff. Once completed, students will be equipped with the skills necessary for working confidently in the solar PV industry at all levels. One of the main features of the program is its state-of-the-art interactive solar PV simulation software.
The Solar PV programs offer two pathways for students entering the industry. The Solar Panel Installer (SI) program is ideal for those seeking an entry point into the industry. Over seven modules, students gain hands-on skills in sizing and installing solar PV systems, preparing them for jobs in solar equipment installation. For a more comprehensive education, the Solar Energy Technician (ST) program includes five additional modules, covering system design, maintenance and commissioning. ST graduates will be equipped to install and design solar PV systems, submit permits and work on both residential and commercial projects.
The proprietary 3DLab and CircuitLogix Simulation Software enables students to successfully complete laboratory projects and gain a better understanding of the electrical and electronic systems used in solar PV systems.
Key features of the Solar PV Simulation Software
- Real-Time Visualization: Users can observe solar PV system performance under varying conditions and irradiation levels.
- Interactive Operation: Users can set varying levels of irradiation, as well as plot a 12-hour solar cycle to be used to test solar PV system behavior.
- Pre-Built Lab Projects: Includes pre-built lab projects/labs presented using the CircuitLogix simulation tool to provide a rich resource for practical learning and experimentation.
- Off-grid and Grid-Tied Applications: Solar PV equipment used in grid-tied and off grid systems are examined such as Inverters, hybrid inverters, charge controllers, solar panels, automatic transfer switches.
The program offers flexible payment options with a low initial registration fee of $580, which includes the web-based curriculum, 3D Lab and CircuitLogix Simulation Software and the first module in the program. The complete program cost is $1,570 for the Solar Energy Technician program and $1,120 for the Solar Panel Installer program.