Renewable Energy Technician

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Architecture and Construction Cluster Icon

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

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.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2023/24 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $10,922.70
  • Books: $1,453.80
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $175.00
  • Total Estimated Cost: $12,551.50

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.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10480101 Renewable Energy Overview 2
  10601140 Electricity for the Construction Trades 2
  10483121 Piping Applications 3
  10804107 College Mathematics  3
  10601110 HVAC Heating Fundamentals 2
  10482107 Construction Fundamentals 2
  10442117 Welding Fundamentals 1 1
-or- 10442118 Welding Fundamentals 2 1
  10601130 Blueprint Reading for Construction Trades 2
  10476171 Safety for Construction Trades  1
  Term Total   18 Credits
       
Term: 2
  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
       
Term: 3
  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
       
Term: 4
  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   61 Credits

Instructors

GREG ENGEN, AS

Greg earned his associate of science in building and energy management from Western Technical College (WTC) in La Crosse. He is a credentialed Photovoltaic (PV) Associate by the NABCEP and holds a PV Design and Installation Certificate from WTC. Now in his second year of teaching, Greg brings many years of field experience to the classroom, including ten years in construction and five years in the solar industry. He is passionate about safety, quality construction, and energy efficiency and continues to work and educate himself in carpentry and solar in his off time. 

“My work and education in construction has allowed me to bring real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom. This field is always changing, and I aim to stay on top of current practices and technology to prepare students as they build a career in whatever industry they choose.”

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.

"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.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Renewable Energy Technician Pathway