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Renewable Energy Technician
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
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, Wisconsin 54494
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall and Spring
Start at any time or location by taking general education courses
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 2020/2021 academic calendar year.
- Tuition & Fees: $9,624.30
- Books: $1,261.45
- Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $40.00
- Total Estimated Cost: $10,925.75
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for full Financial Aid.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10480101 | Renewable Energy Overview | 2.00 | |
| 10601140 | Electricity for the Construction Trades | 2.00 | |
| 10483121 | Piping Applications | 3.00 | |
| 10601110 | HVAC Heating Fundamentals | 2.00 | |
| 10482107 | Construction Fundamentals | 2.00 | |
|
10442117 | Welding Fundamentals 1 | 1.00 |
| -or- | 10442118 | Welding Fundamentals 2 | 1.00 |
| 10601130 | Blueprint Reading for Construction Trades | 2.00 | |
| 10476170 | OSHA 30 for the Construction Trades | 2.00 | |
| (16 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10601120 | HVAC Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 2.00 | |
| 10482140 | Planning, Design, & Project Management 1 | 3.00 | |
| 10483110 | Sustainable Heating System Design & Installation | 3.00 | |
| 10483115 | Energy Load Estimation and Modeling | 3.00 | |
| 10483130 | Electrical Controls & Systems for Buildings | 3.00 | |
| 10601121 | Intro to HVAC Installation | 2.00 | |
| (16 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3.00 | |
| 10481110 | Building Science and Evaluation | 2.00 | |
|
10801198 | Speech | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3.00 |
| 10801136 | English Composition I | 3.00 | |
| 10482110 | Photovoltaic System Design & Installation 1 | 3.00 | |
| (14 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10623106 | Intro to AutoCAD | 1.00 | |
| 10482141 | Planning, Design, & Project Management 2 | 3.00 | |
|
10809198 | Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10482111 | Photovoltaic System Design & Installation 2 | 3.00 | |
| 10809166 | Intro to Ethics: Theory & Application | 3.00 | |
| 10623114 | Intro to Inventor | 1.00 | |
| (14 Credits) |
| (60 Credits) |
Instructors
BENJAMIN NUSZ, BA, MS
Ben holds a master’s degree in environmental science and policy – renewable energy from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. He has over 15 years of experience as an installer, site assessor, designer, project manager, and instructor. He is also certified by the NABCEP as a solar heating installer and by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) as a solar water heating site assessor and photovoltaic site assessor. In addition to teaching in the Renewable Energy Technician and HVAC programs at Mid-State, Ben is the solar water heating instructor for the MREA. In 2016, he was recognized as the KEEP Energy Educator of the Year. Ben is also the co-author of the book Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space Heating Systems.
“I love what I do and am excited to spend each day empowering students to better themselves and to change the world.”
Careers
- Customer Service Representative
- Engineer/Design Technician
- Installation Assistant
- Project Manager
- Renewable Energy Specialist
- Site Assessor
- Solar Applications Technician
- Technical Sales Representative
Video
Take the Next Step
"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.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
