COVID Information and Resources - Updated 1.19.2021
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: 61
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.
Curriculum data is currently under maintenance and may be temporarily unavailable.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10480101 | Renewable Energy Overview | 2.00 | |
| 10601140 | Electricity for the Construction Trades | 2.00 | |
| 10483121 | Piping Applications | 3.00 | |
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 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 | |
| 10476171 | Safety for Construction Trades | 1.00 | |
| (18 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10601120 | HVAC Air Conditioning Fundamentals | 2.00 | |
| 10483110 | Sustainable Heating System Design & Installation | 3.00 | |
| 10623106 | Intro to AutoCAD | 1.00 | |
| 10801136 | English Composition I | 3.00 | |
| 10483115 | Energy Load Estimation and Modeling | 3.00 | |
| 10482103 | Electrical Components & Control Circuits | 2.00 | |
| 10601121 | Intro to HVAC Installation | 2.00 | |
| (16 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10482140 | Planning, Design, & Project Management 1 | 3.00 | |
|
10801198 | Speech | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3.00 |
| 10482110 | Photovoltaic System Design & Installation 1 | 3.00 | |
| 10809195 | Economics | 3.00 | |
| 10482104 | Energy Storage Systems | 3.00 | |
| (15 Credits) |
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10482141 | Planning, Design, & Project Management 2 | 3.00 | |
|
10809198 | Intro to Psychology | 3.00 |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3.00 |
| 10482106 | Operations and Maintenance of PV Systems | 3.00 | |
| 10809166 | Intro to Ethics: Theory & Application | 3.00 | |
| (12 Credits) |
| (61 Credits) |
Instructors
CRAIG BUTTKE, BA
Craig earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is a licensed Master Electrician and Commercial Electrical Inspector in the state of Wisconsin and nationally certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as a PV Installation Professional and PV System Inspector. Craig has taught at Mid-State and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association since 2009, drawing on 17+ years of experience in the construction trades. He also began the solar photovoltaic department at Northwind Solar and was its chief operating officer for 12 years.
“Teaching in renewable energy and the construction trades allows me to bring curiosity, growth, and professionalism to the work of building sustainable infrastructures for the future.”
Careers
- Energy Load Estimator
- Renewable Energy Technical Sales Representative
- Solar Installer
- Customer Service Representative
- Engineer/Design Technician
- Installation Assistant
- Project Manager
- Site Assessor
- Solar Applications Technician
- Technical Sales Representative
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Sustainability Specialist
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
