Solar Photovoltaic Installation Certificate

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE

Solar energy systems are being installed in growing numbers at private businesses and residences. This growing demand is expected to create many new jobs for Photovoltaic System Installers and Solar Thermal System Installers. The Photovoltaic Installation Certificate in Solar Energy Technologies will provide students with both the hands-on skills as well as the broader contextual knowledge necessary to gain successful employment in the burgeoning solar industry. Students who complete the Certificate of Achievement will be qualified to secure jobs in a variety of different capacities, including installation repairs, entry-level solar installer, mid-upper level solar design positions, sales, and potentially even start their own solar installation company. With additional education or experience, students could pursue employment with one of the many public institutions working on alternative energy policy.

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE - 2009 ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE: SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

The Associate in Arts degree in Photovoltaic Systems involves satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 semester units, including at least 18 units in the area of emphasis as outlined below and fulfillment of all SMC general education requirements.

Students must complete the major requirements in effect at the time enrollment begins or major requirements in effect at graduation as long as continuous enrollment is maintained. See Santa Monica College catalog for definition of continuous enrollment.

At least 50% of the major units must be completed at Santa Monica College. Each course for the major must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS CORE COURSES FOR CERTIFICATE Associate in Arts degree—60 units

Required Courses: (19 units) Photovoltaic 1, Introduction to Solar Energy Systems (3) Photovoltaic 2, Intermediate Solar Photovoltaic System Installation (3) Photovoltaic 3, Advanced Solar Photovoltaic Installation (4) IntArc 35, Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (3) or GIS/CIS/Geog 20, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3) Env/Geog 7, Introduction to Environmental Studies (3) Energy Efficiency 1 (3 units)

Recommended Courses: Business 63, Principles of Entrepreneurship (3)