A.A.S.
Clean Energy & Power Systems Technology
A 63-credit associate degree for energy technicians. It combines the Solar PV & Battery Storage, EV Powertrain & Battery Service, and HVAC certificates with new courses in energy systems, circuits, power electronics, battery chemistry, grid interconnection, building energy efficiency, and a clean energy capstone.
Outcomes
What you will be able to do
- 01Explain power electronics in inverters and chargers
- 02Service battery storage systems safely
- 03Plan grid-connected solar and storage systems
- 04Improve building energy efficiency
Careers
Where graduates work
- Renewable energy technician
- Energy storage technician
- EV charging and power systems technician
Curriculum
Term 1
Introduction to Energy and Power Systems
This course provides a foundational understanding of energy sources, power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. It covers essential concepts, units of measurement, grid infrastructure, and crucial safety practices for aspiring technicians in the energy sector.
DC and AC Circuits for Energy Technicians
This course provides essential knowledge of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits, fundamental for energy technicians. It covers circuit analysis, three-phase power systems, power factor correction, and common metering techniques.
High-Voltage Safety and EV Architecture
This foundational course introduces students to the critical safety protocols required when working with high-voltage systems in electric vehicles and provides a comprehensive overview of modern EV powertrain architecture. It equips future technicians with essential knowledge to safely diagnose, service, and repair these advanced systems.
HVAC Fundamentals: Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer & Psychrometrics
Heat, pressure, and air properties: the physical laws every HVAC service call depends on.
Refrigeration Cycle & System Components
Compressors, condensers, metering devices, and evaporators — how the vapor-compression cycle is built and serviced.
Solar PV Fundamentals and Safety
This foundational course introduces the core principles of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems, their components, and fundamental operational concepts. Emphasis is placed on safety protocols essential for working with PV systems throughout their lifecycle.
Term 2
Power Electronics
This course provides a rigorous, technician-level exploration of power electronics, focusing on the fundamental principles, design, and practical applications of rectifiers, DC-DC converters, and inverters. Students will gain proficiency in analyzing and working with critical semiconductor devices such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) and Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) in power conversion systems.
Battery Packs and Battery Management
This course provides comprehensive knowledge of electric vehicle battery pack architectures, cell chemistries, and the critical role of battery management systems. Students will gain practical skills in inspection, diagnosis, service, and safety protocols for high-voltage battery systems.
Traction Inverters and Motors
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of electric vehicle traction inverters and motors, covering their principles, operation, diagnostic procedures, and safe service practices. Students will develop essential skills for maintaining and troubleshooting these critical powertrain components.
HVAC Electrical Systems, Motors & Controls
Line and low-voltage circuits, motors, contactors, capacitors, thermostats, and control sequences.
Refrigerant Handling, Recovery & EPA 608 Practices
Refrigerant types, recovery and evacuation, leak detection, and the regulatory practices technicians must follow.
Inverters and Grid Interconnection
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of inverter technologies, their selection, installation, and commissioning for grid-tied and hybrid photovoltaic systems. Students will master safety protocols, electrical codes, and grid interconnection processes essential for professional practice.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
This course provides comprehensive training on the principles, components, design, installation, and maintenance of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Students will gain the practical skills necessary for safe and effective deployment of various storage technologies in photovoltaic applications.
Term 3
Battery Chemistry and Energy Storage
This course provides a foundational understanding of battery chemistry, operation, and application in energy storage systems. It equips technicians with the knowledge to work safely and effectively with modern battery technologies, focusing on their practical implementation and maintenance.
Charging Systems and Diagnostics
This course provides comprehensive training on the principles, operation, and diagnostic procedures for electric vehicle charging systems. Students will gain practical skills in identifying, testing, and troubleshooting common charging system faults.
Heating Systems: Furnaces, Heat Pumps & Boilers
Gas and electric furnaces, heat pump reversing systems and defrost, hydronic boilers, and combustion safety.
System Diagnostics, Airflow Balancing & Field Service
Systematic fault isolation, airflow and duct measurement, performance verification, preventive maintenance, and customer documentation.
Commissioning, Monitoring and Maintenance
This course covers the essential skills for commissioning, monitoring, and maintaining solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems. Students will learn industry best practices for ensuring system performance, reliability, and longevity.
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