Nov 18, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

Solar Energy Technician, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny


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This advanced certificate prepares students for operating and maintenance solar energy systems.  An emphasis on power generation and renewable energy is provided.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Engineering & Manufacturing


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start this program Fall, Spring, Summer semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Industrial Technician, Diploma  (30 credits)

Program Graduation Requirements


To earn a Solar Energy Technician, Certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 16


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Approximate total cost for the program: **$3,088

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Troubleshoot and repair industrial mechanical equipment.
  • Develop and utilize predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
  • Perform facilities maintenance and upgrades.
  • Use digital electronic equipment including PLCs.
  • Maintain service records
  • Interact with members for the workforce who have various levels of knowledge and experience with electronic equipment

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Apply technical skills in mechanical and electronic equipment and repair.
  • Diagnose and repair industrial hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
  • Use digital electronic equipment in automated production systems.
  • Diagnose and repair power transmission systems in industrial equipment.
  • Wind turbine technicians will need the following attributes:
    • Ability to climb towers and work outside.
    • Ability to work in confined spaces.
    • Lift heavy equipment and tools, some in excess of 45 pounds.
    • Be unafraid of heights and confined spaces.
    • Possess a healthy respect for heights.
    • Ability to work productively in adverse conditions.
    • Ability to work while suspended in a harness for extended periods of time.
    • Be in excellent physical condition.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of test equipment used for testing, calibrating and maintaining electronic equipment.
  • Apply knowledge to problems with the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of electronic equipment.
  • Demonstrate ability to understand technical manuals and reference material to upgrade existing skills and learn new skills.
  • Communicate with managers and staff regarding the safe operation, Installation and modification of electronic systems.
  • Work well in a team environment.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • High demand for industrial electrical and mechanical technicians.
  • Great variety of types of work in many types of business and industry.
  • Wind turbine technicians with the following conditions could have limited career opportunities:
  • Heart disease or hypertension
  • Epilepsy, seizures, or blackouts
  • Dizziness or impaired balance
  • Severe allergic reaction to insect bites (anaphylactic shock)
  • Brittle or uncontrolled diabetes
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease (poor blood circulation to extremities)
  • Severe hearing loss
  • Psychiatric illness
  • Extreme Sun Sensitivity
  • Severe tendonitis or arthritis
  • Obesity
  • 2020 national median salary of $ 59,800 per year / $ 28.75 per hour (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Program Competencies


  1. Appraise problems surrounding the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of electronic systems
  2. Communicate with managers and staff regarding the safe operation, installation, and modification of electronic systems
  3. Demonstrate the ability to understand technical manuals and other literature to upgrade existing skills and learn new skills
  4. Demonstrate the basic and emerging principles and concepts that impact generation, transport, installation, operation, and maintenance of technologies and related equipment used to produce energy

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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