Solar Thermal Technology
- Certificate
- Department of Applied Technologies
Shine over your peers with the right training for a solar energy career
Half a day’s sunlight in the U.S. provides enough energy to run our country for one year. That’s why solar energy technology is so important
In Monroe Community College’s solar thermal technology certificate program, you’ll develop practical, cutting-edge skills that will impress employers in the fast-growing solar energy industry. Your job title could be:
- Solar photovoltaic installer
- HVAC technician
- Solar thermal installer and technician
- Solar energy installation manager
- Solar sales representative and assessor
- Heating and air conditioning mechanic and installer
At MCC, you’ll get a learning opportunity you can’t get anywhere else: hands-on experience in our Solar Thermal Auxiliary Resource (STAR) Lab. Built by students for students, this 40-foot-high outdoor lab simulates an actual rooftop panel installation.
You can get solar thermal training at MCC as a stand-alone certificate or as part of our heating, ventilating & air conditioning (HVAC) associate degree program. Either way, you’ll create big opportunities for yourself in the job market.
Become a Solar Energy HVAC Specialist with this Solar Technology Certificate
We designed the solar thermal certificate program for students who seek to enter the solar-energy industry as installers and service technicians, and for people already working in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning who want to improve their job skills.
You’ll get the hands-on training necessary to install and work with solar thermal systems, along with classroom instruction that covers the fundamentals, such as:
- Solar heat collection and transfer
- Building codes
- Principles of solar thermal systems
After earning the certificate, you’ll be prepared to pass the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Thermal Entry Level Certification Exam. Then you’ll be even more marketable to employers like these:
- EMCOR Services Betlem
- Isaac Commercial & Industrial Services
- NOCO Energy Corp
- Daikin McQuay International
- American Climate Tech
- Tradesman International
- Lennox International
To find out more about the solar thermal technology certificate and all the HVAC programs from Monroe Community College, contact the admissions office at admissions@propertyhunter-realty.com or (585) 292-2200.
SOLAR THERMAL TECHNOLOGY
Certificate Program
Department:Applied Technologies
School(s): Applied Sciences & Technologies
MCC Program Code: ST02
Description
The Solar Thermal Certificate is designed for the student who is seeking an entry level position as a Solar Thermal Installer and Service Technician, and those currently employed in the field of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning or related areas. The program provides the student with essential information and training to install and work with solar thermal systems. The coursework includes fundamentals of collecting and transferring solar heat, the National Electric, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Building Code, and teaches the principles of a solar thermal system. This entry level certificate will prepare students to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Thermal Entry Level Certification Exam. Students interested in this program may also be interested in the Air Conditioning Technology: Heating and Ventilation program and the Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning program.
Program Learning Outcomes
1) Install solar thermal heating systems to NABCEP standards.
2) Maintain solar thermal heating systems to NABCEP standards.
3) Perform testing and adjustment of solar thermal systems to NABCEP standards.
4) Diagnose common malfunctions for solar thermal equipment to NABCEP standards.
5) Perform corrective repairs for solar thermal equipment to NABCEP standards.
6) Perform testing and adjustment of HVAC/R equipment for proper operation to manufacturer OEM standards.
7) Perform service and maintenance on HVAC/R equipment to manufacturer OEM standards.
8) Diagnose common malfunctions for HVAC/R equipment to manufacturer OEM standards.
9) Perform corrective repairs for HVAC/R equipment to manufacturer OEM standards.
10) Design and size HVAC/R systems to Manual J standards.
11) Design and size solar thermal heating systems to NABCEP standards.
12) Select HVAC/R and solar thermal heating systems for appropriate applications.
13) Outline strategies to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption of HVAC/R equipment.
14) Design and size solar thermal heating systems to NABCEP standards.
15) Install new HVAC/R equipment to manufacturer OEM standards.
16) Interpret electrical control wiring diagrams for HVAC/R control systems.
Employment Potential
For related jobs: Career Coach
Occupational Resource: http://www.onetonline.org
Requirements for Program Entrance
High School graduate or high school equivalency diploma. Elementary Algebra with Geometry (or MTH 098 at MCC).
|
Distribution Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| FIRST SEMESTER: 19 Credit Hours |  |
| HVA 101 Basic Refrigeration Theory | 3 |
| HVA 103 Heating Systems | 3 |
| HVA 105 Electric and Motor Controls | 3 |
| HVA 202 Boiler Systems | 3 |
| MTH 135 Introduction to Technical Mathematics | 4 |
| STT 101 Introduction to Solar Thermal Technology | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
| SECOND SEMESTER: 16 Credit Hours | |
| HVA 102 Air Conditioning Theory | 3 |
| HVA 104 Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps | 3 |
| PHY 100 Preparatory Physics | 4 |
| STT 102 Solar Thermal Installation Practices | 3 |
| STT 201 Troubleshooting and Preventative Maintenance for Solar Thermal Systems | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 35 |