Online Solar Energy (ST) Technician Training

Certificate Training Program

A more advanced study of Solar photovoltaic (PV), including regulatory requirements, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and large-scale commercial solar PV systems such as solar PV farms and microgrids.

technician in front of solar panels

About the program

The Solar Energy Technician Certificate provides a more advanced presentation of Solar photovoltaic (PV) and renewable energy field. The program combines technical and skills training in areas such as safety protocols, electrical and electronics knowledge, system components and sizing, performance analysis, maintenance and troubleshooting techniques.

The program is designed in a self directed format which allows our students to work on program material at a pace they feel comfortable with, at home or in their workplace, without the need to attend college on a full or part-time basis. The curriculum contains twelve modules of theory and lab projects. Each module contains text, animations, mini audio lectures, illustrations, review questions, pre-built lab projects and practice exams.

Highlights

3DLab Circuit Simulation

The 3DLab simulator is used in the introductory modules of the program to help students visualize basic electronic circuits and to begin to interact directly with them, just like in a real lab. The DLab software creates a multimedia environment that is very engaging particularly for students with no prior, or a minimal, electrical or electronics background. 3DLab allows students to safely perform experiments and further their understanding of simple electrical and electronics circuits that are fundamental to understanding solar energy and the engineering principles underlying the operation of solar PV systems.

CircuitLogix Simulation

CircuitLogix is a powerful, yet easy to use circuit simulation tool which includes thousands of electronic devices, as well as test equipment and troubleshooting tools. Pre-built laboratory projects as well as the ability for students build and design their own circuits, allow students to further their knowledge and understanding of electricity, electronics, and solar power generation/storage. The focus of the lab projects is to reinforce theory that is covered by enabling the students to test and interact with components and elements used in modern solar (PV) systems. Grid-Tied and Off Grid systems can be simulated allowing the student to modify system components and re-run the simulation to view the immediate impact of changes made. Students can explore devices at a discrete component level, as well as run simulations on a system level to illustrate differences in topologies such as a system employing AC or DC coupling. CircuitLogix is a powerful and versatile tool that will enhance the students learning experience providing a lab environment in which to experiment.

Solar Energy (ST) Technician

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An Off-Grid solar PV system

An Off-Grid solar PV system utilizes a charge controller to provide DC power to a Home Load and charge a 10kAH battery bank.

Program Costs

George Brown College offers you a number of easy registration options, to make it convenient and affordable for you to register in the Solar Energy Technician Certificate. You can register for the program in full, or if you prefer, you can pay module-by-module with our pay-as-you-learn option or just purchase the curriculum material on its own.  Our pay-as-you-learn option gives you the ability to begin the program after paying a portion of the cost, and as you work your way through the program you will pay for your next module as you access it.  If you are on a budget, this can be a great way to get started on or continue your education without a huge up-front investment. 

Total cost
1570

Payment Options

Full Registration

Students register and pay for the complete program at one time. Full registration includes all tuition fees and learning material fees for the program and represents the entire program cost of $1570. It also includes the laboratory simulation software program and access to all of the learning resources for the 12 modules as well as free tutorial and technical support and online testing.

Pay-As-You-Learn Registration

Initial registration is $580 (includes all learning materials, laboratory simulation software and Module 1) and registration for each of the remaining 11 modules is $90/module. Students may register for one or more modules at any time.

Purchase the Curriculum Material

Purchase the web-based curriculum material on its own, at a cost of $490, and preview it before registering into the program,

Additional Online Program Resources

The Student Resource Center includes discussion forums for access to other students taking the ST. Online exams are also accessed within the Resource Center, submitted online for marking and then posted to the student’s account in the Resource Center, giving exam results almost right away.

Questions about this program