Energy Systems Technology & Education Center (ESTEC) | College of Technology

Energy Systems Renewable Energy Technology

What will I learn?

This program is designed to teach the knowledge and skills required to qualify for entry level positions in renewable energy industry. Students will learn to work safely, comply with health and environmental regulations, understand the operational principals of a wide variety of renewable energy resources, and confidently apply knowledge and skills to install, operate and maintain the systems required to meet the new skill demands of Idaho's emerging and expanding renewable energy industries.

When will classes start?

This technical certificate program is designed for completion in approximately 9 months. Classes will start January 12, 2012 and will be taught in 8 week blocks through December 2011. Theory classes will be taught online so you can access the course information at your convenience. Lab courses will be taught at ISU in Pocatello. The lab will be available to students Tuesday through Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (all day Friday and Saturday during the summer session).

During this certificate program, lab modules are self-paced. Students will be required to complete specific lab tasks and demonstrate defined objectives and competencies before moving on to the next 8-week session. Most students will require 400 hours of lab time to complete these tasks over the entire certificate program. Some students may progress more quickly because of previous background. For example, an electrician may have previous knowledge on wiring motor controls and would complete those tasks faster than someone without this previous background.

Expect to spend about 18 hours per week in lab courses and another 12 to 14 hours a week with your theory courses. This program will move quickly and students must be willing to put in the necessary time to succeed.

What classes will I take?

Nine or ten credits offered in the Renewable Energy program will transfer into an Energy Systems Associated of Applied Science degree program.

Electrical Circuits I and its associated lab will transfer into Instrumentation and Controls Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology or Nuclear Operations Technology.

Wind Energy Fundamentals, its lab, Electrical and Motor Controls, its Lab, Fluid and Pneumatic Power and its lab will transfer into Wind Engineering Technology.

Electrical and Motor Controls, its lab, Fluid and Pneumatic Power, its lab, and Metals and Metallurgy will transfer into Mechanical Engineering Technology.

This program is designed to provide re-skilling of currently un- or under-employed people who want to enter the renewable energy field.

How much will this program cost?

This program will cost between $5,500 and $5,750 in tuition. The reason for the cost uncertainty is that ISU does not know how much tuition may increase for fall of 2011. There will also be lab fees of $10/lab credit and books and tools to purchase for the program.

Are there scholarships available?

There will be eight $4,800 scholarships available for students enrolling in the Renewable Energy program for Spring 2011. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to receive continued funding for the next 8-week session.