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Degree, Certificate or Diploma
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Program Information
The Renewable Energy Technology program of study is designed to provide the skills and knowledge required for entry-level careers in the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems, with a focus on wind turbines and solar energy systems. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
New program pending state and regional accreditation approval
Job Outlook
2,089 Jobs (2020)
+9.9% Change from 2020-2025
Data is from the Omaha Metropolitans Area, and the seven counties in Southwest Iowa that Iowa Western serves
What will you do
Students who complete this program will have the skills to pursue jobs in the green industry including wind turbine installer, solar electricity installer, solar thermal installer, and other similar fields. Depending on a student’s path, students will be prepared certification in the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (www.nabcep.org) credential programs for renewable energy jobs. A wind turbine technician, also known as a windtech, installs, inspects, maintains, operates, and repairs wind turbines. They are able to diagnose and fix any problem that could cause the turbine to shut down unexpectedly.A few of the job duties include: inspecting the exterior of the towers; climbing the towers to inspect, troubleshoot, or repair equipment; collecting turbine data for testing and analysis; performing routine maintenance; testing electrical components, systems, and mechanical and hydraulic systems; and replacing worn out or malfunctioning components.
Wages
- Average: $25.35
- Entry: $16.86
- Experienced: $41.58
First Semester
ELT 215 - Motors and Controls
IND 197 - Industrial Engineering Technology Orientation
ELT 196 - Circuit Analysis I
IND 109 - Equipment Safety and Operation
MAT 743 - Technical Math
Second Semester
ELT 250 - Programmable Logic Controllers
ELT 251 - Programmable Logic Controllers Lab
SER 160 - Electricity III
WTT 202 - Advanced Wind Energy
WTT 110 - Wind Energy Workplace Safety
WTT 143 - Mechanical Power Transmission
Third Semester
ENG 110 - Writing For The Workplace
SER 190 - Advanced Sustainable Energy
SER 120 - Introduction to Renewable Energy
SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology
ATR 133 - Fluid Power Systems
Fourth Semester
HCR 458 - Alternative Energy Sources
MGT 195 - Workplace Empowerment
SER 175 - Advanced Solar Energy: Photovoltaic
ENV 111 - Environmental Science
Total Semester Hours Required: 66.0
Additional Information
Financial Aid
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Program Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of the program students will:
Upon the successful completion of the program students will:
- Explain the operation of core systems within renewable energy systems.
- Troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical renewable energy systems.
- Maintain electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical renewable energy systems.
- Use OSHA and best practices for safety in the renewable energy industry.
- Contrast and compare methods of renewable energy production in the context of sustainability and environmental impact.
- Demonstrate appropriate workplace behavior with respect to attitude, interpersonal communication, and safety