Associate of Applied Science in Sustainable Energy Systems

As energy costs continue to rise, one of the fastest growing industries involves the development of sustainable energy.  The future of energy in the United States, and the rest of the world is in clean, renewable, cost-effective energy sources, and a new program at Rock Valley College is designed to prepare you to start a career in sustainable energy.

Successful graduates will have the necessary skills to become a certified Alternative Energy Hybrid System Integrator.  

Students will study:

• DC and AC circuit analysis
• Operation of electronic devices
• Operation of electric motors and generators
• Operation of alternative energy sources including: 
• • Wind turbines
  • Photovoltaic's
  • Active and passive solar applications including solar lighting
  • Geothermal
  • Microhydro
  • Fuel cell

• Applied math and physics
• Basic chemistry
  

As an Alternative Energy Hybrid System Integrator you will be trained to perform a site feasibility analysis that includes geography and local codes to determine the best application of alternative energy sources to a residence or small business.  You will also learn how to integrate the alternative energy system with the overall home management system and system consoles.

Certification of graduates is through the Electronics Technician Association (ETA), International.  At the completion of your first year of the program, you will take the level one certification exam.  Successful completion will award you a Alternative Energy Hybrid System Integrator certificate.

Upon completion of the second year of the program, you will take your level two certification exam and also receive an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Careers in this field

As an Alternative Energy Hybrid System Integrator you could expect to work:

• For the construction supervisor of a housing developer
• As a designer of integration packages
• As a consultant to municipal governments
• As a consultant to energy production companies
• For companies that produce residential or business alternative energy products

For more information on this program call (815) 921-3101 or e-mail r.gocken@rockvalleycollege.edu

Sample 2-Year Plan of Study

The Electronics Technician Association, International (ETA^® International) has advocated the RVC Sustainable Energy Systems degree as a national model that will be tied closely with the organization’s new Hybrid Alternative Energy System Integrator certification.

Check out this helpful Guide to Career Education which focuses on providing students and professionals interested in green careers with the best green career resources on the internet.

Sustainable Energy Systems Certificates

Sustainable Energy Systems Certificate SES/8601    (47 credits)

(ICCB Approval Pending)
EET 105 Introduction to Sustainable Energy (3)
EET 107 Introduction to Codes and Standards (3)
EET 135 Digital Electronics (4)
EET 141 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics I (4)
EET 142 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics II (4)
EET 168 Electronic Engineering Technology Internship (2)
EET 190 Sustainable Electrical Energy Generation (3)
EET 240 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics III (4)
EET 251 Microcontrollers & Interfacing (4)
EET 282 Capstone Project (3)
EET 298 EET Seminar (3)
EET Elective (3)
MET 100 Intro CAD & Blueprint Reading (3)
MET 162 Applied Physics (4)

Gainful Employment Program Requirements

Basic Sustainable Energy Systems Certificate SES/8614    (25 credits)

(ICCB Approval Pending)
EET 105 Introduction to Sustainable Energy (3)
EET 135 Digital Electronics (4)
EET 141 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics I (4)
EET 142 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics II (4)
EET 190 Sustainable Electrical Energy Generation (3)
MET 100 Intro CAD & Blueprint Reading (3)
MET 162 Applied Physics (4)