ACC is currently developing a series of short (8 -16 hour) continuing education courses designed to expand the skills and knowledge of individuals currently working in the Renewable Energy field. Five new courses will be available in 2008, and some of the proposed topics are...

Safety for Solar PV and Thermal System Installation and Operation
Preparation for Professional-Level NABCEP Exams
Distributed Generation
Roofing Practices for Solar Energy Systems
Battery technology
Building-integrated photovoltaic products
Energy storage systems (non-battery)
Inspection of photovoltaic systems
Inverter system design and operation (grid-tied, stand-alone, multi-mode)
Licensing, permitting, inspection and interconnection of grid-tied PV systems
National Electrical Code Article 690 and other sections relevant to the installation of PV systems

As these courses are developed, the specific course information will be posted to this website. Also, if you are working in the renewable energy field and know of specific short course topics you would like ACC to offer, feel free to send those ideas to eardizon@austincc.edu

What It Takes to Be Successful

The technician installing solar equipment may encounter a variety of physical and environmental challenges. The following Educational Prerequisites and Technical Standards are provided to help students understand some of the physical requirements required to be successful in this industry.

Educational Prerequisites

There are no required educational prerequisites for the Professional Continuing Education Courses.

Technical Standards

experience in the solar electric field
or experience in electrical work
or experience in engineering
or completion of HART 1071 (introductory PV installer course)
or ability in the following: advanced math (use of formulas, use of trigonometry functions), problem solving, use of a calculator, electricity concepts, solar resource principles, solar electric system components
ability to speak, write, and read English