2022-23 Catalog (Archived Catalog)
Solar Energy Technician
Solar Energy Technician - Certificate (H80)
This program prepares students to enter the work force as solar energy installers and technicians. They will have knowledge in electrical and mechanical components and acquire troubleshooting skills on those components. Students completing this program may pursue certification in their field.
Work and Employment
Students completing this program are prepared to work as field service technicians, installers, or manufacturing technicians.
Special Considerations
Workers usually have the following skills and aptitudes: the ability to do precise and detailed work, use good eye-hand coordination, notice and compare differences in objects, have mathematical and mechanical aptitudes, are analytic, curious and creative.
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Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
- Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
- Steven McPherson, Associate Professor of Electronics/Technology, 815-835-6347
- Jeff Johnson, Instructor I - Multicraft, 815-835-6572
Total Hours Required - 18 Hours
Major Field Requirements
ELT101 - Electrical Wiring ( 3 Semester Hours)
Students will be introduced to basic electrical wiring as it applies to residential occupancies, placing special emphasis on National Electric Code requirements. Students will develop an understanding of Ohms Law and be taught to wire series and parallel circuits; install single-pole, three-way and four-way switches, duplex receptacles and service panels; and troubleshoot circuits. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekELT120 - Fund of Elec w/ Applied Math ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course provides basic electricity fundamentals, basic control strategies and electrical symbols. The class will provide the student with an understanding of basic electrical theory, schematic and wiring diagram symbols, motor theory, wiring and electrical troubleshooting. Conventional current will be used to define current flow. Applied mathematical concepts are incorporated into the course as required for successful understanding of objectives. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekELT259 - Industrial & Agric Wiring ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course is a study of industrial and agricultural electrical systems. Emphasis will be placed on installation and troubleshooting of motor and electrical distributions. Prerequisite: ELT 120 or EET 107 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekELT261 - National Electric Code ( 3 Semester Hours)
A study of National Electric Code specifications with emphasis placed on proper installation of all circuits. Prerequisite: ELT 101 or ELT 120 OR EET 107 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekENE130 - Photovoltaics ( 3 Semester Hours)
The course will cover the basic principles of photovoltaics and how to effectively incorporate PV systems into stand-alone or interconnected electrical systems. The course will cover site evaluations, operation, design and sizing, installation and advantages and disadvantages of different systems. Prerequisite: ELT 120 or EET 107 or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekIND118 - Mechanical Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)
The course will contain all information needed for a maintenance technician to successfully perform at a high level in their job. The course material will cover mechanical systems focusing on analysis of mechanical components, their relationships to each other, and failure prediction. General rigging will also be covered. Prerequisite: EET 107 (may be taken concurrently) or ELT 120 (may be taken concurrently). 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week
Suggested Program
First Semester - 9 Hours
ELT101 - Electrical Wiring ( 3 Semester Hours)
Students will be introduced to basic electrical wiring as it applies to residential occupancies, placing special emphasis on National Electric Code requirements. Students will develop an understanding of Ohms Law and be taught to wire series and parallel circuits; install single-pole, three-way and four-way switches, duplex receptacles and service panels; and troubleshoot circuits. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekELT120 - Fund of Elec w/ Applied Math ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course provides basic electricity fundamentals, basic control strategies and electrical symbols. The class will provide the student with an understanding of basic electrical theory, schematic and wiring diagram symbols, motor theory, wiring and electrical troubleshooting. Conventional current will be used to define current flow. Applied mathematical concepts are incorporated into the course as required for successful understanding of objectives. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekIND118 - Mechanical Systems ( 3 Semester Hours)
The course will contain all information needed for a maintenance technician to successfully perform at a high level in their job. The course material will cover mechanical systems focusing on analysis of mechanical components, their relationships to each other, and failure prediction. General rigging will also be covered. Prerequisite: EET 107 (may be taken concurrently) or ELT 120 (may be taken concurrently). 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week
Second Semester - 9 Hours
ELT259 - Industrial & Agric Wiring ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course is a study of industrial and agricultural electrical systems. Emphasis will be placed on installation and troubleshooting of motor and electrical distributions. Prerequisite: ELT 120 or EET 107 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekELT261 - National Electric Code ( 3 Semester Hours)
A study of National Electric Code specifications with emphasis placed on proper installation of all circuits. Prerequisite: ELT 101 or ELT 120 OR EET 107 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekENE130 - Photovoltaics ( 3 Semester Hours)
The course will cover the basic principles of photovoltaics and how to effectively incorporate PV systems into stand-alone or interconnected electrical systems. The course will cover site evaluations, operation, design and sizing, installation and advantages and disadvantages of different systems. Prerequisite: ELT 120 or EET 107 or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week