Renewable Energy Technology, A.A.S.

The Renewable Energy Technology Associate in Applied Science (RET A.A.S.) degree provides students with a broad and comprehensive technical education in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy. The RET A.A.S. program focuses on developing skilled technicians who are prepared to enter the job market as entry-level installers, operators, or maintenance technicians for renewable energy technologies including grid-tied solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind, heat pump, micro hydroelectric and bioenergy systems. The degree program has the flexibility to train students directly out of high school, as well as displaced workers who already possess a mechanical or electrical technical background.

The Renewable Energy Technology A.A.S. is a demanding curriculum for incoming students as there are strong math, biology, chemistry, physics, and electrical components to the program. Graduates from the RET A.A.S. are successfully employed as entry-level installers or maintenance technicians for renewable energy technologies including grid-tied solar photovoltaic, wind, heat pump/geothermal, and bioenergy systems. Graduates are currently working in several states across the country and abroad within their chosen renewable energy field.

Required tools/equipment: Laptop, Klein Tool Kit (available through the bookstore), clipboard, safety glasses, work gloves, work boots (steel/safety toe), waterproof rubber boots (recommended), rain gear (coat and pants/ bibs), and cold weather gear (insulated clothing).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Describe basic social, political and economic driving forces impacting renewable energy resources and systems regionally, nationally and abroad
• Interpret system schematics and designs to safely connect renewable energy mechanical and electrical components
• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot renewable energy systems by developing problem-solving skills through critical thinking in both hands-on and written technical environments
• Work safely and responsibly in diverse groups

SUNY General Education

SUNY General Education: All SUNY Morrisville AAS degree programs require completion of at least 20 credits of SUNY GE, a minimum of four (out of ten) knowledge and skills areas (including the four required knowledge and skills areas as indicated below), and completion of the three core competencies. The specific courses required within each knowledge and skills area/core competency for this degree program are outlined below.

Knowledge and Skills Areas:

Core Competencies:

Curriculum Requirements

A minimum of 60 credits is required for degree completion.

Recommended Technical Electives

Sample Course Sequence