Dependence on fossil fuel energy sources is a continued threat to the long-term sustainability of our community. While most people know that wind, geothermal, and solar energy are fast growing industries in California, few have the knowledge or background in these areas to make a career in alternative energy. In fact, with a stagnant economy and high unemployment, renewable and alternative energy careers (so called “green tech” jobs) are one of the few areas of job growth in the country.
College of San Mateo is offering two new courses for the fall of 2009 that will help both students and mid-career professionals transition to this new field.
ELEC 680MB Wind-Hydro-Geothermal Systems
This course covers topics such as:
* Fundamentals of wind, hydropower, and geo-thermal energy production systems
* Study of applicable electrical principles, load analysis, system sizing and components
* Evaluation of wind, hydropower and geo-thermal energy sources on both small- and large-scale basis
* California rebate process for residential and commercial wind, hydropower and geo-thermal energy systems
* Installer certification requirements
ELEC 144 Solar Energy Fundamentals
This course covers topics such as:
* Electrical concepts, load analysis, and system sizing
* Stand-alone (off-grid) and utility intertie photovoltaic, and solar thermal systems
* Home-based California Rebate Process Information
* North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Certification available
* Design your own solar generated Renewable Energy system
Take Action:
* For more information on both classes contact Tom Diskin at (650) 574-6133 or diskin@smccd.edu
* For a complete course description go here
* To enroll in a class at CSM go here.
* Visit the College of San Mateo web site for other class offerings
This article is being reprinted with the permission from Sustainability Hub, a project of Sustainable San Mateo County, where it was published in its “Solutions” section. You can view the original article at sustainabilityhub.net/education/get-schooled-in-alternative-and-renewable-energy.
