If you have seen large windmills on farms, then you’ve seen alternative energy in action. Alternative energy generally refers to renewable energy sources other than fossil fuels, such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and bioenergy. While fossil fuel energy has seen a resurgence with fracking and other technological improvements, renewable energy is a quickly growing field due to its low emissions and the fact that it cannot be depleted.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Energy engineers create and design new forms of alternative energy machinery to better capture and deliver energy to consume. Installers and technicians install and maintain solar panels, wind turbines, and other types of products to capture and transfer energy.
IS THIS FOR ME?
- Math and science
- Manual labor
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Work outdoors
WHAT JOBS CAN AN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PATHWAY LEAD TO?
- Bioenergy
- Energy engineer
- Field service technician
- Green building designer
- Solar manufacturing technician
- Solar panel installer
- Wind turbine technician
COURSES
Introduction to Traditional and Renewable Energy
This course is designed to introduce students to various forms of energy stemming from both renewable and non-renewable sources. Students will study many sources of energy including solar thermal power, solar photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydroelectricity, tidal power, wind energy, wave energy, geothermal energy and fossil fuels. This course is an entry-level course for various energy certification and diploma-level careers.
