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Program Overview
Madison College offers a Renewable Energy Certificate program for students interested in the design, engineering, economic analysis, installation, maintenance and repair of various types of renewable energy systems.
The Renewable Energy certificate program is designed to integrate interdisciplinary technical courses taught by faculty who hold appointments and certifications in a variety of instructional areas, including electrical and mechanical technology, engineering, agriculture, and basic and applied sciences.
As a renewable energy student at Madison College, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and learn in classrooms, laboratories and field locations. In the field, you’ll examine renewable energy technologies applied to real world situations.
Some renewable energy courses transfer to UW-Madison, UW-Platteville, Edgewood University and other four-year colleges and universities, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills further.
As a student in Renewable Energy, you will:
- Gain the necessary knowledge and skills to launch a career in renewable energy.
- Experience hands-on training with renewable energy tools and equipment.
Renewable Energy Certificate Benefits
- Add a Renewable Energy Certificate to academic studies in another field to enhance your Technical Diploma, Associate Degree or Transfer Program at Madison College.
- Use Renewable Energy coursework in combination with industry training, job experience or professional exams to earn national renewable energy certifications.
- As a current trade worker or technical professional, enhance your career and increase your value to employers with the Renewable Energy Certificate.
- Enroll in flexible classes through online and hybrid course options, short-course formats and alternative schedules, including evenings, weekends, winter break and/or summer sessions.
Program Details
Students in the Renewable Energy certificate can attend full-time or part-time.
Renewable Energy certificate classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison – Commercial Avenue
- Madison - Truax
Some of the courses for this program may be available online and in hybrid format.
YOUR ADVANTAGES AT MADISON COLLEGE
• Madison College is recognized as a leader in renewable energy and has received multiple grant awards, including over $4 million in support from the National Science Foundation over the past decade.
• Madison College instructors are part of a network of experts in the field, having worked with the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Labor, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Solar Instructor Training Network and the National Alternative Fuel Training Consortium.
• Madison College was one of the first schools in the nation to offer a Renewable Energy certificate and is highly regarded for several other course and curriculum innovations. Madison College students obtain a personalized learning experience with hands-on experience in courses that are intentionally kept small through limited enrollment.
• Madison College students receive instruction from renewable energy faculty whose primary responsibility and interest is teaching.
• Madison College facilities feature modern, renewable energy laboratories, tools and teaching equipment supported by an experienced professional staff.
• Many renewable energy courses are available in the evenings, in hybrid or online formats, and as short courses to allow students flexibility in scheduling around their other work and academic responsibilities.
• In January of 2019, Madison College commissioned the largest rooftop solar system in the State of Wisconsin. Students in the renewable energy program are able to work with this 1.85 megawatt system to learn about the most recent advances in solar technology.
Careers
Earning your certificate in Renewable Energy at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:
- Wind Turbine Technician/Installer
- Solar Hot Water Technician/Installer
- Photovoltaic Technician/Installer
- Anaerobic Digester Technician/Installer
- Biofuel Refinery Operator/Technician
- Building Operator/Technician
- Power And Utility Technician
- Legislative Research Technician
- Energy Manager/Analyst
- Energy Auditor
- Energy Broker/Marketer
- Resource Conservation/Efficiency Manager
Career Mapping
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Required Courses (Specific)Completion of both of the listed courses is required.20-806-291Introduction to Renewable Energy/Renewable Energy Technology
This course provides an introduction to renewable energy technology. The course is grounded in the fundamentals of energy, power, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. A scientific approach is used to examine various energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, biofuels, solar, hydro, wind, geothermal, and ocean/tidal power. Various types of energy storage technology are also examined. Science and engineering challenges are examined for each energy technology, along with economic and environmental impacts. This course is suitable for any student with an interest in renewable energy, particularly those pursuing studies in scientific, technical, and engineering fields.3 credits20-806-292Solar Photovoltaic Technology/Solar Energy Technology
Examines the scientific principles, engineering design, and economic analysis of solar photovoltaic systems. Complete a site assessment, specify hardware components, and model economic performance for a solar PV system. This course can be applied as an elective for several STEM degree programs at Madison College and four-year universities, particularly those with program emphases in sustainability and renewable energy.3 creditsRequired Courses (Choices)Completion of 3 credits from the listed courses is required.20-806-287Special Topics: Energy Storage
This course is an orientation to various energy storage systems and emphasizes Lithium-Ion battery technology. Become familiar with how energy storage systems work and how to size a battery energy storage system. Compare and contrast energy storage systems and determine the best system for an application.2 credits20-806-293Solar Photovoltaic Installation Lab
In this hands-on course, students will install one or more fully operational full scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The course is taught at the Commercial Avenue Campus Solar Training Lab, which features pitched roof, flat roof, and pole mount solar PV systems. Students will learn safe workplace practices, electrical code compliance, and interconnection commissioning procedures while working with solar panels, racking systems, DC/AC power inverters and other balance of system components. The course is taught as a two-day intensive short course in order to replicate the type of installation practices and working conditions that are common in the solar industry.1 credit20-806-296Advanced Solar Photovoltaic Technology
This course provides a deeper exploration of solar photovoltaic technology, tools, and equipment used for clean energy site assessment, operations, and maintenance. Skills learned will include use of aerial drones, photogrammetric imaging, IV curve tracers, and infrared thermal cameras, along with data analytics to characterize system performance.1 credit20-809-228Environmental Economics
This course addresses the interaction between the economy and the environment. Market evaluations include energy, minerals, agriculture, forests, fisheries and tourism. Economic concepts include externality costs, market failure, cost-benefit analysis and definitions of growth. Environmental topics include public health, biodiversity, soil erosion, water quality and atmospheric impacts. Political issues include energy policy, pollution, genetic engineering, land use and environmental justice.3 credits20-809-269Energy, Environment and Society
The U.S. experience is better understood within the context of the history of energy production, distribution, and consumption. Our world’s future is also inextricably connected to our ability to equitably address the challenges we face with respect to energy. Analyses and solutions require an interdisciplinary and global approach. This course considers the physical, technical, economic, political, environmental, ethical and social contexts of the topic of energy, both nationally and globally.3 credits20-806-391Internship 1 Science/Engr (1cr)
Students will earn credit for exploring career interests and applying their skills and knowledge in the workplace. Students will gain workplace skills and career insights and build professional networks. Minimum of 32 hours of work required. Students must work with Career & Employment Services to secure an internship before enrolling.1 credit20-806-392Internship 1 Science/Engr (2cr)
Students will earn credit for exploring career interests and applying their skills and knowledge in the workplace. Students will gain workplace skills and career insights and build professional networks. Minimum of 96 hours of work required. Students must work with Career & Employment Services to secure an internship before enrolling.2 credits20-806-393Internship 1 Science/Engr (3cr)
Students will earn credit for exploring career interests and applying their skills and knowledge in the workplace. Students will gain workplace skills and career insights and build professional networks. Minimum of 160 hours of work required. Students must work with Career & Employment Services to secure an internship before enrolling.3 credits20-806-394Internship 2 Science/Engr (1cr)1 credit20-806-395Internship 2 Science/Engr (2cr)2 credits20-806-396Internship 2 Science/Engr (3cr)3 creditsHonors courses and Independent Studies courses may also be available. Consult the Program Director for more information.20-806-807Honors-Renewable Energy (2cr)
Qualified Honors student pursues special concentration of study with faculty member. Requires an Honors Project Contract and permission from Honors faculty. May be taken more than once. Eligibility: 1) min. 12 credits at Madison College, 3.5+ GPA; or 2) High School 3.5+ GPA and letter of recommendation. See website at https://madisoncollege.edu/honors.2 credits20-806-907Honors-Renewable Energy (3cr)
Qualified Honors student pursues special concentration of study with faculty member. Requires an Honors Project Contract and permission from Honors faculty. May be taken more than once. Eligibility: 1) min. 12 credits at Madison College, 3.5+ GPA; or 2) High School 3.5+ GPA and letter of recommendation. See website at https://madisoncollege.edu/honors.3 credits20-806-297Independent Study - Science (1 cr)1 credit20-806-298Independent Study - Science (2 cr)2 credits20-806-299Independent Study - Science (3 cr)3 creditsAdditionally, some previously taken Renewable Energy courses may count towards the requirements. Those courses that qualify would automatically be picked up in the specific individual's Degree Progress (Academic Advising) Report. -
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Renewable Energy career.
