Solar energy engineering degree. Pros and Cons

Energy Systems Engineering, B.S.

Energy Systems Engineering will allow you to contribute to the important work of deploying clean and renewable energy systems that help combat climate change. This new field of engineering incorporates elements commonly included in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering disciplines. The program will be focused on planning, designing, building, and operating a wide range of energy-related systems, from large-scale electric grids to solar powered devices that fit in your

The Renewable Energy Student Union is a campus club that has done hands-on energy projects together since 2004. One project is operating a solar radiation monitoring station on the library roof that is part of a national network.

Students have been involved with the research related to wind energy, including internships with Native American tribes, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, the Schatz Energy Research Center, and more.

Freshman are automatically enrolled in Baduwa’t to Bay, a Place-Based Learning Communities at Humboldt. This year-long program focuses on engineering design within the Baduwa’t (Mad River) Watershed and supports success.

Academics Options

As an Energy Systems Engineering student, you’ll build on a solid foundation of engineering fundamentals so you can engage with project-based and interdisciplinary courses.

In the first two years, all students in the School of Engineering who are interested in Environmental Resources, Energy Systems, or Mechanical Engineering will take a core set of foundational courses together. These fundamentals provide a well-rounded basis in natural sciences, humanities, math, computational science, data analysis, and engineering design.

At the upper division, students will choose a major pathway and complete specialty engineering courses which cover that area of expertise. These courses take a project-based and interdisciplinary approach.

Energy Systems students will go deep in important topics like thermodynamics, transport phenomena, building energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, electricity grids, and community energy planning. These building blocks, along with an understanding of how energy systems fit in society, the environment, and the economy, will prepare graduates for a range of energy-related careers.

Did you know?

Our program is one of only a few Energy Systems Engineering degrees in the California State University system and is built from the ground up based on clean and renewable energy. Our graduates will be prepared to be leaders in this rapidly growing field.

Students will get hands-on learning opportunities in designing solar energy systems, making buildings more efficient, and programming microgrid control hardware that’s integrated into an advanced grid simulation system.

Energy Programs

To break the nation’s heavy dependence on carbon-based fuel, efforts are underway to significantly increase the use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar and wind). The potential widespread use of renewable resources represents a major paradigm shift for the electric power industry (i.e., centralized power generation substantially augmented by distributed generation). It is widely recognized by both the electric utilities and governmental policy makers that this paradigm shift requires that the current power grid be revised considerably to be smarter (e.g., integrated communications, advanced components/sensors, novel control methods, etc.). Given the situation described above, the demand for engineers with knowledge in energy-related areas is on the rise. For example, power companies are searching for new employees who can help them integrate renewable forms of energy into the grid; furthermore, power companies are searching for ways to enhance the energy-related skill set of their existing employees.

To address the above issues, the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has developed three certificate programs. The Renewable Energy certificate program and a Power Systems Engineering certificate program each include three undergraduate level ECE courses, which are available online as well as being taught on campus. These programs were developed to allow industrial personnel to broaden their knowledge in renewable energy generation and/or power systems engineering. These programs are also open to qualified Clemson students. Undergraduates at other institutions will also be considered for entry into the above two certificate programs. These students may also be able to use these courses to satisfy requirements at their home institution, subject, of course, to the approval of the home institution.

In addition to the certificate programs that involve undergraduate courses, the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has developed a graduate certificate program for post baccalaureate engineers seeking to understand the complex, highly dynamic phenomenon present in a modern power system. For example, a major disturbance in an electrical distribution system may cause a major blackout and loss of power over a wide area. Recent blackouts around the world led the power engineering community to develop new, innovative methods for wide area monitoring, protection and control, wireless communication, and Smart grid systems. Discussions with leaders in the power industry and academia indicate that many power engineers do not have the necessary background to tackle these challenging problems related to modern power systems. To address this need, the Advanced Power Systems Engineering certificate program provides power engineers with an opportunity to attack more sophisticated problems associated with power systems protection, dynamics/stability, transients, and distribution.

The 3000- and 4000-level certificate courses are one mode of offering the BSEE program at Clemson, which is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org. The certificate courses can be used to help satisfy the continuing education requirements for Registered Professional Engineers in many states.

Each of the three certificate programs are described below, and links to instructions on how to apply are provided.

Renewable Energy Certificate Program

The renewable energy certificate program consists of three classes in the areas of solar power, wind power, and grid penetration as described below. This certificate program is intended for students who already possess a basic knowledge of DC and AC circuit theory (i.e., Kirchhoff’s Laws, complex frequency, and Laplace transforms). A prerequisite for entering this program is a BS degree in an engineering field or physics. There are also course-specific prerequisites and corequisites for each course as shown below. However, applications from persons who have not satisfied the degree requirements and/or the prerequisite/corequisite requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the ECE Variance Committee. A grade of C or better is required for all courses used to satisfy requirements of this certificate program.

ECE 4200 Renewable Energy Penetration on the Power Grid 3(3,0). Introduces the basic definitions of electrical power, interfacing primary sources, generator/load characteristics, and renewable energy resources. Topics include solar energy grid interfacing, wind energy grid interfacing, battery charging/management, harmonic distortion, voltage sags, and national standards. Preq: ECE 2070 – Basic Electrical Engineering or ECE 3200 – Electronics I with a C or better.

ECE 4570 Fundamentals of Wind Power 3(3,0) – Introduces wind turbine systems including wind energy potential and application to power generation. Topics include wind energy principles, wind site assessment, wind turbine components, power generation machinery control systems, connection to the electric grid, and maintenance. May also be offered as ME 4570. Preq: ECE 2070 – Basic Electrical Engineering or ECE 3200 – Electronics I with a C or better.

ECE 4610 Fundamentals of Solar Energy 3(3,0) – Introduces solar energy conversion systems. Topics include environmental benefits of solar energy, solar thermal systems, concentration solar power, photovoltaic (PV) cell design and manufacturing, sizing of PV system, hybrid photovoltaic/thermal systems, energy storage, and urban/rural applications. Preq: ECE 3200 – Electronics I with a C or better.

In order to take ECE 3200. Electronics I, which is the prerequisite for ECE 4610 and which can serve as the prerequisite for ECE 4200 and 4570, students must have completed the following courses:

• ECE 2620. Electric Circuits II
• MATH 2080. Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations
• PHYS 2210. Physics with Calculus II

If you are not already a Clemson student, we need to perform an evaluation of your background to make sure that you are suitably prepared to take the certificate courses involved before you formally apply for this program. Please send a transcript showing completion of the above three courses (or their equivalents) and any other supporting evidence that you have the necessary background for this program. Please send this information via email to Ms. Patty McNulty, ECE Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator, pmcnult@clemson.edu. After our evaluation, if we believe your background is adequate, we will invite you to formally apply for the program, using one of the links below.

Power Systems Engineering Certificate Program

The power systems energy certificate program consists of three classes in the areas of power engineering, power systems analysis, and electric machines as described below. This certificate program is intended for students who already possess a basic knowledge of DC and AC circuit theory (i.e., Kirchhoff’s Laws, complex frequency, and Laplace transforms). A prerequisite for entering this program is a BS degree in an engineering field or physics. There are also course-specific prerequisites and corequisites for each course as shown below. However, applications from persons who have not satisfied the degree requirements and/or the prerequisite/corequisite requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the ECE Variance Committee. A grade of C or better is required for all courses used to satisfy requirements of this certificate program.

ECE 3600 Electric Power Engineering 3(3,0). Presents the basic principles of electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic forces developed. Topics include synchronous machines, power transformers, electric power transmission, and distribution systems, DC motors, and induction motors. Preq: ECE 2620 – Electric Circuits II and PHYS 2210 – Physics with Calculus II, each with a C or better.

ECE 4180 Power System Analysis 3(3,0). Study of power system planning and operational problems. Topics include load flow, economic dispatch, fault studies, transient stability, and control of problems. System modeling and computer solutions are emphasized through class projects. Preq: ECE 3600 – Electric Power Engineering and ECE 3800 – Electromagnetics, each with a C or better.

ECE 4190 Electric Machines and Drives 3(3,0). Performance, characteristics, and modeling of AC and DC machines during steady-state and transient conditions. Introduction to power electronics devices and their use in adjustable speed motor drives. Preq: ECE 3210 – Electronics II and ECE 3600 – Electric Power Engineering and ECE 3800 – Electromagnetics, each with a C or better. Preq or concurrent enrollment: MATH 4340 – Advanced Engineering Mathematics with a C or better.

Note that students normally take ECE 3600 as their first course in this certificate program. In this case, the following courses are needed to take the certificate courses:

• ECE 2620. Electric Circuits II
• PHYS 2210. Physics with Calculus II
• ECE 3800. Electromagnetics
• ECE 3210. Electronics II
• MATH 4340. Advanced Engineering Mathematics

Also note that ECE 3600 is generally required to be taken at Clemson for the Power Systems Engineering Certificate, even if the student has taken a power course elsewhere.

If you are not already a Clemson student, we need to perform an evaluation of your background to make sure that you are suitably prepared to take the certificate courses involved before you formally apply for this program. Please send a transcript showing completion of the above five courses (or their equivalents) and any other supporting evidence that you have the necessary background for this program. Please send this information via email to Ms. Patty McNulty, ECE Undergraduate Student Services Coordinator, pmcnult@clemson.edu. After our evaluation, if we believe your background is adequate, we will invite you to formally apply for the program, using one of the links below.

Advanced Power Systems Engineering Certificate Program (Graduate Certificate Program)

To earn the Advanced Power Systems Engineering certificate, a student must successfully complete four of five classes in the areas of power systems protection, dynamics/stability, transients, and distribution as described below. This certificate program is intended for students who already possess a working knowledge of modern power systems. A prerequisite for entering this program is a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. There are also course-specific prerequisites and corequisites for each course as shown below.

ECE 8160 Electric Power Distribution System Engineering 3(3,0). Radial circuit analysis techniques, feeder and transformer modeling, load modeling, loss minimalization and voltage control, causes of power quality problems, motor starting analysis, strategies for analyzing impacts of disturbances. Students are expected to have completed a course comparable to ECE 4180 – Power System Analysis before enrolling in this course.

ECE 8170 Power System Transients 3(3,0). Electrical transients in power systems; frequency domain and time domain techniques for power systems transient analysis; capacitor switching, load switching, fault-induced transients, line reclosing and single pole switching. Students are expected to have completed a course comparable to ECE 4180 – Power System Analysis before enrolling in this course.

ECE 8240 Power System Protection 3(3,0). Coordination of power system protection components including microprocessor based relay-adaptive protection of power system, power system disturbance identification and system restoration following a major disturbance. Students are expected to have completed a course comparable to ECE 4180 – Power System Analysis before enrolling in this course; and are expected to have completed or be concurrently enrolled in a course comparable to MATH 4340 – Advanced Engineering Mathematics when enrolling in this course.

ECE 8620 Real Time Computer Application in Power Systems 3(3,0). Principles of monitoring, control and operation of power systems; load frequency control, on-line load flow, power system state estimation, unit commitment and load forecasting. Students are expected to have completed a course comparable to ECE 4180 – Power System Analysis before enrolling in this course.

ECE 8630 Power System Dynamics and Stability 3(3,0). Modeling of synchronous machines and their control systems; power system stability for small and large disturbances; excitation systems, governor control, power system stabilizers and state variables formulation for power systems dynamic stability studies. Students are expected to have completed courses comparable to ECE 4180 – Power System Analysis and ECE 4190 – Electric Machines and Drives before enrolling in this course.

Before you formally apply for entry into this program, we need to perform an evaluation of your background to make sure that you are suitably prepared to take the certificate courses involved. Please send a transcript showing completion of a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and any other supporting evidence that you have the necessary background for this program. Please send this information via email to Dr. Harlan Russell, ECE Graduate Program Coordinator, harlanr@clemson.edu. After our evaluation, if we believe your background is adequate, we will invite you to formally apply for the program, using one of the links below.

Renewable Energy Degrees Top Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Biofuel Hydro Programs

Looking to get into the renewable energy field? As solar, wind, geothermal, biofuel and hydroelectric take off in the United States, colleges are quickly developing programs to train the next generation of energy experts. Check out these 25 top renewable energy programs and see how higher education is tackling energy innovation in the 21st century.

Top 25 Innovative Renewable Energy Programs

Boston, Massachusetts Master of Science in Energy Systems

Established in 1898, Northeastern University created a Master of Science in Energy Systems degree to meet the needs of this high-growth field. Through the program, students can participate in a range of renewable energy courses including solar thermal engineering, gas turbine combustion, general thermodynamics, combustion, and air pollution. Northeastern’s program fosters skills that bring together engineering, financing, and environmental analysis. This program is flexible, offering full- and part-time schedules and both on-site and online formats. A specialized program is also available for students without engineering backgrounds.

State College, Pennsylvania Bachelor’s, Master’s

Solar energy education expert Jordan Crolly attended the University of Pennsylvania State obtaining an undergraduate degree in Energy Engineering. What he appreciates most about the program is that it provides students with a broad foundational knowledge of energy and the energy industry. This has helped him in his renewable energy career as he is able to work on a variety of projects within a field that is often changing. Crolly is now working on getting his Master’s in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Systems from Penn State’s World Campus. Crolly notes that this online program gives him the flexibility to work full-time. He is able to hone his expertise at his own pace while learning from Penn State faculty members.

Most recently, the University of Pennsylvania State recently opened “Pennergy,” the Penn Center for Energy Innovation. This research center is a collaborative effort between the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of Arts and Sciences. At Pennergy, researchers are seeking solutions to the world’s energy challenges through state-of-the-art technologies including bio-mimetic materials and nanoscale science and engineering.

Denver, Colorado Master’s, Graduate Certificate

University College is the college of professional and continuing studies at the fully accredited University of Denver. This online program offers students an MS in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability. When completed, students will learn the economics of energy production and consumption. They will understand how strategies, sustainability concepts, and energy systems work together. Armed with this knowledge, students will be able to develop sustainability plans, identify trends in renewable energy, craft environmental policies, and more.

Wilsonville, OR Bachelor’s, Master’s

Since 2005, Oregon Tech Wilsonville has offered a Bachelor of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering. It was the first of its kind in the U.S. The program offers undergraduate students the engineering principles they will need to create and implement sustainable energy technologies. Students are also able to pursue this degree concurrently with either a BS in Electrical Engineering or a BS in Environmental Science to graduate with a dual major. Once students have completed their BS degree, they have the option to continue at a graduate level through the University’s Master of Science in Renewable Energy Engineering, which was established in 2012.

Berkeley, California Master’s

For more than 40 years, UC Berkeley’s Energy and Resources Group has been a world-renowned interdisciplinary graduate program awarding MA, MS, and PhD degrees to students from diverse disciplines. The Berkeley Haas School of Business Master’s in Business Administration program allows students to choose from different areas of emphasis, one of which is Energy and Clean Technology. Through UC Berkeley’s Cleantech to Market program, MBA graduate students and scientists collaborate to bring new technologies to market. UC Berkeley also boasts the Energy Institute at Haas, which bridges the gap between research and education programs focused on energy business, policy, and technology commercialization. Undergraduate students can pursue a degree in Energy Engineering.

Explore: Types of Renewable Energy

Clean, renewable energy is generated by harnessing the power of inexhaustible and naturally occurring sources like wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydro. Traditional sources of electricity, like oil, coal, and natural gas are limited and release greenhouse gas emissions when burned.

Energy from the sun can be harnessed through photovoltaic or solar thermal technology to create clean, renewable electricity. The industry needs scientists working in research and development and engineers to connect that research with commercial applications. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics notes that engineers are one of the most sought after occupations in the solar industry. Other solar careers FOCUS on solar PV installers, manufacturing, solar power plant development, construction, and more.

The U.S. BLS explains that wind power capacity grew 39 percent from 2004 to 2009 and is expected to continue growing rapidly. Occupations in this field are all related to the manufacturing, project development, operation and maintenance, of turbines and wind farms. Careers include scientists, engineers, and engineering technicians to design and test turbines. Machinists, computer-controlled machine tool operators, assemblers, welders, quality-control inspectors, and industrial production managers help to produce turbines.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, America’s oldest and largest source of renewable energy is water. Water power has vast potential and is available in every region of the country. The DOE estimates that by 2025, 140,000-440,000 new jobs will be created by hydropower in the U.S. Mechanical, civil and electrical engineers conduct hydro research and development. Construction managers, hydropower strategy directors, hydroelectric plant operators, and engineering analysts help operate, manage, and maintain the hydroelectric plants.

The U.S. is a global leader in geothermal energy with more 3,000 MWs of installed generating capacity, according to the BLS. The industry requires a variety of workers to build, operate and maintain the geothermal plants. Scientist, geologist, hydrologist, and wildlife biologists work on geothermal development and research. Civil, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineers design, monitor and direct equipment operations. Drilling the wells requires derrick operators, driller operators and roustabouts. Construction workers are needed to build the plants.

Biofuels made from biomass, including biodiesel and ethanol, are in demand. According to the BLS, in 2011 the U.S. produced nearly 14 billion gallons of ethanol. The industry needs biochemists, biophysicists, chemists, and microbiologists to find better ways to create biofuels. To test products and design machinery it also needs nearly every type of engineer. Construction laborers are needed to build processing plants and to create the feedstock for biofuels, the industry also needs agricultural laborers.

Step-by-Step Career Path

Here is a step-by-step career path for becoming a Solar Energy Engineer:

• Earn a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, such as physics or environmental science.
• Gain experience in the field through internships or entry-level positions.
• Consider obtaining professional certification, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar PV Associate certification.
• Continue to gain experience and expertise in the field, potentially pursuing a Master’s degree or other advanced education.
• Consider obtaining professional licensure, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license.

How to Become a Solar Energy Engineer

To become a Solar Energy Engineer, you will typically need to earn a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, such as physics or environmental science. Some employers may prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or other advanced education.

In the United States, it typically takes four years to earn a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. Higher education programs typically cover topics such as renewable energy systems, electrical engineering, and sustainable design.

Professional certification, such as the NABCEP Solar PV Associate certification, can help demonstrate your expertise in the field and make you more competitive in the job market. Some states also require Solar Energy Engineers to obtain professional licensure, such as the PE license.

Where to Become a Solar Energy Engineer

Here are five examples of universities in each of the countries that offer education in solar energy engineering:

• Arizona State University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Colorado School of Mines
• University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• University of Waterloo
• Ryerson University
• University of Alberta
• University of British Columbia
• Concordia University
• University of Bath
• Imperial College London
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Cambridge
• University of Manchester
• University of New South Wales
• University of Melbourne
• University of Technology Sydney
• Griffith University
• Curtin University

Can You Enter the Profession with a Different Degree?

While a degree in engineering or a related field is typically preferred for Solar Energy Engineer positions, it is possible to enter the profession with a different degree. For example, a degree in architecture or construction management may be applicable, as these fields involve designing and overseeing the construction of buildings and infrastructure.

However, it is important to note that candidates with non-engineering degrees may need to obtain additional education or experience in order to be competitive in the job market. This can include taking courses in engineering or renewable energy systems, as well as gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions.

In general, a degree in engineering or a related field will provide the most direct path to becoming a Solar Energy Engineer. However, with the right combination of education, experience, and certification, candidates with different backgrounds can still succeed in this growing and rewarding profession.

The field of Solar Energy Engineering is a dynamic and growing profession that offers a wide range of opportunities for those with a passion for renewable energy and a background in engineering or a related field. With the growing demand for solar energy systems, the need for skilled Solar Energy Engineers is only expected to increase in the coming years. By pursuing a career in this field, you can play an important role in creating a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.