Renewable Electricity-Wind and Renewable Electricity-PV Certificates

The Renewable Electricity certificates provide students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, install, and maintain wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable electric energy systems. Renewable electricity refers to the generation of electric power by renewable means. A student may earn a certificate for PV, a certificate for wind energy, or both.

Courses for RE-PV Certificate (Fall 2012-Spring 2013)

• Fall 2012 (online) - 10-480-100 - Alternative Energy Overview (2 credits/32 hours)
• Fall 2012 - 10-482-100 - Renewable Electricity (2 credits/40 hours)
• Winter 2013 - 10-481-101 - Introduction to PV Systems (3 credits/48 hours)
• Spring 2013 - 10-482-102 - Photovoltaic Installation/Maintenance (2 credits/48 hours)
• Total Credits for RE-PV Certificate: 9 credits (168 hours)

Courses for RE-Wind Certificate (Fall 2013-Spring 2014)

• (Online - Even years only) - 10-480-100 - Alternative Energy Overview (2 credits/32 hours)
• Fall 2013 - 10-482-100 - Renewable Electricity (2 credits/40 hours)
• Winter 2014 - 10-482-103 - Introduction to Wind Energy Systems (3 credits/48 hours)
• Spring 2014 - 10-482-104 - Wind Energy System Installation and Maintenance (2 credits/48 hours)
• Total credits for RE-Wind Energy Certificates: 9 credits (168 hours)
• Total credits for RE-PV & RE-Wind Certificates: 14 credits 

There are two common courses at the start of each certificate.

One certificate in one year; or two in two years for Northland College students:

• Alternative Energy Overview course is not a pre-requisite to other courses. Northland has a course that could transfer for this part of our certificate, so WITC will offer this course every other year.
• If a student starts one certificate, and they want both certificate, they will not have to take any courses in their second fall semester.
• Spring (May) semester course may be taught in a compressed time-frame, for 24 hours/week for the first two weeks of the semester; or 12 hours/week for the full four weeks.

Cost to Northland College students:

• Cost per credits will be determined for each year by the state. Current charges are ~$122/credit for tuition; plus other standard fees - approximately #130/credit for in-state students; an additional $46/credit for out-of-state students.
• Northland College students pay if the credits taken fall within the maximum that students are allowed at Northland with full-time enrollment, then Northland will pay the course tuition for the student. If the student's credit-load is greater than the maximum for Northland, the student may enroll directly at WITC and pay the appropriate tuition. 
• Fees per course will vary somewhat with each course and have yet to be precisely determined. There is also a $10/credit fee throughout WTCS for the online courses.
• WITC will deliver each course as we reach a minimum of 10 enrolled students, or an equivalent in tuition from Northland College.
• Enrollment caps will be set at 16 students per course, excepting possibly the online course, which will be capped at 20 students.

Northland College registration, grading, certification process for students:

• Courses are included in the Northland catalog as both a Northland and WITC course - students will note that they are taking courses that are part of a WITC certificate and Northland College minor. WITC will set up a reverse capacity of ten students within each course for Northland College students.
• Northland College students selecting to enroll in Renewable Electricity Certificate coursework at WITC must complete a WITC credit registration form. These registration forms are to be collected and submitted to WITC with a letter authorizing WITC to bill Northland for payment of all associated tuition and fees. All registrations must be received within Northland and WITC's established admission and registration timelines. For these courses, the students are Northland and WITC students. The Northland Registrar's Office updates WITC regarding the number of students registering from Northland.
• All registered students are held to WITC's rules, regulations, and academic standards as printed in the WITC student handbook and in the WITC course syllabus.
• First-Time students should also submit an application form so they are officially enrolled in the certificate, and not just enrolled as an unassigned student. They will also need to complete an "Intent to Graduate" form (no cost to the student), when appropriate, so WITC will know when to produce the certificates.
• Grades will be submitted by the instructor of record (for both WITC and Northland College), making sure to meet college deadlines where possible.