Certainly! Here's a comprehensive overview of solar energy and renewable energy programs—including degrees, certificates, and specialized training—offered by colleges and universities in Palm Beach County, Florida:
🎓 Colleges & Universities in Palm Beach County
1. Palm Beach State College (PBSC)
Associate in Science (A.S.) in Engineering Technology – Alternative Energy Systems Concentration:
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Program Description: This program prepares students for careers as energy technicians or technologists in solar, wind, and biofuel electrical power generation. It offers hands-on experience in well-equipped labs and covers topics such as electrical power systems, biofuels, wind energy, solar energy, environmental health and safety, and environmental mapping.
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Program Length: 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time.
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Location: Palm Beach Gardens campus.
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Link: Engineering Technology A.S. – Alternative Energy Systems(Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach State College)
College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Alternative Energy Engineering Technology:
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Program Description: This 18-credit certificate provides students with technical knowledge and skills needed for careers in the alternative energy industry, including solar energy. It includes courses in electrical power systems, biofuels, wind energy, solar energy, environmental health and safety, and environmental mapping.
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Program Length: 1 year full-time or 1.5 years part-time.
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Location: Palm Beach Gardens campus.
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Link: Alternative Energy Engineering Technology CCC(Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach State College)
Rapid Credentialing Programs – Lean Manufacturing Certificate:
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Program Description: This program prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing, including solar energy systems. It focuses on productivity tools and Lean Six Sigma best practices.
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Certifications: OSHA-30 General Industry certification.
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Link: Rapid Credentialing Programs(Palm Beach State College)
Online Solar Energy Training Courses:
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Solar Energy Training: An online course that provides foundational knowledge of solar energy concepts, suitable for those looking to enhance or begin a career in solar energy.
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Solar Panel Installer Training: An intermediate-level course that teaches how to install solar panels for grid-tied and off-grid systems.
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Link: Solar Energy Training | Solar Panel Installer Training(Ed2Go Career Training, Ed2Go Career Training)
2. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Professional Certificate in Energy Resilience:
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Program Description: This 12-credit graduate certificate provides knowledge and skills in improving the efficiency and resiliency of energy generation, transmission, and distribution. It covers renewable energy technologies, including solar energy, and is designed for working professionals with flexible course formats.
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Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science with a GPA of at least 3.0.
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Link: Energy Resilience Certificate(Florida Atlantic University)
Undergraduate Research Opportunity in Renewable Energy:
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Program Description: A 10-week paid summer program focusing on training, mentoring, and research in renewable energy, including solar energy. Participants work on projects that prepare them for graduate studies or careers in engineering and science.
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Link: Undergraduate Research Opportunity(Florida Atlantic University)
Renewable Energy Research at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute:
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Program Description: FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute conducts research on marine renewable energy, including the development of ocean turbine prototypes to harness energy from the Gulf Stream.
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Link: Renewable Energy Research(Florida Atlantic University)
3. Everglades University
Bachelor of Science in Alternative and Renewable Energy Management:
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Program Description: This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of alternative and renewable energy management, including solar energy technologies, sustainable energy policies, and energy efficiency.
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Program Delivery: Available online and on-campus.
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Link: Alternative and Renewable Energy Management(EnergyDegrees.org, Ed2Go Career Training)
Solar Energy Teaching Lab:
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Program Description: The Sarasota campus features a Solar Energy Teaching Lab, offering hands-on experience with solar energy devices and techniques.
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Link: Solar Energy Lab(Wikipedia)
If you need more detailed information on specific programs, enrollment requirements, or career pathways related to solar energy studies in Palm Beach County, feel free to ask!