Solar Engineering Degrees
Solar engineering is the development, implementation and monitoring of the clean and renewable energy source of solar power. Solar power is usually harnessed using photovoltaic cells (solar collectors) that absorb, store and convert sunlight into a useable energy. Increasing demand for solar power and other clean energy has created excellent opportunities for those wishing to be involved in solar technology. People with natural talents in math and science are well suited for pursuing a career in solar engineering. This begins with a four-year degree in electrical engineering, supplemented by special topic classes in solar energy. There are also programs available to hone expertise in solar and renewable energy systems for professional engineers.
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Secondary Education
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Students interested in technological careers in high school should take college preparatory classes, especially focusing on math and applied sciences. A strong background in these core subjects will make the transition to college-level math and science much easier, and can increase the student's chances of success. If the school has a technology club or student association, participation will greatly benefit an aspiring engineer. In these clubs, students often have the opportunity to invent solutions to problems and compete at national levels with their ideas. They also learn to work in cooperative groups, a valuable skill that will be used in most university and career projects.
Bachelor of Science Degree
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Most people pursuing a career in energy resources start with an electrical engineering degree. Finding innovative and cleaner ways to provide electricity is the goal of the renewable energy push. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering will provide an engineer with a working knowledge and intimate understanding of designing electrical systems and power electronics. This degree should be acquired from an ABET accredited institution, as many employers and places of higher education require the accredited degree. Students should be involved in a complex senior project, preferably one dealing directly with solar power.
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Professional Licensure (Optional)
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Students wishing to become Professional Engineers (sometimes a career requirement) are eligible to sit for a licensing exam before they graduate. This exam, the Fundamentals of Engineering, will qualify the student as an EIT, or engineer-in-training. A second exam, after four years of work experience, must be passed in order to receive a Professional Engineer license. Requirements vary by state.
Emphasis in Solar Engineering
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Many Bachelor of Science graduates wish to continue their education, especially those striving for an emphasis in solar engineering. Many programs can now be found on the Internet as completely online degrees. The resulting degree is usually a Master of Science with an emphasis in solar engineering, or clean energy development. There are also certificate programs, which contain valuable learning opportunities, but are not degree programs. Universities in the United States are developing Master's degrees in Renewable Energy, where students can specialize in photovoltaic science or other tracks such as wind energy. Many of these programs already exist in Europe.
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- Photo Credit Planta solar fotovoltaica de un grupo de viviendas image by JMFontecha from Fotolia.com
