College Catalog
Course Descriptions
Introduction to Renewable Energy
RET101
Introduction to renewable energy technologies and their applications. Includes a review of worldwide energy usage and the traditional fossil fuel and nuclear based systems employed to meet energy needs. Evaluation of the environmental, financial, political, and technical issues related to the generation, storage, and delivery of renewable energy. Emphasis on photovoltaic, wind, solar thermal, geothermal, micro-hydro, and biomass systems. 2 Credits (2 Lecture - 0 Lab) Fall Only.
Direct Current Essentials
RET111
Basic principles of electricity and the laws and formulas that are used to solve electrical problems. Topics include the principles of magnetism and their relationship to direct current generators and motors. Course work includes the connections of basic components in combination with electrical meters and instruments. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): Placement by Examination or MTH005. Fall Only.
Residential Wiring Applications
RET116
Introduction to residential wiring, plans, specifications and codes. Theory and lab assignments in developing wiring diagrams and wiring basic circuits that relate to renewable energy systems applications. Schematic diagrams and the electrical codes are included in the course. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.
Commercial Wiring Applications
RET120
Theory and laboratory assignments for commercial wiring applications using schematic diagrams and electrical codes as they apply to renewable energy systems. Course work includes plans, layout, and installation of circuits and devices used in commercial applications for the renewable energy field. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Prerequisite(s): RET116. Spring Only.
Alternating Current Essentials
RET122
Principles of alternating current electricity, including problems solving current, voltage, impedance, reactance and power factor in series and parallel circuits. Course work includes the application of alternating current principles of AC motors, generators, and control equipment. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Corequisite(s): MTH180 and RET111.
Drawing and Print Reading
RET126
Introduction to the preparation and interpretation of architectural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical drawings for residential and commercial projects. Topics include an overview of typical drawing symbols, diagrams, schedules, and specifications, and the development of the basic skills required to generate and manipulate drawings on computer-aided drafting and diagrammatic drawing systems. Course work includes the generation of typical drawings needed to install renewable energy systems. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Spring Only.
Photovoltaic Systems
RET212
Basic principles for designing, sizing, installing and maintaining a photovoltaic system. Topics include solar panels, rack systems, inverters, alternating current and direct current disconnects, monitoring systems, utility meters and general wiring. Site analysis, compliance with local codes and rebates are addressed. 5 Credits (3 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): RET120 and RET122. Fall Only.
Piping and Mechanical Applications
RET214
Skills needed in proper piping applications for fluid and gas transfer. Development of sound structural piping systems using appropriate materials such as copper, plastic, and iron. Topics include fitting selection, thermal transfer, pressures, state of matter, rate of movement, flow restriction and friction loss. 3 Credits (2 Lecture - 3 Lab) Fall Only.
Wind Systems
RET220
Basic principles for designing, sizing, installing and maintaining wind systems. Topics include site assessment, safety procedures, selecting an appropriate design, mechanical and electrical design considerations, subsystem and components installation, system checkout and inspection. Emphasis on small wind systems. Compliance with local codes and rebates is addressed. 5 Credits (3 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): RET120 and RET122. Spring Only.
Solar Thermal Systems
RET222
Continued study of mechanical heating systems and piping skills, focusing on the sun as a source of heat, mechanisms of transferring this heat to the building, and the equipment needed to accomplish this. Installation and maintenance of both passive and active solar systems, plus domestic water and space heating systems are included. 4 Credits (2 Lecture - 6 Lab) Prerequisite(s): RET214 or PLH112. Spring Only.
