Academics

The Renewable Energy Program gives the student a solid foundation in the fundamental design/installation techniques required to work with renewable technologies. The concentration in Photovoltaic System Design and Installation is offered as an A.A.S. degree and or a one-year certificate. Both avenues include hands-on electrical training in our modern computer-based laboratory setting where the National Electrical Code (NEC) is emphasized throughout curriculum.

While the current concentration focuses on photovoltaics, RENG 210 - Renewable Energy Applications covers passive and active solar thermal, wind, microhydro, and hydrogen fuel cell applications in some detail. Additionally, for those enrolled in the 2-year degree, a philosophical course in RENG 270 - Sustainable Development discusses many of the non-technical advantages to energy systems based on renewable resources.

SJC's Renewable Energy program is an ideal location to learn about clean energy resources. With an average daily insolation of 6.3 kWh/m2 (south facing surface tilted at latitude) Farmington, NM provides ample opportunities to experiment with solar energy. The following New Mexico based organizations have provided advice and/or support to the Renewable Energy Program at San Juan College:

-Sandia National Laboratory More>

-Southwest Technology Development Institute (employer of John Wiles, PV expert) More>

- New Mexico Solar Energy Association More>

- Los Alamos National Laboratory (internationally known facility for fuel cell research) More>