Associate's Degree in Alternative Power

There is wide concern today for the negative impacts we each are having on the environment. Topics like global warming, carbon footprint, and depleted resources are common in media and politics. There is growing concern for the welfare of our planet. We want to make sure that while we are raising our standard of living and capabilities of our civilization that we're not destroying the very environment we depend on for these benefits. Cheaper, more efficient, and more environmentally-friendly energy is like the El Dorado of the scientific community.

If we can develop better ways to fuel our society, then we and our planet can live better. Individuals pursuing solutions to this problem are alternative power generation technology engineers, and you can be trained to join them in their process by obtaining your degree in alternative power generation technology. By doing so, you will serve on the forefront of developing solutions in a process that will help bridge civilization into a better, more efficient tomorrow.

Working towards a degree in alternative power generation technology puts you at the forefront of technological development. In today's environment, power generation is not just a trendy issue it's a factor that involves huge business potential, and holds enormously political and international impacts. When you begin working in this field, you have the possibility of changing the world in more than one way. Your degree prepares you to understand the breadth of this industry, and to become a contributive member of a team pursuing cheaper, cleaner energy. Because of the high rewards awaiting successful companies, this field is increasing in business, in opportunities, and in competition which all mean that there's a job with your name on it waiting for you.

Many different types of energy are part of the alternative power generation field, including gasoline, wind, solar power, electricity, and natural gas. Companies focus on ways to discover, produce, access, harness, and increase efficiency of these types of power and more. There are many specific jobs you might hold once you are employed in this growing industry. Certain technician positions are common: for example, a process control tech, a power plant maintenance tech, an electrical engineering tech, a power generation tech, a biodiesel production tech, or even an ethanol production tech. Other job positions include a power plant operator, a solar hot water system installer, a solar photo-voltaic installer, or even a hydrogen fuel cell processer.

An associate's or bachelor's degree introduces you to the science behind the technology and industry, developing your understanding of all the possibilities for how you can play a role. Typical programs include thorough examinations of biology, chemistry, energy, and technical training with the technological components of each particular field. You will possess the hands-on skills for working directly with the technology, plus the theoretical knowledge that allows you to contribute to the market of ideas and work up to higher level positions within a particular business. You may end up finding a career as an installer, a designer, a developer, or even part of the marketing and business administrative side of the industry.

Just like a fire is hungry for more logs to burn, so too is the world hungry for the next cheap, clean, efficient form of energy that allows the fire of civilization to burn more brightly. Even though global warming, carbon footprints, and non-renewable resources are growing environmental and political concerns, there are plenty of reasons to look optimistically towards the future. With your degree in alternative power generation technology, you will help propel this thriving industry even further into our homes, our businesses, our industries, and our way of life.

Alternative Power Degree Courses

When taking an Associate’s degree in alternative power you’ll take a variety of different courses that focus on solar and wind as major areas of alternative power. Below are just some of the courses you’ll take
- Energy Management
- Renewable Energy
- Wiring and Bluprints
- Photovoltaic Installation
- Solar Energy and Solar Thermal
- Electrical Circuits
- Solar Battery and Heat
- Biofuels and Hydrogen

Careers in Alternative Power

As emerging technologies continue to advance in this fields the more careers open up. Once you earn your Associates degree you can also get trained for specific roles and certifications. Look into North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Solar Technician – Become a photovoltaic installer. You’ll install solar PV panels on homes as well as maintain existing systems.

Environmental Health Specialist – For this career you’ll work mainly at the state, county or city level reviewing permits, performing inspections and even investigating complaints.

Wind Turbine Technician – Special training is needed to become a wind turbine technician. It is recommended you have a good electrical background which will help.

Resources:
Solar Power Technician - http://www.bls.gov/green/solar_power/