Solar & Other Renewable Energy Systems —

The student will learn and demonstrate the principles of energy efficient and solar design analysis and construction. Students will analyze the solar energy systems and will calculate solar savings fractions, backup heat needs, and economic analysis. The student will investigate the technologies and applications of other non-polluting and renewable forms of energy including wind power, photovoltaic and alternative transportation vehicles. Register at OCC before signing up for the class. OCC catalog course number AET2010. Choose AET —Alternate Energies from the drop-down menu at the OCC website.

Energy Management —

The student will perform critical examinations of energy consuming facilities both domestic and commercial for the purpose of identifying energy conservation opportunities. In addition, the student will identify various energy conservation techniques as well as equipment which can be installed to further conserve energy. OCC catalog course number AET2400. Choose AET —Alternate Energies from the drop-down menu at the OCC website.

Alternative Fuel and Electric Vehicles —

An introduction to the background, essential theory, principles and future of "Alternative Fuels and Electric Technologies". Topics include: history of the automobile, world energy supply and demand for transportation, dual-fuel vehicles, liquid gas, bio-diesel, electric technology, electric vehicle components, fuel cell safety, and other sources of energy

Photovoltaic Design —

This course explores the use of sunlight to produce electricity. The course targets students seeking employment in the solar energy industry as well as people seeking to apply solar electricity for his or her own use. Students will learn the practical and economical design of photovoltaic power systems which are independent of the utility grid and those that are grid-tied. Students will learn system sizing, site analysis, hardware specification and component selection. They will also look at the costs of PV systems, learn the importance of energy efficiency, as well as compare economics of alternative PV-Generator hybrid designs. The course covers typical applications and case study examples

Advanced Photovoltaics —

This six-week online course covers the same material as our face-to-face Advanced PV workshops. It is designed to follow the PV Design & Installation workshop or the PV Design Online course with the next level of design criteria, maintenance issues and troubleshooting skills, with a special focus on compliance with the National Electric Code. This course relies heavily on reading materials, and comes with CD-ROM reference materials and Internet resource links. Students can also receive college credit for all of our online classes through Madison Area Technical College.

Building for the Future:Sustainable Home Design —

This internet course covers the principles behind designing and building residential structures that achieve optimal year-round comfort, reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and limit environmental impact. The emphasis is on integrated design using a whole-building approach, applying building science and integrating green design strategies into the built environment. Also covered will be the synergistic relationship between climate-sensitive design and natural building materials. Students will be able to identify a range of solutions to various design needs that will result in a sustainable and comfortable home. Case studies of successful solar homes are included.

Introduction to Wind Energy —

This class is an introduction to the basics of wind energy. Students will learn fundamentals of wind energy, wind resources, system components, system types, turbine types, applications, and tower types.

Introduction to Biomass Energy —

This course provides an overview of energy production from biomass resources. The course explores the fundamentals of plant growth, energy yield, economics, production, and processing methods for both herbaceous and woody crops. Technologies covered include combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, fermentation, transesterification, and anaerobic digestion. Value-added bio-refining products are also examined, along with the environmental impacts of biomass energy.Check the MATC website for class details

Introduction to Ethanol Fuel —

This course will provide the student with a general overview of ethanol fuel. Topics covered will include fermentation and distillation chemistry, ASTM fuel testing, engine performance, and exhaust emissions. An introduction to E85 fuel systems will also be included.

Introduction to Biodiesel Fuel —

This course will provide a general overview of biodiesel fuel. Production and quality control of biodiesel fuel will be explored, and students will have the opportunity to synthesize a small scale batch of biodiesel. Topics covered will include transesterfication chemistry, separation techniques, ASTM fuel testing, engine performance, and exhaust emissions.Check the MATC website for class details

Introduction to Hybrid Electric Vehicles —

This course will provide a general overview of hybrid electric vehicles. Topics covered will include hybrid propulsion systems, battery chemistry, high voltage safety, regenerative braking, and electric motors and generators.

Basic Photovoltaics and Site Assessor Training —

Students will learn the basics of photovoltaic system components and the steps necessary to performing a site audit prior to an installation on a PV system. Focus is put on the defining the solar window, system siting and sizing, load analysis and energy efficiency.

Intermediate PV —

This course is designed for students to get a basic understanding of PV system design and installation principles. Hands-on activities will introduce basic installation techniques. This class is recommended to students planning to take advanced PV workshops. Topics include batteries, wiring configurations, system diagramming, installation techniques and system maintenance.

Advanced PV Installation 1 —

This course will involve students in the hands-on installation of a 2.72 kW utility intertie PV system with battery back up on a dual axis mast tracker. Prior knowledge of PV systems and components is required. This class is designed for individuals and professionals who are planning on installing PV systems. Topics include safety, system design and layout, National Electric Code, component selection, wiring and installation techniques.

Solar Domestic Hot Water and Solar Space Heating Systems —

Solar Domestic Hot Water Site Assessment —

This class prepares students to perform solar domestic hot water heating site assessments for residential applications. Students will learn how to define a site's solar window, interpret solar radiation and temperature data, size a system, identify system components, determine the best location for collectors, and determine structural integrity for an installation. Attention will be given to preparation of assessment reporting documents and communication with customers, installers, other professionals and state officials. This class will prepare students for the Solar Thermal Site Assessor Certification Test administered by the WI Focus on Energy Program.

Wind Site Assessor Training —

Students will learn how to evaluate a site's wind energy potential, determine wind speeds at proposed heights, make a load profile for a client's energy needs, determine appropriate tower heights and estimate kWh output for a system based upon wind resources. The course will lead students through the background information required to perform wind site assessments for the Focus on Energy program, other state incentive programs, and for the home or business owner to assess their site. This class will prepare students for the Wind Site Assessor Certification Test administered by the WI Focus on Energy Program.

Wind Systems Repair and Maintenance —

Students will visit a number of area wind turbines and learn how to do system repairs and annual maintenance. Machines from 1kW to 20kW will be covered. Work will include freestanding, guyed and tilt-up towers. This is a working class, with optional tower climbing.

Residential Wind System Installation —

Students will install a working wind turbine on a pre-selected site. Mornings will be spent in class lecture on topics of wind energy basics and afternoons will be dedicated to hands-on construction of the wind system. This is a working class, with optional tower climbing.

Anaerobic Digester Technology —

Provides participants with an understanding of basic heat transfer properties as well as the biological and chemical reactions that take place in anaerobic digestion systems. Participants will also develop an in-depth knowledge of the design of anaerobic digestion systems, troubleshooting and repair methods, and workplace safety

Wood Combustion Heating Systems —

Students will learn how to burn wood cleanly and efficiently .The use of wood in residential heating systems is covered with attention given to firebox insulation, primary and secondary combustion air, fuel bed construction, burn zones, baffles and heat/transfer/distribution.