Overview
ARC Solar Certificate Program Overview
The ARC Solar Certificate Program is a comprehensive, industry-aligned training path designed to launch your career in the rapidly growing solar energy sector. This program equips you with the advanced technical and professional skills needed to manage the complete lifecycle of residential and commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems, from initial concept to final operation.
Core Curriculum & Technical Mastery
You will master the essential technical pillars of solar energy, including:
- System Design & Installation: Detailed instruction in AC/DC electrical and mechanical calculations, effective site surveying, and hands-on PV system integration.
- Advanced Components: Specialized knowledge of energy storage systems (ESS) and grid integration principles.
- Compliance & Safety: In-depth training on current electrical codes, industry standards, and critical job-site safety protocols.
Business & Professional Skills
Beyond the technical training, the curriculum integrates crucial business competencies essential for career advancement:
- Financial & Sales Analysis: Training in project financial analysis and effective sales strategies.
- Management & Presentation: Developing strong management skills and delivering impactful client presentations.
Certification & Career Pathways
Upon successful completion, the certificate courses qualify you to take the highly respected North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam.
Graduates are prepared to immediately branch into diverse, high-demand career roles, including:
- Designers
- Certified Installers
- Inspectors
- Energy Consultants
Opportunities await with utility companies, municipal organizations, leading manufacturers, and specialized contractors across the nation.
Solar Certificate Program: Frequently Asked Questions
The demand for certified solar professionals is experiencing explosive growth. Factors like the mass adoption of electric vehicles, building electrification, and the expansion of data centers are exponentially increasing electricity demand. Solar electricity is fast to deploy, highly affordable, and an environmentally sustainable solution. This rapid industry expansion has created a high-growth job market with substantial career opportunities for qualified technicians, designers, and installers.
The program is structured for quick completion and typically takes approximately one year (two to three semesters) to finish, depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
Enrolling is a straightforward two-step process:
- Apply to American River College through the standard college admissions process.
- Register for the core certificate courses: ENERGY 140 and ENERGY 141.
This program is designed for working adults or those with weekday commitments.
- Lectures are offered online for maximum flexibility.
- Lab Classes are typically held one day per week, usually on Saturdays from 2:00 pm to 7:50 pm.
Note: Please check the current semester's official class schedule, as the exact lab day and time may vary based on instructor availability and college scheduling.
Certificates of Achievement
Solar Energy Systems Design, Estimation, and Sales Certificate
This certificate provides training in all aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, cost estimation, sales, and installation. It also includes training in oral presentations and management skills.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| BUS 300 |
Introduction to Business (3) |
3 |
| or BUS 350 |
Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship (3) |
|
| COMM C1000 |
Introduction to Public Speaking |
3 |
| ENERGY 140 |
Electrical Applications for Solar Installers |
3 |
| ENERGY 141 |
Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers |
3 |
| ENERGY 143 |
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting |
4 |
| ET 302 |
Principles of Electricity and Electronics |
4 |
| Total Units: |
|
20 |
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the components in a complete grid-tie PV system.
- construct solar PV battery charging systems.
- analyze test equipment data to determine the location of the "sweet spot" on a solar PV panel's Current--Voltage (IV) curves.
- identify tools and test equipment necessary for solar PV panel installations.
- identify different sizes of wire according to American Wire Gauge (AWG) tables.
- construct a simulated roof system using industry standard building materials.
- calculate the amount of yearly solar radiance in relationship to shading using the Solmetric's SunEye predictor and software.
- inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a functioning grid tie solar PV system.
- estimate the yearly power output for a solar photovoltaic system using both the SunEye and the Pathfinder sun angle and shade predictor.
- identify typical locations of electrical/mechanical failures in PV systems.
- maximize communication effectiveness by specifying, planning for, and adapting to the specific audience.
- identify and analyze factors that contribute to effective design, development, and delivery of presentations.
- relate the communication process to public speaking situations.
- assess the ways to start a business and which form of business organization should be used.
- explain the importance of a business plan, a financial plan, and a marketing plan.
- describe the financing process and how to access capital.
- apply principles of management and marketing relevant to the small business.
- evaluate financial reports.
- analyze the impact of legal requirements and government regulations as related to the operation of the small business.
This certificate prepares students for entry level employment in a wide variety of positions in the PV industry. It is also valuable for people working in the PV industry to upgrade their skills to include the newest advancements in solar technology. Career opportunities include PV system designers, PV systems outside sales, PV equipment and associated component sales representatives, and a variety of other emerging careers in this field.
Solar Energy Technology Certificate
This certificate provides training in all aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| ENERGY 140 |
Electrical Applications for Solar Installers |
3 |
| ENERGY 141 |
Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers |
3 |
| ENERGY 143 |
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting |
4 |
| ET 302 |
Principles of Electricity and Electronics |
4 |
| Total Units: |
|
14 |
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the components in a complete grid-tie PV system.
- construct solar PV battery charging systems.
- analyze test equipment data to determine the location of the "sweet spot" on a solar PV panel's Current-Voltage (IV) curves.
- identify tools and test equipment necessary for solar PV panel installations.
- identify different sizes of wire according to American Wire Gauge (AWG) tables.
- construct a simulated roof system using industry standard building materials.
- calculate the amount of yearly solar radiance in relationship to shading using the Solmetric's SunEye predictor and software.
- inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a functioning grid-tie solar PV system.
- assess safety hazards in respect to fire, shock, and falls when installing or repairing PV systems.
- estimate PV system using both the SunEye and the Pathfinder sun angle and shade predictor.
- identify typical locations of electrical/mechanical failures in PV systems.
- calculate the correct gauge wire and number of wires in a metal raceway according to National Electrical Code standards.
- calculate the battery amperage required for a stand-alone PV system.
This certificate prepares the student for entry level employment in a wide variety of positions in the PV industry. It is also valuable for people working in the PV industry to upgrade their skills to include the newest advancements in solar technology. Career opportunities include PV installers, PV service technicians, and other emerging careers in this field.
Certificate
Basic Solar Certificate
This certificate provides training in basic solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, installation, troubleshooting, and repair. to be used in remote telecommunication and industrial locations. Field trips may be required.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2025
| Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
| ENERGY 140 |
Electrical Applications for Solar Installers |
3 |
| ENERGY 141 |
Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers |
3 |
| ET 302 |
Principles of Electricity and Electronics |
4 |
| Total Units: |
|
10 |
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- create simple electronic schematics using basic schematic symbols.
- apply electrical concepts to measure and evaluate resistance, capacitance, and inductive devices.
- compare and contrast series and parallel resistive, capacitance, and inductive circuits.
- describe the components in a grid-tie or battery PV system.
- assess safety hazards when working with PV systems.
- identify and employ common hand tools to construct a simulated roof structure and install a solar PV system.
- calculate the gauge wire and conduit size for a given solar PV panel array per National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
- inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a solar PV system.
- evaluate different types of solar inverters and solar PV panels to determine which configurations would have the highest efficiency and most power output for a given situation.
- use industry software and measuring tools to determine solar PV panel string-size, yearly solar radiance, and yearly power output.
This certificate prepares the student for electronic technician positions in industries that also include solar PV systems in remote locations such as the telecommunications industry.
Energy (ENERGY) Courses
ENERGY 140 Electrical Applications for Solar Installers
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:ET 302
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is an introductory course in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy. It covers how solar PV energy works and how to assess if PV is feasible in a variety of situations. Topics include calculating and measuring PV power outputs for different conditions, using software tools and hardware for calculating and sizing PV systems, and measuring and analyzing shading conditions. Additionally, it addresses how to install and connect necessary components. Field trips may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the components in a complete grid-tie PV system.
- construct solar PV battery charging systems.
- calculate the correct gauge wire for a given solar PV panel array.
- inspect and repair, if necessary, malfunctioning components in a grid-tie solar PV system.
- employ common hand tools in the mechanical installation of both a grid-tie and a battery solar PV system.
- analyze test equipment data to determine the location of the "sweet spot" on a solar PV panel's current-voltage (IV) curves.
- identify tools and test equipment necessary for solar PV panel installations.
- evaluate which different types of solar PV panels would have the most power output for a given application.
- assess safety hazards when working with PV systems.
- estimate the power output for a solar PV panel for a given sun angle.
- construct an electrical conduit that has both right and left 90-degree bends.
- identify different sizes of wire according to American Wire Gauge (AWG) tables.
- construct an emergency backup power system using solar PV panels and gel-cell batteries.
ENERGY 141 Electrical & Mechanical Applications for Solar Installers
- Units:3
- Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ENERGY 140 with a grade of "C" or better
- Corequisite:ET 302
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is an advanced course in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy. Topics include using hardware and software tools for shading and correct orientation of solar panels, the effect PV panel orientation has on system power output and efficiency, what effect optimum PV panel loading has on power produced, and how to perform a load analysis on a residence. Additionally, it covers the use of various manufacturers' software to calculate PV panel string sizing for optimum efficiency when working with grid-tie inverters. National Electrical Code (NEC) and fire code wire sizing, fusing, and other safety instructions and procedures are stressed. The successful completion of this course and ENERGY 142 qualify students to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Achievement Exam leading to the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certificate. Field trips may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- analyze and describe the advantages of obtaining the NABCEP Associate Achievement Award and the PV Installation Professional Certificate.
- construct a simulated roof system using industry standard building materials.
- calculate the amount of yearly solar radiance in relationship to shading using the Solmetric's SunEye predictor and software.
- calculate the correct gauge wire and number of wires in a metal raceway according to NEC code standards.
- inspect and repair malfunctioning components in a functioning grid-tie solar PV system.
- employ common hand tools such as saws, drills, and framing squares used in building a simulated roof structure.
- analyze test equipment data to determine the voltage drop on low-voltage, high-current wires.
- attach solar PV panel mounting rails and associated hardware to a roof while retaining the ability of the roof to be watertight.
- evaluate the different types of solar grid-tie inverters and determine which configurations would have the highest efficiency and most power output for a given situation.
- assess safety hazards with respect to fire, shock, and falls when installing or repairing photovoltaic systems.
- estimate the yearly power output in watt-hours per year for a solar PV system using both the SunEye and the Pathfinder sun angle and shade predictor.
- evaluate, draft, and construct a simple solar panel one-line drawing using graphics software.
- examine and classify different sizes of wire according to American Wire Gauge (AWG) tables.
- develop a solar PV panel string size using SMA America, LLC string sizing software and then modify the design for one half of the power output.
ENERGY 142 NABCEP Associate Certification Preparation
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:ENERGY 140 and 141 with grades of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This advanced course in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy includes preparation for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Associate Certificate of Knowledge Exam. Topics include hardware and software tools used for determining percent of shade, and orienting solar panels, the effect of PV panel orientation on system power and efficiency, and the load analysis. Additionally, it covers calculating PV panel string sizing when working with grid tie inverters as related to the NABCEP test. National Electrical Code (NEC) and fire code wire sizing, fusing, and other safety instructions and procedures are reviewed. The successful completion of this course and ENERGY 141 meets the requirements to take the NABCEP certified associate solar PV installers and service technicians entry level Certificate of Knowledge of PV systems test. Field trips may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the advantages of obtaining the NABCEP PV Associate Certificate of Knowledge.
- calculate the amount of yearly solar radiance in relationship to shading using the Solmetrics SunEye predictor and software.
- calculate the correct wire gauge according to National Electrical Code standards.
- analyze test equipment data to determine the voltage drop on low voltage, high current wires.
- identify hazards involved with PV installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- calculate AC and DC current, voltage, and resistance in a given circuit.
- use maps, compasses, and other instruments to determine true south.
- identify key points on current-voltage (IV) curves.
- describe the qualification tests for PV cells and modules.
- describe the effect of cell temperature to PV panel output voltage and power.
- calculate the battery amperage required for a stand-alone PV system.
- calculate voltage drops in wiring, fuses, combiners, and connectors.
- identify typical electrical/mechanical failures in PV systems.
ENERGY 143 Solar Photovoltaic Systems Design, Installation, and Troubleshooting
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:ENERGY 141 with a grade of "C" or better
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This advanced course in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy offers the opportunity for hands-on experience designing, installing, and troubleshooting grid-tie and stand-alone PV systems. Topics include hardware and software tools used in the solar PV industry, blueprint reading, calculating component size and capacity, and personal safety. Additionally, it covers calculating PV panel string sizing when working with grid-tie inverters and battery sizing when designing stand-alone PV systems. National Electrical Code (NEC) and fire code wire sizing, fusing, and other safety instructions and procedures are reviewed. Ten-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training is provided. Students must pay the OSHA required fee in order to obtain the OSHA safety card. Field trips may be required.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess safety hazards when working with photovoltaic (PV) systems.
- evaluate which types of solar PV panels are best in various PV installations.
- employ common hand tools in the mechanical installation of both a grid-tie and a battery solar PV system.
- calculate the battery amp-hours required for a stand-alone PV system.
- construct solar PV grid-tie systems.
- interpret blueprint drawings and what their symbols represent.
- calculate the voltage and amperage of bi-modal PV systems.
- diagram fuses, combiner boxes, and disconnects in grid-tie and stand-alone PV systems.
- interpret NEC wiring codes for PV installations.
- calculate voltage drops for short and long distances.
- calculate the maximum number of wires allowed in a conduit using NEC tables.
- describe the benefits of solar incentives.
- resolve typical problems with solar PV systems.
- label all equipment and cable runs per NEC code.
- describe various energy sources that can be interfaced with photovoltaic systems.
- identify new career paths in the solar power industry.
ENERGY 299 Experimental Offering in Energy
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This is the experimental courses description.
ENERGY 303 Energy and Sustainability
- Same As:NATR 303
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Successful completion of Algebra II/Integrated Math 3 or Intermediate Algebra; AND NATR 300, or an equivalent transferable life science course; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:Local GE L5
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
This course investigates fundamentals of energy and impacts of energy systems on society and the environment. It explores energy resources, efficiency, conservation, and emerging technologies. Specifically addressed are mechanics, advantages, disadvantages, and sustainability of current and future energy systems. This course also focuses on economic, cultural, political, and environmental aspects of energy production and consumption in the context of the built environment, transportation, food systems, manufacturing, and public services. Field trips may be required. This course is not open to students who have completed NATR 303 or ET 303.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- examine the concept of sustainability as it relates to energy
- examine geographic, socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental considerations of energy production and consumption
- explain technologies involved in solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, hydroelectric (large and small scale), nuclear fission, wave/current/tidal, geothermal, biomass, and wind (onshore and offshore) energy systems
- compare conventional fossil-fuel based energy systems with current alternatives
- examine the relationships between energy production and consumption scenarios and their contributions to atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and air, water, and soil pollution
- evaluate alternative energy policies for North America, Europe, and the world
- interpret the results of a residential energy audit and recommend actions
- critically evaluate more sustainable approaches and practices in energy use for heating, lighting, food systems, the built environment/transportation/infrastructure, manufacturing, and public services
- examine strategies for dealing with production and consumption fluctuations and energy storage issues
- understand considerations for energy systems related to temporal and spatial scale and connectivity, including potential for distributed energy systems, aging of the electrical grid, land use conflicts, and timelines for taking newer technologies to scale
- evaluate the potential for emerging opportunities in nanotechnology and biomimicry with respect to energy systems
