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.
Tuition: ~$600.

1. Fill out the Oakland guest application form (NOTE: Please keep in mind that Guest Applications are good for ONLY one semester; you will need to submit a new Guest Application, and follow the same procedure for each semester you plan to attend OCC)
2. Scan it and send it electronically to banderegg@matcmadison.edu
3. MATC will FAX it to Oakland. You should receive your guest ID number within a week or so.

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.
Tuition: ~$600.

1. Fill out the Oakland guest application form (NOTE: Please keep in mind that Guest Applications are good for ONLY one semester; you will need to submit a new Guest Application, and follow the same procedure for each semester you plan to attend OCC)
2. Scan it and send it electronically to banderegg@matcmadison.edu
3. MATC will FAX it to Oakland. You should receive your guest ID number within a week or so.

Renewable Energy for International Development —

Renewable Energy for International Development

provides an examination of energy and economics in developing countries with special consideration given to renewable energy sources. The course will combine eight weeks of online instruction with ten days of travel and study abroad in Costa Rica. Students will learn to specify, design, and install renewable energy systems for developing countries. Field work will include design and installation of one or more of the following types of renewable energy systems:

• Small solar electric system (<200W off-grid)
• Micro-Hydropower generator (<2kW)
• Small scale wind generator (<1kW)
• Solar thermal hot water system
• Household methane biodigestor

Solar Electric Fundamentals & Grid-Direct Design–Online —

This course will provide an overview of the three basic PV system applications, primarily focusing on grid-direct systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, mounting solutions, safety, and commissioning. The course will also cover the basics of sizing a residential grid-direct system, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding.
Tuition: $895

Grid-Direct Solar Electric Systems & Code Criteria —

This workshop will build upon the core concepts from 10-482-130 and continue to emphasize grid-direct systems. The course will focus significantly on the National Electrical Code (NEC), including grid interface calculations, grounding considerations, and advanced component specification. Students will learn to evaluate system performance under various operating conditions. Commercial system design elements, such as inter-row shading, inverter selection, and data monitoring solutions will also be covered. Students can also receive college credit for all of our online classes through Madison Area Technical College.
Tuition: $995

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.
Tuition: $750

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, bi-fuel vehicles, liquid gas, bio-diesel, electric technology, electric vehicle components, fuel cell safety, and other sources of energy.

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.
Tuition: ~$325
Out-of-State Tuition: $450

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 transesterification chemistry, separation techniques, ASTM fuel testing, engine performance, and exhaust emissions.Check the MATC website for class details.
Tuition: ~$100
$150 for out of state

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.

PV Design and Installation—

This workshop is designed to offer students a higher level of lecture and hands-on learning that will prepare them for field installations and other advanced workshops. Students will learn how to correctly size and select PV system components. Participants will identify and interpret NEC codes that pertain to the installations. Our outdoor training roof enables our instructors to teach safety, system design and layout, component selection, wiring techniques, installation techniques, and troubleshooting.
Tuition: $580

Basic Photovoltaics for Electricians & PV Site Assessor Training —

These two one-day classes provide an overview of basic photovoltaic systems and the steps necessary to performing a site audit. Two MREA courses (MREA PV 101.XX and PV 201.XX) are required for this 1 credit CERET Certificate course.
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.
Tuition: ~$380

Intermediate Photovoltaics —

This 16-hour course uses lecture and hands-on classroom activities to teach the basic principles of PV system design and installation. Participants will learn basic installation techniques, including system sizing, system layout, battery connections, safety, and basic line drawings. Participants will size, connect, and test a small battery-based DC system and an AC grid intertie system. This class is recommended for students working toward NABCEP Certification or planning on attending MREA advanced classes. 12 students maximum.
Tuition: ~$300

Advanced PV Installation —

This 8-hour workshop provides an advanced level of lecture that prepares the participants for designing Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. In depth discussions will include: product specification, product integration, system design capabilities and limits, major system design issues, common mistakes and solutions. MREA's PV Design and Installation Lab Course, PV 301.XX, is required for this 1 credit CERET certificate course.
Tuition: ~$580

Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems & Solar Space Heating —

These two one-day classes provide an overview of solar systems for domestic hot water and space heating applications. These systems can provide in excess of 50 percent of a home's hot water and/or space heating needs, reducing the consumption of costly fossil fuel energy sources. This class includes an introduction to integrated collector/storage, open loop, closed loop, drainback, draindown, and antifreeze hot water systems. Solar hot air heating, in-floor radiant heating, and high mass thermal storage are also covered. Additional topics include choosing a site, system sizing, system components, system design types and basic installation techniques.Two MREA courses (MREA SW 101.XX and SW 102.XX) are required for this 1 credit CERET Certificate course.
Tuition: ~$220

Solar Water Installation—

In this 24-hour course, students will learn the basics of how to properly install two solar domestic hot water heating systems suitable for northern climates. The hands-on workshop includes both theory and installation practice. Two systems will be installed on a training roof, drainback and pressurized closed-loop systems. This class will qualify you to be on the Focus on Energy Full Service Installer List.
Tuition: $460

Solar Water Site Assessment —

This 8-hour course leads participants through the background information required to perform a solar water heating assessment for the Focus on Energy program and for the homeowner to assess their own site. Participants of this workshop will learn how to assess a home for its potential for a solar domestic hot water system. Students will learn how to define a site’s solar window, interpret solar radiation and temperature data, size a system, identify system components, and determine the best location for collectors. Prerequisite: Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems.
Tuition: $270

Wind Site Assessor Training —

This workshop will help participants 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 training will lead participants through the background information required to perform wind site assessments for the Focus on Energy program and other state incentive programs, for the home or business owner to assess their site, and for taking the Wind Site Assessor Certification Test. Recommended for professionals looking to begin in the wind business, beginner wind dealers, educators, and homeowners. Prerequisite: Intro to Wind Energy Systems.
Tuition: $400

Wind Turbine Repair and Maintenance —

Participants in this workshop will perform repairs and annual maintenance on a number of area wind turbines and systems. This is a working workshop with optional tower climbing. Machines from 1 kW to 20 kW will be covered, including work on freestanding, guyed lattice, and tilt-up towers. Prerequisites: Introduction to Wind Systems or Wind Site Assessor Training AND Residential Wind System Installation.
Tuition: $660

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.

Advanced Wind—

These advanced wind courses from the MREA and MATC can be taken with permission from project administrators

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.