Graduate Certificate in Solar Energy at Pennsylvania State University

The graduate certificate in Solar Energy is designed for current and aspiring practitioners seeking advanced skills in resource assessment, project development, and system design for solar thermal and solar electric systems. The program is offered by the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering through Penn State's World Campus.

Courses taken in the certificate program may be applied toward the Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (RESS) if the student has earned a B- or better in each course, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Certificate students who wish to have certificate courses applied towards the M.P.S. in RESS must apply and be admitted to that degree program. Admission to the RESS graduate degree program is a separate step and is not guaranteed.

1. Evaluate solar energy systems using techno-economic, performance and/or cost/benefit analyses, including multi-parameter dynamic simulation tools.
2. Demonstrate fundamental understanding of the principles of solar energy science, including resource availability, resource intermittency,and options for solar energy conversion systems.
3. Demonstrate an appreciation for the project development and stakeholder engagement process relative to the goal of solar design:identifying stakeholder preference for solar goods and services in a given locale.
4. Evaluate project development and/or sustainability decisions in the broader context of society's interests.