Renewable Energy

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy refers to energy that comes from natural resources that are continually replaced, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. These renewable sources are naturally replenished on a human timescale so we can use them without running out. Unlike finite fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental degradation when burned, renewable energy sources offer cleaner alternatives that can contribute to sustainable energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The process of energy management includes:

• Resource Identification: The first step is identifying renewable energy resources such as sunlight, wind, water, biomass, or geothermal heat that can be harnessed for energy production.
• Resource Assessment: Assessing the availability, intensity, and variability of renewable resources at specific locations to determine their feasibility for energy generation.
• Capture or Conversion: Depending on the resource, it can be captured or converted into usable energy. This can involve solar panels converting sunlight into electricity, wind turbines converting wind energy into electricity, or bioenergy systems converting biomass into biofuels or biogas.
• Transmission and Distribution: Once energy is generated, it must be transmitted efficiently to end-users through power lines or grids. This includes planning and optimizing the infrastructure to minimize energy loss during transmission.

What Careers Are Involved with Renewable Energy?

Working in renewable energy offers diverse opportunities across various professions dedicated to sustainable energy sources. Professionals in this field contribute to reducing dependency on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change impacts, and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Key job sectors include Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Hydropower, Bioenergy, and Geothermal Energy. Working in Renewable Energy offers fulfilling careers that contribute to global sustainability goals, address energy challenges, and create a cleaner, more resilient future. Please visit our career coach to explore our energy management programs.

What Will I Study for a Degree in Renewable Energy at ECC?

In the program, you will develop expertise in evaluating and optimizing energy management and renewable energy systems for residential and commercial buildings. Practical components include conducting energy audits and systems analysis on local buildings in the Elgin area. The faculty, comprised of experienced educators and industry professionals, is dedicated to preparing you for success in the field. ECC focuses on providing you with hands-on experience designing, retrofitting, and troubleshooting renewable energy and HVAC systems. The curriculum offers an in-depth study of solar, wind, and photovoltaic technologies, preparing you for mid-level technician roles in the renewable energy industry.

Elgin Community College's Associate Degree program is designed to equip students for careers in renewable energy and HVAC systems through a comprehensive four-semester curriculum.

First Semester:

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration I
• Basic Electricity and HVACR Controls
• Survey of Renewable Energy Systems
• Electrical Control Circuits
• Technical Math I or College Algebra

Second Semester:

• Basic Heating Gas/Oil
• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration II
• Commercial Load Calculations
• Programmable Controllers I
• Required Communications Course

Third Semester:

• Heat Pumps & Electrical Heat
• Programmable Controllers II
• Introduction to Wind Energy
• Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
• Intro to Sustainable Heating Systems
• Required Communications Course

Fourth Semester:

• AC Drives
• Energy Auditing
• Photovoltaic System Application
• Wind Turbine Service