Course Series
in Solar Energy Development and Design
Part-time, online study tailored for:
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project managers
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industry executives
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environmental professionals
The renewable energy sector employed 11 million people in 2018, with an estimated growth of nearly one million new jobs added every year.
– IRENA Annual Review, 2019.
Understand the technology behind solar power as you acquire a foundational understanding of solar power and walk through the planning, design, and development process required to install a solar project. Learn about the mechanics of solar power generation and the technical aspects of its integration into power grids. Explore the economics of different solar power projects as you practice forecasting the output of projects in real time and assess the profitability of potential new projects. Discuss the promising future trajectories of the industry.
Solar Energy Development and Design will be of special interest to those who want to develop, manage, or improve their understanding of the rapidly evolving clean energy sector. This includes, among others, environmental professionals, project managers, industry executives, developers and investors interested in expanding their career or business with renewable energy.
Two steps, two credentials for you!
This series is comprised of a 42-hour course, “Solar Energy Development,” which is offered as a complement to the foundational program Renewable Energy Essentials. To earn your Solar Energy Development and Design Record of Achievement, you must complete this solar energy course and, in addition, the three 14-hour courses offered through Renewable Energy Essentials.

Step 1
Complete the three foundational courses in the Renewable Energy Essentials series
three 14-hour courses: receive Essentials Series Record of Achievement

Step 2
Compete the course Solar Energy Development
one 42-hour course + Essentials Series: receive Solar Energy Development and Design Record of Achievement
Fully online.
Offered as a complement to the foundational program Renewable Energy Essentials.
No prerequisites; working experience in a related area is recommended but not required.
Complete one course and the Renewable Energy Essentials series and earn a Faculty of Extension Record of Achievement.
Complete all 3 Renewable Energy Technology Series (Essentials, Solar Energy, and Wind Energy), and be eligible to write the Sustainable Energy Technologies Professional Exam (administered by the Foundational Technologies Institute) for a discounted student rate of $200 CAD (regular $800 CAD).
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF): job prospects, course content, credentialing, and more.
A note about COVID-19 measures
If you see a program on our website announced as an in-person or downtown Edmonton offering, please disregard the format—but not the program. Fall & Winter courses have been converted to remote delivery platforms. Register for a course online or apply to a program via email, and keep learning!
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Can be completed in 3 months
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Pay as you go
Earn a Series Record of Achievement
in Solar Energy Development and Design
Start today – no need to apply for admission
Complete the core course:
Complete one more course to also earn an additional – Wind Energy Development and Design – Record of Achievement.
Complete all 3 Renewable Energy Technology Series (Essentials, Solar Energy, and Wind Energy), and be eligible to write the Sustainable Energy Technologies Professional Exam (administered by the Foundational Technologies Institute) for a discounted student rate of $200 CAD (regular $800 CAD).
- Tuition is paid on a course-by-course basis as you register for your classes.
- Some courses require a textbook at an additional cost.
- Eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant.
- Corporate multi-registration packages are available for most Extension courses. Contact us at excorp@ualberta.ca for preferred pricing.
- Materials are included in course fee.
Bursaries and funding opportunities
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