Last year, 12 students received a Solar Photovoltaic Technician Certification in addition to their Electrician degree. Minnesota West is offering the same Solar Camp again this year for all Students attending a Minnesota State college in the Electrician program.
The program will start with an online component in March, followed by lab that will finish on June 6, 2023. Students looking to enroll will also have the option to stay at the Carr Residence Hall in Canby for the 3 weeks during lab hours.
Solar and Electrician Instructor, Judy Drown, is encouraging Electrician students to sign up as there is a growing need for solar installers. There are solar installer jobs available throughout Minnesota.
Devon Beimert was a first-year electrical student last Spring at Minnesota West Community and Technical College on the Canby campus and enrolled in the Solar Camp. He will graduate this spring with his Electrician degree and Solar Photovoltaic Technician Certification. Devon stated, “I thought the solar camp was a truly amazing experience. The instructors, Judy Drown and Tim Zinniel were very helpful, insightful and taught us so much about solar. And I feel it would be an extraordinary experience for anyone.”
Dallas Durbin was also a first-year electrical student who enrolled last year on the Canby Campus. He graduates this spring with an Electrician degree and Solar Photovoltaic Technician Certification. Dallas stated, “It was a great learning opportunity, I got a lot of hands-on experience with solar array systems that are used in the field. I learned a lot about solar systems and the energy field in general.”
“It’s almost like magic because there are no moving parts in these arrays, they literally just sit there and generate power,” said Christine, a 2022 Solar Camp Student.
Christine graduated last Spring from Ridgewater College in Hutchinson with an Electrician A.A.S. and received her Solar Photovoltaic Technician Certification from Minnesota West Community and Technical College in 2022.
Dates to note for the schedule:
March 13, 2023 SOLR 1020 Introduction to Solar Assessment online course opens Register for SOLR 1020
March 24, 2023 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. SOLR 1020 Introduction to Solar Assessment
Lunch will be provided
May 15, 2023 SOLR 1020 Introduction to Solar Assessment online course closes
May 15, 2023 SOLR 2020 Advanced Photovoltaic Systems online course opens Register for SOLR 2020
May 15 – June 6, 2023 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SOLR 1030 Solar Energy Construction Projects, and SOLR 2025 Photovoltaic
Register for SOLR 1030 Register for SOLR 2025
Systems Lab will meet for labs at Minnesota West Community and Technical
College, Canby Campus (no class on Monday, May 29, Memorial Day)
Contact Deb Full for housing information | 507-223-1327 | deb.full@mnwest.edu
Contact Judy Drown for any Solar Program questions | 507-223-1342 | judy.drown@mnwest.edu
Details and Residence Application