November 3, 2023 – Minnesota West is offering a Solar Camp again this year for all current electricians and current students attending a Minnesota State college in the Electrician program.
The program will start with an online component in March, followed by a lab that will finish on June 4, 2024. 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 at Minnesota West Community and Technical College and enrolled in the Solar Camp. He graduated 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. He graduated 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 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.
Solar scholarships have closed on March 1, 2024.
Dates to note for the schedule:
March 11 – May 8, 2024 with one in-person session on March 15, 2024 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SOLR 1020 Introduction to Solar Assessment online course
May 13 – May 31, 2024
SOLR 2020 Advanced Photovoltaic Systems online course
May 13 – May 22, 2024 | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SOLR 1030 Solar Energy Construction Projects
May 23 – June 4, 2024 | Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SOLR 2025 Photovoltaic Systems Lab
Systems Lab will meet for labs at Minnesota West Community and Technical
College, Canby Campus (no class on Monday, May 27, Memorial Day)
Contact Vanessa Ruether for housing information | 507-223-1327 | vanessa.ruether@mnwest.edu
Contact Judy Drown for any Solar Program questions | 507-223-1342 | judy.drown@mnwest.edu