Specialized Programs of Study
Program Policies and Resources
Substitutions, Waivers and Transfer Credit
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Courses Available in
Paul Emery
Director
Engineering and Technology
Solar Energy and Green Building
EDP 302977
Note: The Professional Program in Solar Energy and Green Building is discontinued, effective Dec. 5, 2011. No further registrations for the program will be accepted. Currently registered students should email course@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-4151.
Recent public policies and financial incentives have created current and future job opportunities in sustainability industries. Acquire the foundational knowledge identified by top professional organizations in both solar and green building industries. Get a comprehensive orientation to the solar industry, including perspectives on policy, economics, technology, best practices, emerging market trends, and opportunities. In addition, learn the latest on green building design and construction, as well as LEED rating systems.
Courses
The table contains the required courses for the Professional Program in Solar Energy and Green Building, as well as the terms they are typically available for enrollment.
| Required Courses | Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems | X440 | 2 | Spring |
| Introduction to Concepts of Green Building (Formerly Fundamentals of Green Building with LEED) or Application of Green Building Concepts |
X495 | 1 | Summer |
| X495.1 | 1 | Summer |
| Solar Energy Electives (Min. 3 units) |
Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Practical Guide to the Solar Industry (offered future term) | X411 | 2 | |
| Investment-Grade Solar System Feasibility Studies (offered future term) | X430 | 2 | |
| Solar Energy: Understanding Policy-Driven Markets (offered future term) | X432 | 1 | |
| Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management (offered future term) | X446 | 3 |
| Green Building Electives (Min. 2 units) |
Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applying LEED Building Operation and Maintenance | X401.2 | 1 | Summer |
| Building Commissioning for LEED | X493.1 | 2 | Fall |
| The Building Envelope | X413.3 | 2 | Summer |
| Climate Change and Green Building: The Business Case | X401.3 | 2 | Summer |
| Implementing LEED Strategies (offered future term) | X496 | 1 | |
| LEED for Homes: Integrated Project Planning (offered future term) | X498.1 | 2 | |
| Sustainable Construction Management and Field Practices (offered future term) | X490 | 2 |
Course availability is subject to change.
Recommended Electives
For architects, planners and LEED consultants:
- Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management X446
- Sustainable Construction Management and Field Practices X490
- Building Commissioning for LEED X493.1
- The Building Envelope X413.3
- All LEED-related courses
For engineers:
- Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management X446
- The Building Envelope X413.3
- Building Commissioning for LEED X493.1
- Integrated Design Process for the Design-Build Industry X498.1
For builders, construction managers, facility managers and project managers:
- Sustainable Construction Management and Field Practices X490
- Building Commissioning for LEED X493.1
- Applying LEED Building Operation and Maintenance X401.2
- Integrated Design Process for the Design-Build Industry X498.1
- Climate Change and Green Building: The Business Case X401.3
- Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management X446
- The Building Envelope X413.3
- A Practical Guide to the Solar Industry X411
For utility managers, policy makers, attorneys, developers, investors, real estate professionals and entrepreneurs:
- Climate Change and Green Building: The Business Case X401.3
- Solar Energy: Understanding Policy-Driven Markets X432
- Investment-Grade Solar Feasibility Studies X430
- A Practical Guide to the Solar Industry X411
- The Building Envelope X413.3
Who Will Benefit
If you are an architect, planner, engineer, builder, construction manager, facility manager, LEED consultant, project manager, utility manager, policy maker, attorney, developer, investor, real estate professional or entrepreneur, this program offers you the essential resources to plan effectively your career in the solar and green building industry.
Prerequisites for Admission
There are no requirements for the Professional Program in Solar Energy and Green Building. However, it is recommended that you have a bachelor's degree, basic math skills and some building industry experience.
Curriculum Requirements
The program consists of 2 required courses and 4 electives (3 semester units in solar energy and 2 semester units in green building) for a total of 8 semester units (120 hours of instruction). Candidates must pay a nonrefundable program registration fee.
All coursework must be completed within five years of registering for the program. However, requirements may be updated based on new developments in the field of study; we recommend completing the curriculum in a timely fashion. For more information, please see the completion requirements and the substitutions, waivers and transfer credit policies.
Estimated Cost
Each course is priced individually, but the program has an estimated cost of $3,550–$4,500 (not including course materials). Course fees are subject to change.
Contact Information
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. To contact the department office, email course@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-4151.
