Specialized Programs of Study
Program Policies and Resources
Substitutions, Waivers and Transfer Credit
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Courses Available in
- Construction
- HVAC
- LEED and Green Building
- Facilities
- Energy
- Solar
- Electrical Engineering
- Smart Grid Technology
- Integrated Circuit (IC) Design and Engineering
Jim Connor
Director
Engineering and Technology
Solar Energy and Green Building
View the BrochureEDP 302977
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 | Fall Spring |
| Introduction to Concepts of Green Building (formerly Fundamentals of Green Building with LEED) or Application of Green Building Concepts |
X495 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
| X495.1 | 1 | Fall Spring Summer |
| Solar Energy Electives (Min. 3 units) |
Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Practical Guide to the Solar Industry (formerly Solar Industry Orientation) | X411 | 2 | Spring |
| Basics of Photovoltaic Devices | X416 | 2 | Spring Summer |
| Investment-Grade Solar System Feasibility Studies | X430 | 2 | Fall Spring |
| Solar Energy: Understanding Policy-Driven Markets | X432 | 1 | Spring |
| Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management | X446 | 3 | Spring |
| Green Building Electives (Min. 2 units) |
Course Number | Units/ CEU | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applying LEED Building Operation and Maintenance (formerly Sustainable Building Operation and Maintenance Practice and LEED) | X401.2 | 1 | Spring Summer |
| Building Commissioning for LEED | X493.1 | 2 | Fall Spring |
| The Building Envelope | X413.3 | 2 | Summer |
| Climate Change and Green Building: The Business Case | X401.3 | 2 | Spring Summer |
| Implementing LEED Strategies | X496 | 1 | Fall Spring |
| LEED for Homes: Integrated Project Planning | X498.1 | 2 | Fall Spring |
| Sustainable Construction Management and Field Practices | X490 | 2 | Spring |
Course availability is subject to change. You may begin the program by enrolling in one or more of the Solar Energy and Green Building courses offered this term.
Recommended Electives
For architects, planners, and LEED consultants:
- X446 Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management
- X490 Sustainable Construction Management and Field Practices
- X493.1 Building Commissioning for LEED
- X413.3 The Building Envelope
- All LEED-related courses
For engineers:
- X446 Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management
- X416 Basics of Photovoltaic Devices
- X413.3 The Building Envelope
- X493.1 Building Commissioning for LEED
- X498.1 Integrated Design Process for the Design-Build Industry
For builders, construction managers, facility managers, and project managers:
- X490 Sustainable Construction Management and Field Practices
- X493.1 Building Commissioning for LEED
- X401.2 Applying LEED Building Operation and Maintenance
- X498.1 Integrated Design Process for the Design-Build Industry
- X401.3 Climate Change and Green Building: The Business Case
- X446 Advanced Solar PV System Design and Project Management
- X413.3 The Building Envelope
- X411 A Practical Guide to the Solar Industry
For utility managers, policy makers, attorneys, developers, investors, real estate professionals, and entrepreneurs:
- X401.3 Climate Change and Green Building: The Business Case
- X432 Solar Energy: Understanding Policy-Driven Markets
- X430 Investment-Grade Solar Feasibility Studies
- X411 A Practical Guide to the Solar Industry
- X413.3 The Building Envelope
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.
How to Enroll in a Course
To enroll in a course, click on a course title from the table. On the course description page, choose the section you want to enroll in. Then, in the box that appears, click on "Enroll Now." Fill out the online enrollment form.
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, send an email to course@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-4151.
