Photovoltaics - Formerly Advanced Photovoltaic Technician - Major #8196

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The courses in the photovoltaics certificate prepare the student for employment in the photovoltaic industry for auditors, site surveyors, designers, and other advanced positions. The student is advised to complete the Electricity Fundamentals 2 certificate prior.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Given a customers electrical usage, plan, design, document, and install various photovoltaic systems with all required hardware and electrical equipment to NEC and local/state requirements.
Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester

Term 1

8 units

EST 50
Introduction to Electrical Systems Technology

2 units
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
An introduction to electronics and the Electrical Systems Technology program. Intensive review and practice in the reading & math skills, and critical thinking necessary for success in any electronics or electrically related career. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: AT 10
    1. CSU Transfer Course

      EST 55A
      Digital Concepts

      3 units
      Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
      Introduction to digital systems and subcomponents. Introduction to analog vs. digital world, numbering systems, logic gates, decoders, encoders, multiplexer and multiplexed transmission, registers and memory devices, as well as, digital circuit design using computer software. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:
      1. Advisory: EST 54

            EST 56A
            Wiring Methods

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
            Introduction and application of electrical wiring methods as recognized by the National Electrical Code. Includes wiring methods and procedures for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Major emphasis will be placed upon electrical safety. (A, CSU)
            Course Details:
            1. Advisory: EST 54
              1. CSU Transfer Course

                Term 2

                9 units

                EST 57C
                Voice and Data Cabling

                3 units
                Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                The course focuses on cabling issues related to data and voice connections and provides an understanding of the industry and its worldwide standards, types of media and cabling, physical and logical networks, as well as signal transmission. (A, CSU)
                Course Details:
                1. Advisory: EST 54
                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                    EST 81
                    Photovoltaic Systems

                    3 units
                    Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                    Introduction of photovoltaic system requirements, design and configurations, installation techniques, and their applications in residential, commercial, and industrial. (A, CSU)
                    Course Details:
                    1. Advisory: EST 54
                    2. Advisory: EST 56A
                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                        Spring Only 

                        EST 61
                        Networking Fundamentals

                        3 units
                        Effective Term: 2021 Spring Semester
                        Principles and structure of network addressing including applications and equipment operation. (A, CSU)
                        Course Details:
                        1. Advisory: EST 55A
                          1. CSU Transfer Course
                            Total: 17 units