The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has launched a new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in Renewable Energy Technology (RET) and is inviting those interested in the growing field of renewable energy to attend a virtual information session. The session, which will take place on Nov. 21, 2024, from noon to 1 pm AST via Zoom, will provide details about the AAS RET courses, admission, enrollment, and careers related to renewable energy and energy management.
The AAS in RET was developed by the UVI College of Science and Mathematics and the Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) at UVI to generate a capable workforce that will help the USVI, the Caribbean region, and the U.S. accelerate its renewable energy revolution. The two-year AAS in RET degree program will educate students and future professionals in basic electrical concepts, renewable energy technologies, and installing and repairing photovoltaic (PV) systems. Completion of the RET program, including the required internship and course labs, will prepare students to confidently enter the renewable energy workforce. The program is also designed to be a step towards a baccalaureate degree in physics or applied mathematics. Graduates of the RET program will have the knowledge required to pass the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) photovoltaic system (PV) Associate examination, an internationally recognized certification for PV installation companies and practitioners.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands is experiencing a rapid growth in renewable energy system installation motivated by a need for higher energy security in the islands,” said Dr. Greg Guannel, Director of the CGTC. “Since 2017, there has been a 32 percent increase in solar systems installed on rooftops (homes and businesses alike), and the VI Water and Power Authority is investing in wind and solar farms on all islands. The number of businesses also nearly doubled since 2017, indicating the strength of the market. We need to ensure that there is a local workforce to meet this demand,” he stated.
To register for the Introduction to Renewable Energy Course, visit https://uvi.edu/registrar/general-registration-information.html. The course will be conducted virtually, with an in-person lab component which will take place on the Albert A. Sheen Campus. The deadline to register is Jan. 10, 2025. Classes begin Jan. 13, 2025.
To attend the Virtual Information Session on Nov. 21, register using the following information:
Register: https://bit.ly/UVIAASRET
Meeting ID: 990 9455 5639
The session will be rebroadcast across all UVI CGTC social media platforms on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at 7 pm AST.
For questions about the program, contact Dr. Gregory Guannel at (340) 693-1158 or via email at gregory.guannel@uvi.edu.
For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.
