Energy Systems Technology

Why Energy Systems?

Power the future through clean energy, electrification, and advanced power systems.

If you’re interested in solar, wind, electric vehicles, or the future of energy, these programs gives you a strong start. You’ll learn how renewable energy systems work, how electricity is generated and stored, and how to install and maintain modern energy technologies. This field is growing rapidly as Illinois expands its clean‑energy workforce.

This program leads to careers like: solar technician, wind turbine technician, energy systems installer, EV charging technician, battery systems specialist.

For students interested in clean energy, power systems, and emerging electrification technologies, our Industrial Technology Programs lead to pathways in Power Generation & Distribution, Renewable Energy, and Energy Transmission.  

Program Details

Energy Systems Certificate

In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Certificates
View Certificates
Microcertificates
View Microcertificates

Certificates

Energy Systems Technology Certificate

Energy Systems Certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, install, operate, and maintain energy technologies such as energy producing systems of wind and photovoltaics.  It incorporates energy storage systems - batteries and energy control systems – building automation systems. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on training in energy systems, integration of energy systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable design and control.

Students learn to work with industry-standard tools, safety practices, and emerging technologies that support a secure stable energy future. Graduates are prepared for technical careers as technicians, and specialists in fields that demand precision, problem-solving skills, and up-to-date technical knowledge.

Should you decide to pursue further education in this area, you can apply all of these courses toward the Industrial Technology Certificate or the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Industrial Technology degree.

Career Pathways

Energy Storage Technician: Specializing in battery technologies, inverters, and energy management systems for solar-plus-storage and grid applications. 
 
Energy Project Coordinator: Overseeing planning, permitting, and implementation of solar, wind, or hybrid renewable projects. 
 
Sustainable Building Systems Technician: Working with energy-efficient HVAC, smart building controls, and renewable energy integration in green buildings. 
 
Wind Turbine Technician: Performing mechanical and electrical maintenance on wind turbines, including climbing towers and troubleshooting control systems. 
 
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technician: Installing, testing, and maintaining residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar power systems. 
 
Energy Auditor: Assessing homes and businesses to recommend renewable energy solutions and efficiency improvements. 
 
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Technician: Installing and servicing EV charging stations, often integrated with solar or energy storage systems. 
 
Renewable Energy Sales & Technical Consultant: Providing technical knowledge to help clients choose, design, and finance renewable energy solutions.

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:

  • Halo Solar 
  • Harvest  
  • Siemens 
  • Straight Up Solar 
  • Legacy Solar 
  • Invenergy 
  • EPD 
  • Ameren 
  • Constellation Energy 

Heartland and Industry Credentials

    •  Energy Systems Technology Certificate
    • 10‑Hour or 30‑Hour OSHA Construction or General Industry Safety Card
    • ETA-I PV-1 Installer certification 

Special Program Information

You must choose to focus on one of the following areas: Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Renewable Energy or Building Automation. 

Average Class Size

  • 16 Students - receive more individualized attention

Course Information

  • Day-time classes
  • Classes are 8 weeks and 16 weeks
  • Math and Literacy placement are not required, but math placement could be helpful 

Completion Time 

  • 12 months  - 2 semesters
  • 16 credit hours
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you 

Get Involved

  • Skills USA

Energy Systems - Solar Energy Option

Certificate Requirements
Course Hours
CTEC 101 - Introduction to Computers

3

REEC 140 - Photovoltaic Systems

3

REEC 256 - Energy Storage & EV Chargers

3

Elective - Any MAIN or REEC course (MAIN 201 reccommended)

3

Energy Systems - Building Automation Option

Microcertificates

Energy Systems - Charging Infrastructure Technician (EVSE) Microcertificate

The EVSE Microcertificate gives you basic the specialized skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain, and repair Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment/Systems (EVSE). This short program focuses on the fundamentals of energy storage systems, electrical wiring, and power distribution, safety protocols, troubleshooting, and the installation of both residential and commercial charging infrastructures. Should you decide to pursue further education in this area, you can apply coursework towards the Energy Systems Technology Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Industrial Technology degree. 

High Voltage Battery Technology Microcertificate

The High Voltage Battery Technology Microcertificate provides fundamental skills in battery technologies. This short program is intended to enhance your knowledge of the industrial and manufacturing sectors. If you decide to continue your education in this field, you can apply the coursework toward the Industrial Technology Core Certificate or the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Industrial Technology degree.

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Special Program Information

All certificates can be applied toward Heartland’s Industrial Technology Certificate and/or AAS Industrial Technology degree. 

Our programs are taught fully in person and built around hands‑on learning. Students work directly with industry‑standard equipment, real tools, and real projects — the kind of experience employers look for.

This program is located in our new Advanced Manufacturing Center with a state-of-the-art Renewable Energy Lab. Students will have the ability to visit a real wind turbine located on campus that supplies 64% of our school's electricity. The college is planning to build a solar array on the Northwest end of Main Campus that will generate an additional 22% of campus energy usage. That, combined with the wind turbine, would see 86% of the projected energy use on campus to be self-generated. Once the solar array is completed, students will get the opportunity to investigate as part of the program. 

Career Pathways

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

  • 70+

    Programs of Study

  • 19

    Average Class Size

Contact Information

Career & Technical Education Division

SCB 2400
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8860
Fax: 309-268-7963
Email: jess.washington@heartland.edu

 

Career & Technical Education Contacts

Jess Washington 

Program Assistant – Career & Technical Education Division
Email: Jess.Washington@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8871

Career & Technical Education Leadership

Adam Campbell

Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2410

Kortney Watts

Associate Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2409