One of the most popular solar energy degrees offered by U.S. colleges is the Associates of Applied Science. A.A.S. programs may be offered in solar energy, photovoltaic technology and alternative energy technology. The purpose of the A.A.S is to provide students with the technical training necessary for employment in the commercial solar energy industry. Courses include passive solar systems, photovoltaic systems design and installation, solar thermal systems and solar electric systems. State universities and community colleges across the nation offer Associate of Applied Science programs in the solar energy technology field.
Bachelor's degrees in solar technology are being introduced by universities and colleges in increasing numbers. The colleges that offer study in solar technology may do so as part of a major in renewable energy engineering. Many colleges offer a bachelor's degree in engineering with concentrations in renewable energy. Courses include study of fuel cells, greenhouse gas accounting and circuits. Because the study of solar energy must take into account its impact on the environment, students in this discipline are introduced to some interdisciplinary courses such as the history of human energy consumption, biology and chemistry.
Master's degrees are available in solar engineering at a few colleges in the U.S. At the University of Arizona, a professional science master's degree is offered in solar engineering and commercialization. This degree is aims to incorporate business fundamental courses with solar engineering studies. Courses in this program include solar energy and public policy, solar biofuels and business-to-business marketing. Both Wayne State University and the University of Dayton in Ohio offer master's degree programs in renewable energy with instruction on solar energy technology. The University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers a Master of Science in energy engineering with an available concentration in solar technology.
A limited number of doctorate degrees are available in solar technology in the U.S. Most doctorate-level programs require students to obtain either a Doctorate of Engineering (D.Eng.) or a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) with concentrations on solar energy. Doctorate degree candidates have the opportunity to conduct advanced research in the field, developing new technologies in collaboration with corporations, the military (in some schools) and university research departments. The research findings of doctoral students may be published in renewable energy journals, which can lead to widespread change in the industry if warranted.