School of Applied Sciences and Technology

Alternative Energy Technology

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Explore new and non-traditional energy sources and set yourself up to begin a career in the exciting and growing alternative energy sector.

NAIT's Alternative Energy Technology diploma program will provide you with both the theoretical and practical skills needed to design, integrate and maintain systems that utilize major alternative energy sources such as solar, geothermal, wind, biofuels, hydro, fuel cell and co-generation.

You'll also enhance your understanding of the industry through studies in project management, economics, business and energy management.

Quick Facts

Credential: Diploma

Diplomas are credit programs that take 2 to 3 years and lead to government approved and industry-recognized credentials.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Options:

  • Both On-Campus and Virtual - Some of your coursework will be in-person, on campus and some will be done online.

Length: 2 Years

With a typical full-time course load, this program will take 2 Years to complete.

Open Studies: Not Available

This program does not currently have any courses available for Open Studies.

International Students: Accepted

This program accepts international students, however, program availability may be limited. Check program availability for this term. This program also meets the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

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Median Starting Salary: $45,005

Salaries are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and are not a guarantee of future income.

View Career Outcomes

Hands-on, industry-relevant training

Through a combination of classroom education and hands-on learning in our state-of-the-art Alternative Energy Centre, you can expect to become familiar with system design, how to integrate multiple energy sources and system life cycle analyses. 

Alternative Energy Technology

Concept breakdown

The program is broken up into 4 semesters, each focusing on a particular angle of study:

Semester 1 - Introduction

In the first semester, you'll gain an introduction to the underlying chemical, thermodynamic and physical principles of energy generation and storage. You'll also work on professionalism skills and gain familiarity with common software applications used in the energy sector. 

Semester 2 - Foundations

Explore the major types of alternative energy and interact with solar modules, geothermal systems, fuel cells and wind turbines among other equipment.

Semester 3 - Analysis and Design

With a focus on analysis and design, integrate the materials covered in the first year and study the economics of alternative energy systems. You'll also begin to prepare for your capstone project. 

Semester 4 - Application

Concentrate on the practical application of energy technology, with courses, regulations, energy management and a final capstone project that will challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills to a related technology problem. 

Alumni Showcase

Want to learn more about this program?

Request more information or get answers to a specific question. Send us an email, and we'll put you in touch with the program advisors directly.




The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

For General NAIT Information

Phone: 780.471.6248
Toll-free: 1.877.333.6248

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Solar student

Career Outcomes

As green technologies continue to emerge, evolve and decrease in cost, people with sound technical knowledge and practical expertise are increasingly in demand. Consumers, commercial businesses and utilities are turning to alternative energy products and services to help them increase efficiency and sustainability.

Student Success

NAIT students help bring solar power to school in remote Peruvian village

Alternative Energy Technology partnership with Light up the World changes lives in North and South America

Jun. 14, 2022 Posted on techlifetoday.ca

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 3 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Courses

Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.

Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Awards

The following scholarships and/or bursaries are available to you as a student in this program. To access your opportunities, visit the Student Portal.

Admission Requirements

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.

General inquiries

Please contact the Student Service Centre for general inquiries such as:

  • Student application support
  • Program entrance requirements, tuition & fees, and how to apply
  • Program admissions process
  • Enrolment support
  • Student funding options
  • Fee and refund inquiries
  • General program and course withdrawal procedures
  • Navigating nait.ca and MyNAITPortal

Contact Student Service Centre

Program-specific questions

Please fill out the form below if you have any program-specific questions relating to:

  • Program details
  • Work-integrated learning and cooperative education
  • Advance credit and Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
  • Program and course withdrawal



The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

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