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Power Your Future with Renewable Energy at Chemeketa

Jonas Muthoni

Published · 3 min read

Chemeketa Community College offers a clear path for students who want careers in clean energy and electronics. The college’s Electronics area includes the Renewable Energy Management AAS degree. The program prepares students to design, install, and manage renewable energy systems for real sites. It focuses on practical skills and job readiness. 

The college highlights Oregon’s leadership in sustainability and renewable practice. Students learn where clean power meets electronics and controls. They build a foundation and then specialize. That structure helps new learners and working adults. 

Programs and Pathways

Chemeketa groups technical options into tracks. Under the Electronics track, students can choose stackable options. These include a certificate and several associate degrees. There is also a pathway to a BAS degree in leadership and management. 

  • Electronics Certificate
  • Electronic Engineering Technician AAS
  • Industrial Electronics AAS
  • Renewable Energy Management AAS
  • Leadership & Management BAS (a continuation pathway)

Program lists show Renewable Energy Management as one of the associate degrees that lead to professional careers. It sits within the Electronics Technologies area. 

What Students Study

The Renewable Energy Management AAS blends core electronics with energy systems. During the second year, students cover solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal topics. The aim is simple: prepare graduates to plan, install, and run clean power systems. 

Catalog pages also list focused renewable courses. Examples include Solar Energy Systems, Wind Energy Systems, and Biomass Energy Systems. These classes look at systems, costs, and performance. They guide learners toward the field’s daily work. 

Electronics courses build the base. Early classes show how to apply Ohm’s Law, use a multimeter, and run an oscilloscope and function generator. Students also practice basic soldering and safe lab skills. 

Sample Course Sequence

Chemeketa publishes course sequences for planning. Below is a simple snapshot of early terms for the Renewable Energy Management degree. It helps students see the flow before they enroll. 

TermCourseTitleCredits
1ELT111Electronics Orientation1
1ELT131Electronic Concepts 14
1MTH081 or MTH111Technical Math 1 or College Algebra (or higher)4–5
1WR121Academic Composition4
2ELT132Electronic Concepts 24
2ELT141Transistor Fundamentals4
2ELT151Digital Fundamentals4

 

Electronics Track at a Glance

OptionPurposeWhere to Start
Electronics CertificateBuild core electronics skills for entry-level work.See program finder and catalog details.
Electronic Engineering Technician AASTrain for test, integration, and support roles.Review course sequence and advising info.
Industrial Electronics AASFocus on controls, sensors, and maintenance.Explore Electronics track pages.
Renewable Energy Management AASPrepare for designing and managing clean systems.Plan second-year renewable coursework.
Leadership & Management BASAdvance into applied leadership after AAS.See BAS program page for requirements.

 

Campus Commitment to Clean Energy

The college has invested in on-campus solar power. In 2021, Chemeketa received nearly $117,000 from PGE’s Green Future program for photovoltaic panels at its Agricultural Complex. The system’s total annual production is listed as 105.6 MWh. Summer months can produce more than the building uses, and winter costs are then offset. It serves as a living lab model for students. 

Who Should Consider This Path

  • Hands-on learners who enjoy labs and tools.
  • Problem-solvers who like testing and fixing systems.
  • Future managers who want to plan and lead projects.
  • Career changers who want an applied, job-ready degree.

Active major lists show Renewable Energy Management AAS as an open program. Students can declare the major and begin their plan. 

Getting Started

Prospective students can explore details on the official pages. The Electronics Hub is at go.chemeketa.edu/electronics. The main site, chemeketa.edu, lists programs, sequences, and support. 

Admissions pages include the program in the online application flow. Applicants can select electronics options, including the Renewable Energy Management AAS, and then proceed. For specific questions, the program lists faculty contacts, including the program chair. 

Students who want more detail can scan course descriptions for electronics and renewable classes. This step helps them preview goals, lab skills, and topics. It also shows how each class adds to the final degree. 

Key Takeaways

  • Clear pathway: Stackable credentials and a focused renewable track. 
  • Hands-on learning: Early labs build testing and troubleshooting skills. 
  • Real campus model: Solar array supported by PGE’s Green Future program. 
  • Active major: Renewable Energy Management AAS is open for students.
Jonas Muthoni

Jonas Muthoni

Jonas Muthoni is Editor-in-Chief of Microgrid Media, where he oversees reporting and analysis on microgrids, energy storage, distributed energy resources, data center power demand, grid modernization, resilience, renewable energy, and electricity policy and markets. His work focuses on the infrastructure, technologies, and regulatory developments reshaping the power system. As Editor-in-Chief, Jonas leads Microgrid Media’s editorial strategy and standards, including story selection, source verification, technical accuracy, and the development of original reporting and analysis. His coverage draws on regulatory filings, government records, utility and company disclosures, technical documentation, and independent industry sources to explain significant developments across the evolving energy system.