STEM Meets Solar
MREA partners with the CTE Innovation Center in Greenville, SC to bring introductory solar training to high school students.
Earlier this year, the MREA had the pleasure of partnering with Mr. Ethan Cox, Clean Energy Technology (CTE) teacher at the CTE Innovation Center in Greenville, South Carolina, to bring our Basic Photovoltaics (PV 101) online training to his students. This collaboration provided students with an introduction to solar power and its potential for clean energy projects, helping them build a solid foundation of knowledge in this critical area of renewable energy.
About the CTE Innovation Center
The CTE Innovation Center offers project-based learning opportunities where students work on real-world renewable energy projects, including designing solar panels, wind turbines, thermoelectric generators, and geothermal heat pumps.
The students at the center are honors-level seniors with a keen interest in pursuing degrees in engineering or renewable energy fields. Having already worked with solar panels through hands-on projects, the PV 101 course was a perfect complement to their curriculum.
“The PV101 course was an excellent addition to our clean energy program at the CTE Innovation Center. Following a hands-on solar panel construction project, PV101 allowed students to deepen their understanding of solar technology through a structured, industry-aligned curriculum. The students were highly engaged, and many expressed a greater sense of confidence in their technical knowledge. We’re proud to offer opportunities like this that connect classroom learning to real-world applications and look forward to continuing our partnership.
The asynchronous nature kind of leveled the playing field for my students and allowed faster students to surge ahead while those who needed more time to grasp complex concepts (like the photovoltaic effect) could review the material without feeling pressured. The asynchronous nature also gave me something for my early finishers to do if they had completed parts of the project or needed to wait to collect data during class.”
– Ethan Cox, High school Science Teacher, Clean Energy Technology
Online Training to Meet Student and Teacher Curriculum Needs
Twice in the past year, the MREA delivered this online PV 101 training program that spanned 30 days, providing students with the solar knowledge needed to excel toward their goal. The curriculum included the foundational knowledge needed to guide and support the students with their hands-on project.
Our Basic Photovoltaics PV 101 course is an eight-hour, online training designed to teach participants the fundamentals of solar energy and photovoltaic systems. Through our customized online learning platform, Mr. Cox joined the course as a teaching assistant (TA), allowing him to monitor student progress, observe their interactions with the material, and assess their comprehension of the topics covered.
Students learned about the basics of solar power, how PV cells work, the different types of solar systems and applications, and the components needed for system installation and performance. The course also covered how to assess solar resources in their area, explored various mounting options for optimal system efficiency, and introduced students to the financial incentives, costs, and environmental benefits of solar energy.
“I think the course allowed students to see that PV isn’t just a science experiment, but a viable and growing career path in the green energy sector. Because they knew they were building something real that would actually generate power, they treated the online coursework more seriously than a standard textbook assignment. They viewed PV 101 as a ‘training manual’ rather than just homework.”
– Ethan Cox, High school Science Teacher, Clean Energy Technology
Providing this opportunity to schools is a path that the MREA wants to continue to pursue; educating future renewable energy workers and supporters in the field is imperative to continue the prevalence of solar and beyond.
“As a former educator, being able to provide this custom training to high schoolers makes me proud. I know that when students are passionate about something, they leap at the chance to gain any more knowledge or test their skills in order to become more entrenched in that world. This is a great case of how our training can fit so many different needs. It’s not just for renewable energy professionals; it’s for those who are passionate and excited to learn more!”
– Kim Miller, MREA Training Coordinator
Student Feedback
The students had a positive experience with the course, particularly appreciating its compact structure and accessibility. Here are some highlights from their feedback:
- Concise and to the point: The course was well-structured and didn’t take too much time, which helped students stay engaged.
- Easy-to-access resources: All the materials, including quizzes, were well-organized, and the quizzes were directly relevant to the course content.
- Introduction to PV: The course provided an excellent introduction to solar photovoltaics.
- Visually appealing content: Students appreciated the design and informative quality of the slides.
Strong Foundational Knowledge Built for Students and Educators
This training focused on providing our basic PV 101 (Basic Photovoltaics) to support their hands-on learning project and to have a solid base of knowledge to continue further in the solar industry – training that’s available to all customers. This course also provides educators with balance in their teaching by the asynchronous nature of our courses, allowing students and teachers a more flexible environment in the classroom.
“As a teacher, having a standardized, high-quality online component was a massive time-saver and resource. It allowed me to use a ‘flipped classroom’ approach. Students learned the core concepts online, meaning our valuable face-to-face time could be 100% dedicated to building, troubleshooting, and collaboration on building their solar panels.”
– Ethan Cox, High school Science Teacher, Clean Energy Technology
MREA’s Customized Group Training is an excellent fit for diverse learners, including high school students, colleges, and organizations focusing on clean energy. This course provides foundational knowledge of solar energy that can be built upon in advanced programs or real-world applications. With the ability to tailor training to specific needs, MREA helps prepare the next generation of engineers and renewable energy professionals for future success.
MREA Custom Group Training
MREA’s Customized Group Training delivers affordable, high-quality solar and renewable energy education tailored to your organization’s needs. Whether onboarding new hires, providing continuing education, or preparing municipal inspectors, we equip professionals with the skills and credentials to succeed in a rapidly evolving energy industry.
Training is available online, in-person at our Wisconsin facilities, on-site, or in hybrid formats, including hands-on labs. We also offer Illumination Solar’s Mobile Solar Training Labs, bringing practical, hands-on learning directly to you.
Interested in Customized Group Training? Fill out our interest form, explore our resources, and schedule a meeting with our Training Director to discuss your needs.