Online & hands-on technical education is opening doors to the growing renewable energy industry. At Ranken Technical College, nine students are building practical skills, exploring real-world solar applications, and gaining the knowledge to pursue careers in the clean energy workforce.

Through September-October of 2026, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) partnered with Ranken Technical College in Troy, Missouri, to deliver customized solar training designed to expand students’ knowledge, strengthen their technical skills, and open new doors to career opportunities.

Through a 48-hour hybrid training program combining online instruction with hands-on laboratory experience, students in Ranken’s Agriculture Engineering Technology program explored the fundamentals of solar photovoltaics (PV), from system design and installation to safety, maintenance, and project economics.

The goal was bigger than learning how solar works: it was about helping students build the knowledge and credentials to take their next steps in a rapidly evolving energy industry.

By partnering with MREA, Ranken brought renewable energy education directly into its curriculum, giving students a chance to explore an expanding field while developing skills they can carry into a variety of technical careers.

The training included nine students representing different stages of the Agriculture Engineering Technology program. With a mix of first, third, and fourth-semester students, the group brought a range of experiences and perspectives to the learning environment.

For Lavy, keeping students engaged meant making learning active, collaborative, and connected to practical applications.

“At Ranken we try to be as hands on as possible, so that is what my students are used to. I added in some activities/challenges as I went to get them up and moving and really think about what they have learned.”

– Megan Lavy, Agriculture Engineering Technology Department Chair and Instructor, Ranken Technical College

Lavy also challenged students to research unique applications of solar technology, including agricultural operations and farms. Their presentations explored system components, benefits, safety considerations, sustainability, and the reasons each application stood out.

The result was an opportunity for students to move beyond absorbing information and begin thinking critically about how renewable energy can solve real-world challenges.

Delivered in September and October 2026, MREA’s 48-hour hybrid program was designed to meet Ranken’s educational goals while providing a comprehensive introduction to solar and renewable energy systems.

Students completed online coursework covering key areas of photovoltaic technology, including:

• PV fundamentals and safety: PV 101 (Basic Photovoltaics) and PV 150 (PV Safety & Hazard Control).
• Site assessment and system design: PV 201 (PV Site Assessment) and PV 202 (PV System Design).
• Installation and system performance: PV 215 (PV System Installation) and PV 216 (PV Operations & Maintenance).
• Project economics: PV 217 (PV Costs & Economics).
• Wind energy fundamentals: W 101 (Introduction to Wind Energy Systems).

The program also incorporated PV 304 (PV Design & Installation Lab), giving students an opportunity to apply their knowledge through hands-on learning and practical design scenarios.

The training concluded with students taking the NABCEP PV Associate exam, providing a pathway to demonstrate their understanding of solar PV fundamentals through an industry-recognized credential.

By combining flexible online learning with practical instruction, MREA helped Ranken integrate renewable energy education into its existing program while giving students exposure to technologies and career pathways they may not otherwise have explored.

The Ranken training demonstrates what becomes possible when educational institutions and renewable energy training experts work together. By tailoring instruction to the needs of a specific program, MREA helped Ranken bring solar education into the classroom in a way that complemented its hands-on teaching philosophy and supported its commitment to student success.

For Lavy, the experience also highlighted the value of working with a responsive training partner.

“Everyone has been so kind, helpful, and great to work with. You are all incredibly responsive.”

— Megan Lavy, Agriculture Engineering Technology Department Chair and Instructor, Ranken Technical College

MREA looks forward to continuing its partnership with Ranken and supporting more opportunities to connect technical education with the growing clean energy workforce.