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LocationOnline
CredentialDiploma
Program LengthVaries/63 credits
Delivery MethodOnline

Lakeland has created new more immediate ways for you to be a leader in the evolving field of renewable energy. 

Now focus on the particular area where you want to expand your skills. We're offering 6 microcredentials plus 5 alternative energy electives. You can bundle those microcredentials into a sustainable energy technology certificate or diploma. Your options are:

  • Take a microcredential instead of the whole diploma. This gives you flexibility to learn only what you might need to upskill your job toolkit.
  • Take 5 microcredentials and earn your diploma.
  • Follow the traditional path to a diploma.

Gain practical knowledge and useable skills for a new career. Or, expand your abilities if you're already working in a trade, engineering or architecture.

NABCEP registered provider photovoltaic association logoOur online program is flexible:

  • full or part-time study
  • multiple course offerings
  • take certificate and diploma level courses
  • take microcredential courses and accumulate credits toward the diploma

Our program begins with basics:

  • types of renewable energy—solar, wind, biofuel, geo-exchange
  • energy principles
  • environmental impacts of energy generation and use

If your goal is to design, plan and complete sustainable projects, learn how through the diploma courses. You’ll:

  • discover efficient building construction practices and sustainable building design.
  • design, plan and complete renewable energy projects
  • study design and installation techniques for solar photovoltaics, solar hot water, micro-wind and geothermal systems
  • learn small business management
  • take an on-site course at our research centre

Requirements

More program details

2024-25 Tuition and fees

Content Fee
Course $766.30/per
Lab course $1,715
Remember that studying includes other expenses than tuition and fees - you should also be budgeting for your accommodation and living expenses. Alberta student loan guidelines recommends $1,153/month.


Course materials are included in these fees and will be mailed out to you so you have them before the courses start. So, it's important that you register at least 2 weeks before each course start date.

If you are applying for funding, please do not register for courses through the microcredential path. Contact the program coordinator for registration instructions.

You need to know

  • We recommend you start with RC 200 Basic Energy Principles.
  • There are optional entry points - courses - where you can start the program.
  • You may take the program part-time or full-time.
  • Expect to spend 10 - 15 hours per week per course. We recommend only taking 2 courses at one time.
  • There's an optional 40-hour work integrated learning practicum placement course (RC 329).
Important registration notes:
  • Course registration is on Lakeland's continuing education registration platform. Please contact the program coordinator if you plan on taking the certificate or diploma.
  • You must register at least 2 weeks before a class starts so that you can get your textbook(s) and materials in time.
  • If you are an international student, you should register at least 4 weeks before the start of your class.

You may start the program with a number of different courses. We do recommend starting with RC 200 Basic Energy Principles.

Other options for starting the program are courses that don't have prerequisites:

  • RC 201 Energy and the Environment
  • RC 202 Energy Audits & Conservation
  • RC 203 Global Impact of Climate Instability
  • RC 208 Waste Reduction, Reuse & Recycling
  • RC 207 Introduction to Biofuels
  • CO 255 Strategic Communications & Community Engagement

Please note:

  • We recommend you limit registration to 2 courses per term if you are also working.
  • Fees are due in full at time of registration.
  • International students should register one month before the course start date to guarantee delivery of textbooks and resource materials.
  • Dates are subject to change. We recommend you check here regularly for updates.

Registration deadline is Aug 18, 2025.

Course # Course title Related microcredential(s)
RC200 Basic Energy Principles Solar PV, Alternative Energy, Building Science
RC250 System Integration and Energy Exchange Geothermal
RC324 Sustainable Building Design and Practices Building Science
RC326 Electrical Installation and Codes Solar PV
BA215 Small Business Management Small Business Management

Registration deadline is Oct 13, 2025.

Course # Course title Related microcredential(s)
CO255 Communications Small Business Management
RC207 Introduction to Biofuels Bioenergy & Biofuel
RC210 Water Issues and Conservation Practices Climate Change
RC250 System Integration and Energy Exchange Geothermal
RC251 Building Science for Residential Building Science
RC321 Solar Thermal Systems Alternative Energy

Registration deadline is Dec 17, 2025.

Course # Course title Related microcredential(s)
RC200 Basic Energy Principles Solar PV, Alternative Energy, Building Science
RC204 Introduction to Wind Energy Alternative Energy
RC250 System Integration and Energy Exchange Geothermal
RC253 GHG Accounting and Management Climate Change
RC255 Introduction to AutoCAD Small Business Management
RC323 Bio-Energy and Biofuels Bioenergy & Biofuel

Registration deadline is Feb 23, 2026.

Course # Course title Related microcredential(s)
RC203 Global Impact of Climate Change Climate Change
RC205 Introduction to Solar Energy Solar PV
RC206 Geo Energy Exchange - Installation Geothermal
RC252 Project Management Small Business Management
RC254 Hydrogen Energy Technology Bioenergy & Biofuel
RC327 Energy Storage Systems Alternative Energy
RC328 Sustainable Buildings Energy Management and Controls Building Science

Registration deadline is Apr 20, 2026.

Course # Course title Related microcredential(s)
RC201 Energy and the Environment Climate Change
RC202 Building Science for the Commercial Building Science
RC208 Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Bioenergy & Biofuel
RC322 Geo Energy Exchange - Design Principles Geothermal
RC325 Solar Photovoltaic Systems Solar PV
RC430 Integration of Distributed Energy Systems Alternative Energy

Registration deadline is May 25, 2026.

Course # Course title Related microcredential(s)
RC431 Renewable Energy On-Site Lab Diploma
QNRG220 Renewable Energy On-Site Lab (solar activities) Diploma, Solar PV
QNRG221 Fusion Lab Diploma, Geothermal
QNRG241 Biofuel On-Site Lab Diploma, Bioenergy & Biofuel

Course Information:

  1. Tuition fees are due in full at time of course registration.
  2. Last day to drop an online course is 7 calendar days after the course start date.
  3. If you withdraw in the first week, you will receive a full refund less $200 per course administration fee. Exceptions apply.
  4. Last day to withdraw from the course with a W or to change from credit to audit - 35 days after the course start date.
  5. Course schedule is subject to change due to enrolment demand and other factors.
  6. RC 431 On-site lab: Students who withdraw from this course at least five business days before the start date will receive a full refund minus a $200 administration fee. No refunds after the class starts or if you are a no-show.  

Lakeland Option

Turn your certificate into a diploma by continuing with this program.

Apply credits toward a degree

Apply up to 30 credits of your diploma credits (after you graduate) towards a Bachelor of Science degree at Athabasca University. The options are:

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Science - human sciences major
  • Bachelor of Science - applied mathematics major
  • Bachelor of Science - computing and information systems major

Industry Certifications

NABCEP Registered Provider LogoCourses prepare you to pursue industry certifications from organization such as: 

Other options

You may also want to look at short courses to add installation skills. Check with organizations such as the Solar Energy Society of Alberta for other educational opportunities.

As well, this diploma and related journeyperson trades certification is a powerful combination of skills and knowledge.

Depending on any other previous education, you may want to pursue a diploma or degree in a related discipline.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Completion on this diploma meets entrance requirements for NAIT's Bachelor of Technology program.

Athabasca University (AU)

You can receive credit towards the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program in the following majors:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computer & Information Systems
  • Human Science
Student inspecting solar panels

From the start of your classes at Lakeland, you'll be learning applied skills and spending time in the field. 

When's the last time you took your learning outside?

Learning in action

Students walking outside of the Mead building at Vermilion campus

Explore how Lakeland doesn't just teach but leads. Take a look through our research centre in this virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour

Students using a multimeter
Professionals in the environmental sector have a lot of career choices. At Lakeland, we make sure that our students are ready to excel in them. Whether in a forest or a lab, you're sure to find your passion.

Jobs and careers

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