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Submitter's Information

Name

Kenneth Starkman

Title

Dean, Technology and Engineering

Region

Orange County

College

Fullerton College

CTE Dean

CTE Dean's Name

Ken Starkman

CTE Dean's Email

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Program Details

Program Title

Solar Panel Inspection Technician Certificate

Submission Type

New Program

TOPs Code

Aeronautical and Aviation Technology (095000)

Projected Start Date

08/15/25

Catalog Description

The Solar Panel Inspection Certificate program equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct professional solar panel inspections using advanced technology. This program combines hands-on training in drone operations, thermal imaging, and solar panel installation to prepare students for careers in renewable energy, maintenance, and inspection services. Students will learn to operate drones for aerial inspections, capture and analyze thermal imaging data to identify panel inefficiencies and potential issues, and gain foundational knowledge of solar panel installation principles to enhance their understanding of system design and functionality. This certificate requires 12 units. A grade of C or better is required in each course taken. 

Enrollment Completer Projections

10 annual completers

Program Proposal Attributes

Program Award Type(s) (Check all that apply)
  • Certificate of Achievement: 8 to fewer than 16 semester (or 12 to fewer than 24 quarter) units (B)
Program Goal

The Solar Panel Inspection Certificate program equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct professional solar panel inspections using advanced technology. This program combines hands-on training in drone operations, thermal imaging, and solar panel installation to prepare students for careers in renewable energy, maintenance, and inspection services. Students will learn to operate drones for aerial inspections, capture and analyze thermal imaging data to identify panel inefficiencies and potential issues, and gain foundational knowledge of solar panel installation principles to enhance their understanding of system design and functionality. 

Outcome 1:    Operate drones and thermal imaging equipment to perform accurate solar panel inspections in compliance with industry safety standards.

Outcome 2:    Analyze thermal imaging data and inspection results to diagnose solar panel performance issues and recommend appropriate corrective actions.


Course Units and Hours

Total Certificate Units (Minimum and Maximum)

12 semester units

Units for Degree Major or Area of Emphasis (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Total Units for Degree (Minimum and Maximum)

n/a

Course Report

Program Requirements Narrative

This certificate requires 12 units. A grade of C or better is required in each course taken. 

Program Requirements
CourseTitleUnitsYear/Semester
(Y1 or S1)
CSTR 128 FPV Solar - Installation and Maintenance3Y1
DRON 101 FBasic Drone Piloting2Y1
DRON 120 FInfrared Thermal Imaging2Y1
DRON 125 FSolar Panel Thermal Inspection2Y1
TECH 081 FTechnical Mathematics 13Y1

Supporting Documents

Orange County Regional Questions

District

North Orange County Community College District

College

Fullerton College

CRLC Member

Ken Starkman

Email

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Phone

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Reason for program recommendation request

New Program

Place of program in college's curriculum/similar program

Drone and Autonomous Systems 

List similar programs at other colleges in the Orange County Region

Orange Coast College

Annual Enrollment projects (non-duplicative)

20 annual enrollments

Priority Sector

Drone and Autonomous Systems Technology

Submission Details

Published at

04/14/25 - 05:16 PM

Status

Recommended

Return to Drafts

Please list the reason(s) for returning "Solar Panel Inspection Technician Certificate". to Kenneth Starkman's drafts. This message will be sent to kstarkman@fullcoll.edu

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