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LocationOnline
CredentialDiploma
Program LengthVaries/63 credits
Delivery MethodOnline

Please note: Registration details for Fall 2025 and future course offerings will be available soon.

Be a leader in the evolving field of renewable energy. Learn how with our online sustainable energy program.

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 logo

Our 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.

You need to know

  • There are 10 courses in the certificate program.
  • There are 11 more courses in the diploma program.
  • 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 new optional 40-hour work integrated learning practicum placement course (RC 329) available to certificate and diploma students.
Important registration notes:
  • You register for these courses once you have applied to and have been accepted in the program. Use Apply Alberta to apply to the program. Once accepted, you'll use My Lakeland to register for courses.
  • 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.
  • There's no need to reapply after you finish your first classes, You simply register for courses each term until you complete all the necessary courses. The exception is if you are inactive for 3 consecutive terms, then you will need to re-apply to the program. You register and pay through My Lakeland or bank bill payment.

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: Registration details for Fall 2025 and future course offerings will be available soon.
You will register for individual courses on the My Lakeland student portal before the registration deadline. Before registering, check prerequisites on the program course page.

Please note:

  • We recommend you limit registration to 2 courses per term if you are also working.
  • You must apply and be accepted to the program before you can register for courses. How to Apply.
  • Fees are due in full at time of registration.
  • International students should register one month prior to 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.

Applications open: Apr 15, 2024   Close: Oct 3, 2024

Note: RC 200 is considered the prerequisite for RC 204, RC 205 and RC 206

Certificate courses

Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: Aug 12, 2024

Course dates: August 26 – October 18, 2024

  • RC 200 Basic Energy Principles
  • RC 202 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Practices

Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: Oct 7, 2024

Course dates: October 21 – December 13, 2024

  • CO 255 Communications
  • RC 207 Introduction to Biofuels

Diploma courses

Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: Aug 12, 2024

Course dates: August 26 – October 18, 2024

  • BA 215 Small Business Management
  • RC 327 Energy Storage Systems

Course registrations open:  Aug 7, 2024   Close: Oct 7, 2024

Course dates: October 21 – December 13, 2024

  • RC 210 Water Issues and Conservation Practice
  • RC 326 Electrical Installation and Codes

Applications open: Oct 2, 2024   Close: Feb 12, 2025

Note: RC 200 is considered the prerequisite for RC 204, RC 205 and RC 206

Certificate courses

Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: Dec 16, 2024

Course dates: January 6 – February 28

  • RC 200 Basic Energy Principles
  • RC 206 Geo Energy Exchange – Installation

Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: Feb 17, 2025

Course dates: March 3 – April 25, 2025

  • RC 203 Global Impact of Climate Instability
  • RC 204 Introduction to Wind Energy
  • RC 205 Introduction to Solar Energy

Diploma courses

Course registrations open:  Aug 7, 2024   Close: Dec 16, 2024

Course dates: January 6 – February 28

  • RC 323 Bioenergy and Biogas
  • RC 328 Sustainable Bldgs. Energy Mgmt and Controls

Course registrations open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: Feb 17, 2025

Course dates: March 3 – April 25, 2025

  • RC 324 Sustainable Building Design and Practices
  • RC 430 Integration of Distributed Energy Systems

Applications open: Oct 2, 2024   Close: Apr 8, 2025

Certificate courses

Course registrations open:   Aug 7, 2024   Close: Apr 14, 2025

Course dates: April 28 – June 20, 2025

  • RC 201 Energy and the Environment
  • RC 208 Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling

Diploma courses

Course registrations open:  Aug 7, 2024   Close: Apr 14, 2025

Course dates: April 28 – June 20, 2025

  • RC 322 Geo Energy Exchange - Design Principles
  • RC 325 Solar Photovoltaic Systems

On-site Lab registration open: Aug 7, 2024   Close: May 26, 2025

Course dates: Jun 23 – June 27, 2025

  • RC 431 Renewable Energy On-site Lab

Note: On-site Lab is not available to International Students

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 Logo

Courses 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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