The Building Performance Technician technical diploma prepares individuals to design an integrated portfolio of renewable and traditional energy-producing systems. Technicians perform site assessments and recommend appropriate renewable energy technologies, sell and/or market renewable energy technologies, and manage renewable energy installation projects.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    Program Basics

    • Technical Diploma, requiring a minimum of one year to complete.
    • Online learning, face-to-face classes.
    • High school articulation courses accepted.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Classes start in August.
  • Curriculum & Costs

  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 23-24

    Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

    Category Amount
    Tuition and Fees $4,713
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,614
    Books and Supplies $2,061
    Personal Expenses $2,245
    Transportation $2,007
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $83
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $21,323
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $10,662

    Based on Wisconsin Residents.

    Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

    Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

    These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Preference Policy

      Priority for program acceptance will be given in this order until January 1, 2024:

      1. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College District Residents (permanent address is in one of Southwest Tech’s 30 school districts the College serves) Southwest Tech District Information
      2. Non-District State Residents
      3. Out-of-State Residents

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Math and science
    • Written and oral communications
    • Electricity, electronics or mechanics

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Evaluate renewable, fossil and other energy resources in context of sustainability, environment, society and economics
    • Evaluate building performance and energy use
    • Recommend building/site solutions to optimize performance
    • Install equipment and materials to optimize performance
    • Monitor equipment and systems
    If you are unable to access documents here, please contact Technical Skill Attainment Team (tsa@swtc.edu, 608.822.2464)
  • Career Opportunities
    • Construction and Building Inspectors
    • Energy program coordinator
    • Energy Auditors
    • Control System Specialist
    • Energy Conservation Representative
    • Environmental Field Technician
    • Weatherization Inspectors

    Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.