Women make up a smaller share of the solar workforce than in the overall U.S. economy. Women made up 46.97% of the total U.S. workforce in 2014, but only 21.6% of the solar workforce (mostly in the manufacturing sector), according to The Solar Foundation’s annual job census. While this was more than the previous year (up from 18.7%), the Women in Solar Energy (WISE) association sees women as still largely underrepresented in an industry that is growing 20 times faster than the overall U.S. economy.
As part of its mission to advance women in all aspects of the solar industry, the nonprofit held its first Women in Solar Breakfast at Intersolar NA 2015, sponsored by Sol Systems and Stion.
“Women’s minority status is especially felt at industry conferences,” said Sara Rafalson, Senior Associate at solar energy finance and investment firm Sol Systems, and volunteer president of WISE. “We have done events at Solar Power International, PV America and GTM conferences, and decided to host the breakfast at Intersolar to provide a place for women to gather, make connections and raise awareness around diversity in the solar workforce at one of the industry’s largest trade shows.”
Breakfast attendees had the opportunity to learn from women who spoke on how they built successful careers in solar. The breakfast also included discussions on how women can succeed in the workplace such as by bridging the confidence gap, balancing work and home life and focusing on what skills you need to progress in your career.
Rafalson delivered opening remarks. Others spoke on a panel including:
- Helen Kang Shin, Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Recurrent Energy
- Tammie Candelario, Head of Department, Solar Services, DNV GL
- Anna Bautista, VP Construction & Workforce Development, GRID Alternatives
- Moderator – Page Crahan, President, Clarus Power
Women in Solar Energy is the solar industry’s only 501(c)3 nonprofit membership organization singularly focused on the recruitment, advancement, and retention of women in the solar energy industry. WISE accomplishes this through core programs focused on workforce development, mentorship, networking events, as well as SheSpeaks Solar, its initiative to increase speaking opportunities for women on technical panels at solar industry trade shows.
While large industry conferences are a great way for women to connect, Rafalson also notes various ways to become involved in WISE year-round as a member. For example, members can participate in a mentorship program, and training through the association’s partnerships with Solar Energy International, the North Carolina Clean Technology Center and NABCEP.
“We hope that the breakfast attendees like what they see, become involved, and ask their companies to support WISE, either as a corporate sponsor or by helping us put on another one of these events.”
Rafalson said the Intersolar event team was extremely supportive and helpful and so hopes to make the breakfast an annual conference event. WISE also is also in discussions with Solar Energy Trade Shows to host a breakfast at Solar Power International this September in Anaheim, California.
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