This week, Women in Solar+ Europe gives the voice to Maribel Gonzalez, Commercial Director Company at the British Brighter Green Engineering. She says breaking traditional barriers required patience, trust and a focus on excellence. “Continuous learning became a personal compass; every challenge was an opportunity to adapt and grow,” she says.
The solar plus industries rely on innovation and problem solving, and both thrive when teams are diverse and inclusive. Gender diversity brings together diverse perspectives that improve creativity, decision-making, and overall performance. Having worked as a Spanish woman in the male-dominated solar sector in Britain, I have seen first-hand how inclusive teams promote respect, open communication and better solutions. When we encourage women and underrepresented groups to take on solar roles, we don’t just build stronger teams; we ensure that the industry better reflects the communities it serves. This is how we achieve sustainable growth and a positive social impact.
Looking back on my career, I faced clear systemic barriers, from gender bias to the lack of female role models in senior positions. Early on, I learned to deal with these challenges by building a support network and consistently proving my competency. Every successful project became an opportunity to demonstrate credibility and gain trust. Over time, self-advocacy, continuous learning, and resilience helped open the doors of leadership not only for me, but for other women who saw what was possible.
Breaking traditional barriers required patience, confidence and a focus on excellence. I discovered the importance of making results speak louder than words, and of demonstrating value through expertise and perseverance. Continuous learning became a personal compass; every challenge was an opportunity to adapt and grow. These lessons have taught me that resilience and professionalism are powerful leadership tools that can redefine what success looks like for women in the tech industry.
As a leader today, I see inclusion as something to be lived every day, not just promoted in policy. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels heard, respected and empowered to contribute. This means encouraging open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and challenging biases when they arise. Mentorship and collaboration are at the heart of this effort. By leading by example and celebrating achievements at all levels, I strive to ensure that every team member knows he or she is valued and that their growth matters.
For organizations looking to retain and develop diverse talent, mentorship and sponsorship are essential. These create bridges of opportunity and help emerging professionals navigate their careers with guidance and confidence. Equitable career development programs, flexible work policies, and bias awareness training are also critical. But beyond structure, culture matters most when people feel safe to express their opinions, when their ideas are respected, and when growth seems accessible to all; retention follows naturally.
I also believe in the power of allies. I remember a male colleague who unknowingly became an informal mentor early in my career. He took the time to explain technical details, share his knowledge and guide me through complex challenges. His encouragement not only increased my understanding but also gave me the confidence to manage projects more effectively. His example showed me how allyship, when built on respect and genuine support, can help break down the barriers women often face.
To young women entering the solar and renewable energy industry today, I would say: believe in your skills and follow your dreams. Seek out mentors, stay curious, and never hesitate to take on challenges. Your perspective is important; it stimulates innovation, strengthens teams and helps shape a more inclusive and sustainable energy future. The solar industry needs your voice, your vision and your courage to continue to shine brighter.
Maribel Gonzalez is a Spanish professional thriving in the UK solar industry, where she has built a career characterized by resilience, determination and a passion for sustainability. As a Strategic O&M and Business Development Leader with more than eight years of experience in large-scale solar and BESS projects, she specializes in contract negotiations, customer relationship management and optimizing asset performance to ensure long-term profitability and sustainability. Passionate about accelerating the energy transition, Maribel focuses on driving innovation through advanced O&M solutions and strategic business growth. Her collaborative approach and deep technical expertise have positioned her as a trusted leader in the solar and storage industries. She is committed to promoting inclusivity and advocating for workplaces that value diversity and equal opportunity. Maribel believes that diverse perspectives stimulate innovation and strengthen the transition to renewable energy sources. Her message to young women is simple but powerful: trust your abilities, embrace challenges and lead with purpose.
Interested in participating Maribel González and other female market leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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