In another article in a series, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives a voice to Angelika Möbius, the founder of the startup Solar AI Twin. She says addressing the gender gap in the solar industry is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges women face. Key barriers include a lack of mentorship opportunities and the absence of professional networks.
The energy sector has traditionally been male-dominated. Based on my 18 years of experience with solar companies, I realize that we still have an important journey ahead of us. Over time, we have made significant progress in achieving gender balance at the overall workforce level. In fact, in some of the companies I’ve been part of, we’ve reached around 50% female representation – a fantastic milestone.
However, equality in leadership roles remains an ongoing challenge. I don’t believe the solar industry is inherently more or less open to this transition than other industries. Crucial is the growing awareness of the powerful impact that diverse and inclusive teams have on business success. This recognition is now often reflected in business objectives across sectors, emphasizing the need for positive change.
Addressing the gender gap in the solar industry is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges women face. Key barriers include a lack of mentorship opportunities, which from my perspective is crucial. Furthermore, the lack of professional networks can limit access to job opportunities, information, advice and support, all of which are essential for career development.
Recently established networks, such as WiSEu, are making significant progress in this area and providing a much-needed platform for women in the industry. I strongly encourage young professionals to actively engage with these resources.
If I had to give younger professionals one piece of advice, it would be that building credibility is key. Strive for excellence in your work, regardless of your gender. Reliability, dependability and consistently keeping promises are crucial qualities. Second, actively claim your seat at the table. Don’t hesitate to advocate for what you rightly deserve, whether it’s recognition, recognition or involvement in important projects. Present your achievements factually and celebrate them so that you contribute to the overall success of the company. Finally, embrace your authentic self. Find leaders who can guide your journey in a way that aligns with your values and ambitions. Their support will give you peace of mind as you navigate your professional path.
After almost twenty years in the corporate world, I decided to create a start-up focused on addressing the challenges faced by Solar Operations and Maintenance (O&M) teams in Europe through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Even at its very early stages, the journey has proven immensely rewarding. Within the O&M industry, gender dynamics undeniably play a role. Surprisingly, the industry is still predominantly male-dominated, which brings back memories of my early career days. However, throughout my professional journey, I have gathered valuable insights from diverse individuals within organizations, regardless of gender. As I work with exceptional O&M teams, our collective efforts are focused on creating impactful solutions. At the same time, I draw inspiration from the remarkable women contributing to the AI aspect of our journey. While building a sustainable business is my goal, as a female leader I also recognize the critical role of empowering women and removing barriers to improve women’s representation in the solar industry. I am determined to always assume this responsibility.
With 18 years of experience in the solar industry, Angelika Möbius is a seasoned professional committed to building a sustainable future through renewable energy. Her expertise includes business development, strategy and sales, with a history of senior leadership roles at leading solar companies such as Hanwha Q-Cells and First Solar Inc. She has successfully led numerous market access and business expansion initiatives worldwide. Recognized for her ability to identify and validate customer needs, explore go-to-market channels, and design innovative solutions, she recently transitioned to the startup side of the industry. Her early-stage startup, Solar AI Twin, aims to address the challenges faced by Solar Operations and Maintenance teams in Europe through the use of artificial intelligence.
Interested in joining Angelika and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? Find out more: www.wiseu.network
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