This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives the voice to Nataliia Cherepovska, communications manager at the Polish Menlo Electric. She says that especially in Ukraine, where she comes from, solar energy is more than a green initiative: it is a lifeline. “Solar-powered critical facilities continue to operate even if the power grid goes down, ensuring critical services,” she says. “Solar energy doesn’t just power buildings – it also fuels hope, security and progress.”
The impact of solar energy extends beyond its environmental benefits. It is a catalyst for social transformation, especially in communities struggling with unreliable energy infrastructure. By providing clean, affordable energy, solar is enabling a shift towards independence, breaking the dependency on fossil fuels and grids. This isn’t just about powering homes, it’s about strengthening communities.
In Ukraine, where energy infrastructure is at risk due to war, solar energy is more than a green initiative: it is a lifeline. Crucial solar-powered facilities continue to run even if the electricity grid goes down, ensuring crucial services. The impact on healthcare is significant, allowing life-saving operations to continue uninterrupted. Schools can remain open, providing stability for students in an otherwise unstable environment.
In addition to keeping the lights on, solar energy also builds community resilience. It stimulates local economies by creating jobs in renewable energy and ensures that companies can function without fear of disruptions. Solar energy is not just a climate solution, it is a force for social and economic empowerment.
Solar energy not only powers buildings, but also provides hope, security and progress, especially in the world’s most vulnerable regions. When used strategically, it becomes a tool for both environmental protection and social change.
The Solar2Share The initiative I am currently managing aims to bring solar energy to public institutions such as schools, hospitals and community centers. This project, which started as a CSR effort by Menlo Electric, has expanded to include several partners committed to sustainable energy solutions. To date, Solar2Share has installed 18 solar stations in 8 countries, from Germany, Poland and Ukraine to South Africa, benefiting communities by ensuring energy stability and reducing CO2 emissions.
One particularly meaningful effort is currently taking place at the ‘Unbroken’ Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, Ukraine. Here we install 60 kW of solar panels, 40 kW of inverters and 25 kWh of energy storage. For the center, which provides free prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation to those affected by the war, an independent and stable power supply is essential. Even a brief power outage during one of the many operations can mean the difference between life and death.
Whether powering a hospital in Lviv or bringing sustainable energy to a rural community center in Botswana, each project is a testament to the transformative effect solar energy can have on communities around the world.
Building a more equal, diverse and inclusive solar industry is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about fundamentally reshaping the way we innovate and solve problems. The newest ‘Women in the workplace 2024’ Research from McKinsey & Company shows both the progress and challenges in this area. Women’s representation in leadership has steadily increased, with 29% of positions in the C-suites now held by women, up from 15% in 2015. The energy sector reflects this trend, but the study also warns that progress is fragile, and that progress at the current pace is fragile. it could take almost fifty years before full gender equality is achieved. This makes it clear that although steps have been taken, much work remains to be done. Women bring broader perspectives to renewable energy projects, often prioritizing long-term community benefits over short-term profits.
A diverse workforce translates into more creative problem solving. In a sector facing global challenges, different backgrounds offer a wealth of solutions that would not emerge from a homogeneous group. Solar energy isn’t just about advancing technology; it’s about ensuring that every project has a lasting social impact, which can only happen when different voices contribute.
Ultimately, the success of any renewable energy project lies in its ability to adapt to its social, cultural and economic context. Women in solar bridge the gap between technical innovation and social equality, ensuring projects benefit both people and the planet.
Nataliia Cherepovska is communications manager at Menlo Electric, where she leads global CSR initiatives and communications strategies. With more than eight years of experience in public relations and marketing, Nataliia has worked with global brands such as Samsung and fast-growing startups, driving impactful communications campaigns across multiple regions. Her focus on renewable energy and sustainability has led her to lead the collective CSR project for the solar energy sector, Solar2Share, which provides solar energy solutions to communities in need.
Interested in participating Natalia Cherepovska and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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