This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives the voice to Sofie Graunbøl, Technical Sales and Sustainability Lead at the Danish Solar Polaris. She explains that solar installation is a male-dominated segment because many of the practices related to installation are based on men’s physical strength, making it more difficult to employ women. “This is an important issue that needs to be addressed so that the sector can improve,” she says.
The solar industry, which is often seen as male-dominated, can benefit greatly from diversity. When women are involved in creating processes, asking questions and leading, they bring a different perspective that can lead to innovative solutions. That is why I advocate that more women come to work in the sector in any role. Diversity is not just a buzzword; it is a catalyst for driving positive change.
One of the current problems in the PV industry is the lack of women applying for jobs. In the year I’ve been with our company, I haven’t seen more than five women apply for any position. That is why I actively contact my network and their connections. If you’re involved in the hiring process, think about the positive impact a female colleague or leader can have on your company.
We need to be aware of gender bias to overcome it. For example, solar installations are a male-dominated segment. This is because many of the practices related to installation are based on the physical strength of men, making it more difficult to employ women. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed for the sector to improve.
I have been fortunate not to experience any form of discrimination based on my gender. However, being young and new to the industry has sometimes caused more experienced people to doubt my life experience. At first I felt the need to prove myself, but as I gained more confidence I noticed a change. My colleagues, managers and clients have heard and respected me from the start.
In my experience, overcoming challenges is a normal part of any industry, especially if you’re hesitant to speak up. Due to my age and experience, I have faced doubts, but I have learned to trust my ideas and advocate for change. I encourage you to do the same. Your unique perspective as a woman can be a powerful asset. Embrace it and use it to drive positive change in the solar industry.
To my younger colleagues I would say: ‘Apply, learn and take the lead.’ You will learn a lot and there is a chance that you will become responsible for a change that you are passionate about. Join or create a network that helps you build relationships, find mentors or role models, and where you can always have a safe space to share thoughts and ideas.
Sustainable design engineer by day, lead climber and boulderer by night. My work involves people and requires me to create a common language across our different skills and ways of thinking. My role as technical sales and sustainability leader at Solar Polaris is full of opportunities where I can translate all my theoretical skills into practice. I envision a sustainable future where people and planet thrive in symbiosis. To achieve a symbiosis between change and change that lasts, we must work from an agile/iterative mindset. We need to work on complex issues from a broad but in-depth perspective. I want to help identify and acknowledge these problems. Create innovative and radical solutions in a plan for a green transition within planetary boundaries. We can achieve a world in green transition, that is, by using technical, organizational and financial knowledge, systemic change and involvement of the right actors in decisive decision-making processes.
Interested in participating Sofie Graunbol and other female leaders and industry experts at Women in Solar Europe? More information: www.wiseu.network
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