Groundbreaking Women-Only Solar Project in Victoria
In a typically male-dominated industry, a groundbreaking project in Bundoora, Melbourne, saw an all-women team leading the installation of a 96kW solar system at Officeworks. This initiative, spearheaded by Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE) cofounder Lily Pekjic, challenges the norms of the solar workforce. Pekjic highlighted the lack of support for women in trades and the competitive nature of the industry as barriers to female participation.
The project, initiated by Smart Commercial Solar, aimed to showcase the capabilities of women in the solar sector, where they represent only 23 per cent of the workforce. Despite the industry’s gender imbalance, AWISE managed to assemble a team of talented women within a week to execute the project successfully. The core group comprised eight women from various organisations, including Smart Commercial Solar, AWISE, and Officeworks.
Empowering Women in Solar Energy
The installation of the 96kW solar array, funded through a Power Purchase Agreement, marked a significant milestone in promoting gender diversity in the renewables sector. The project not only demonstrated the technical expertise of women but also fostered a sense of community and support among the team members. According to Pekjic, the collaborative effort transcended commercial interests, focusing on empowerment and solidarity among women in the industry.
Despite the success of the project, Pekjic emphasised the challenges faced by women in the solar sector, citing the lack of training opportunities and support for female tradespeople. She proposed the implementation of quotas to encourage companies to invest in and retain female talent, addressing the skills shortages projected in the industry.
Addressing Skills Shortages in the Renewable Sector
As the demand for skilled workers in building and engineering trades grows, the need to attract more women to the renewables sector becomes imperative. Reports indicate a substantial shortfall in the workforce required to achieve net-zero targets, with a particular emphasis on the shortage of electricians. Pekjic underscored the importance of government and corporate support in training and retaining women in the competitive solar industry.
Highlighting the challenges faced by female tradies, Pekjic noted the difficulty in balancing work in the sector with family responsibilities. She stressed the need for a supportive environment to encourage women to pursue careers in trades and contribute to the renewable energy transition.
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