The solar energy sector has a large presence of male professionals, however women have gained space. Data from IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) point out that the female presence in the solar photovoltaic industry worldwide in 2022 was 40%, while in oil and gas the index was 22% and in wind power it was 21%.
At photovoltaic module manufacturer JA Solar Brasil, for example, of the total of 12 employees, four are women and represent 33% of participation. The same hold leadership positions in the areas of marketing, finance and engineering, three of which are at management level.
Among them are Deyla Jesus, graduated in business istration, taking charge of the financial and operational sector; Izabel Guzzon, a journalist by training, is a marketing manager; Beatriz Carvalho works in coordination; and in the technical sector, Marina Dias, electrical engineer, leads DG (distributed generation) projects.
Women in the electrical sector
In the solar sector, Camila Nascimento, a graduate in business istration with an MBA in Project Management, dedicates herself to entrepreneurship, leading the distributor WIN Solar — located in Rio de Janeiro. In the company, women are the majority: 60% hold positions in senior management, general services, logistics and sales.
“I studied photovoltaic energy, took installation and design courses to better understand the particularities of the sector,” he explains. Although the corporate sector is still a great challenge for women, the executive points to a strong line of growth.
“I see companies being more open to understanding the benefits of having women in different areas, diversifying the team and considering different skills. Together, an increasing search for a level of specialization where educational institutions themselves offer personalized modalities”, she highlights.
Too many examples
At AFA Energia Solar, located in Xaxim (SC), entrepreneur Amanda Rocha also shares about the challenges in the segment. Especially when it comes to getting on the roof, she has plenty of effort and accumulates certifications for installing on grid systems and the Regulatory Standards for O&M (Operation and Maintenance) in photovoltaic systems.
“I joke that I’m a native, with the profile of an entrepreneur who gets her hands dirty. I constantly need to prove to some clients that I really can do it, but I do it with the greatest pride,” she says.
Just like Amanda, Bianca Julião also climbs onto the roof. The choice for the photovoltaic market was influenced by her husband Wanderson Lira. Currently, in addition to istrative commitments, the entrepreneur proves that unity is strength.
“I followed his entire career over the last five years. Based on this experience, we founded Solar Impacto, in Niterói (RJ), and today I don’t see myself working in any other area,” he reveals.
With a degree in Commercial Management, she considers that women are increasingly excelling. “It is now more common to see incredible professionals in the engineering, commercial, financial, istrative and marketing areas, like those who are my right hand at Solar Impacto,” she highlights.
Businesswoman Liciany Ribeiro is also not left out. An architect by training, she has been in the solar industry for nine years. In addition to running Ribeiro Solar, a well-known company in the electrical materials and automation market, located in Curitiba (PR) and about to turn 50 this month, she is the regional coordinator of ABSOLAR in Paraná.
In the company, 10 women occupy different positions, reflecting a manager who works on different fronts, in business management, direct with customers and in the import process.
