A Sustainable Solar Industry Prioritizes Women and Diversity
Why Diversity?
In honor of International Women’s Day, we reflect on the unique experiences of women in solar. Entering the solar industry as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, our founder, Fayeann Lawrence, advises that she never looked at her role specifically as a woman. She was committed to developing expertise in the industry. That said, there is undoubtedly a need for greater opportunities and support for women and minorities in the field of renewable energy. At Sologistics, diversity and inclusivity have been among our core values from day one. According to Faye, “In my experience, having a diverse team and an inclusive work culture is not only common sense and long overdue but has a plethora of data-supported benefits.” For example, research shows that overall diversity in general and gender diversity on the executive level specifically improves a company’s economic performance and profitability. According to SEIA, it provides a clear competitive advantage, with such companies being 33% more likely to be successful. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that diversity drives innovation, creativity, new ideas and attracts talent. This higher propensity for new ideas is a significant asset to any working environment.
Team diversity also contributes to reaching a wider set of clients. Yet, according to a 2019 study, women continue to face significant barriers within clean energy, particularly a lack of mentoring opportunities. Furthermore, women hold significantly fewer STEM positions compared to administrative positions, with women of color facing the largest barriers to entry in clean energy. Faye reflects, “My experience founding and leading Sologistics has given me first-hand insight into the practical impacts of prioritizing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all facets of the workplace. Diversity strengthens our ability to perform with high levels of efficiency, innovation, and high-quality results”.
Inclusion and Sustainability
Sustainability and sustainable development require diversity. Environmental outcomes from energy systems are not experienced equitably, with historically disenfranchised communities facing disproportionate pollution from traditional energy production. Globally, women face disproportionately negative impacts from climate change. Thus, a truly thriving solar energy industry requires significant participation from women at every level. Solar energy is an essential component of a more sustainable energy future with the industry poised for significant market expansion in the coming years. Nationally, the US solar industry is just 7.6 % black, 16.9% Latino, 8.5% Asian, 8.3% two or more races, and 1.1% Indigenous. According to the Solar Foundation, there are 10,740 solar jobs in New York State. Of those New York solar jobs, 74.7% of solar workers are white, and 26.5% are women. Yet women make up almost 50% of the workforce and New York City is 67% people of color. As an NYC-based company, we serve a diverse region, and that diversity is reflected in our team. Sologistics is a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), and our team is over 60% women and 50% minority. This diversity allows for increased innovation and performance, drawing from our team’s wide variety of perspectives, lived experiences, skill sets, and knowledge.
The solar industry has a long way to go in terms of diversity, inclusion, and equity. That said, opportunities are only continuing to expand as organizations become increasingly deliberate in their hiring practices. It is clear that greater diversity and equity within renewables is critical for a more, resilient, just, and high-functioning grid and it’s clear that the demand for the continued expansion of solar will be most successful within the framework of equity and inclusion. Sologistics will persevere in delivering industry leadership, innovation, high performance, and positive impact - efforts that continue to be initiated and strengthened by our diverse team of solar experts.