Inclusion Must Move Past Token Gestures

Inclusion means giving people the tools, not just symbols

Inclusion in solar must provide practical means—adapted PPE, anonymous hiring and real project‑lead roles—otherwise talent slips away. Floriane de Brabandère, president of France’s FNES, argues that “you cannot retain talent that is poorly equipped,” and backs it up with a federation that offers anonymous applications and a women‑only association that supplies gender‑neutral tools.

Solar sector has a relatively high share of women

Solar is one of the most gender‑balanced renewable fields, with a noticeably higher proportion of women than in many other energy sectors. The figure is highlighted in IRENA’s gender‑perspective reports, which note that solar’s lack of strict degree requirements helped it escape the traditional glass ceiling.

Diverse teams can improve risk management and innovation

When teams reflect the market they serve, they tend to spot risks earlier and generate a broader range of solutions. De Brabandère observed that during a French industry crisis, a group of 300 leaders—including a handful of women—channeled criticism into concrete actions that led the government to consult field players within days. Research on gender‑diverse teams in renewable‑energy contexts suggests they can enhance safety awareness and innovation.

Floriane de Brabandère shows how to turn ideas into action

De Brabandère’s path—from factory‑worker daughter to federation president—illustrates that solar welcomes non‑traditional backgrounds. She built her credibility by translating technical texts into plain language, mastering regulations word‑for‑word and founding a recruitment firm that uses blind CVs. Her “competence as a shield” approach, combined with humor (Timberlands over suits), demonstrates that leadership in solar is shifting from posturing to collective coordination.

Practical steps for real inclusion

1. Equip everyone equally – provide gender‑neutral PPE, adjustable workstations and tools that fit all body types.
2. Offer real career ladders – assign women to project‑lead positions, not perpetual assistant roles.
3. Measure pay and promotion gaps – without data, gaps cannot be closed; the industry still struggles to count workers by gender.
4. Make flexibility universal – remote‑work options must be accessible to all, otherwise they become a career trap for women.
5. Show visible trajectories – publish case studies of women who have risen through the ranks so newcomers can see a path.

These actions move inclusion from “good intentions” to mechanisms that actually retain talent.

What it means for Israel

Israel’s solar market already enjoys a notable share of women in field jobs, but the sector can still benefit from the mechanisms described above. Using the typical Israeli figures:

• A 10 kWp rooftop system in central Israel yields ~17 000 kWh / year (1700 kWh / kWp × 10 kWp).
• At the residential tariff of ₪0.48/kWh, that electricity is worth ₪8 160 per year.
• With a turnkey cost of ₪3 150/kWp, the installation costs ₪31 500.
• Simple payback = 31 500 ÷ 8 160 ≈ 3.9 years, after which the system generates profit for the remaining ~21 years of its life.

Forward look

As solar continues to write its own rules, the next wave of leaders will be those who embed inclusion into every process—from procurement to rooftop installation. The French example shows that when women are given the tools, the voice, and the data to demonstrate their impact, the industry becomes more resilient and innovative, supporting broader renewable‑energy goals.

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What it means for Israel – By adopting blind hiring, gender‑neutral equipment and transparent promotion metrics, Israeli solar firms can broaden their talent pool and help accelerate the nation’s renewable‑electricity targets.

Sources & further reading

• Solar PV: A gender perspective
• Renewable energy and jobs: Annual review 2023
• Gender gap persists across global renewable energy workforce...
• Chinese manufacturer DAS Solar says it will open a €109 million...
• EU Market Outlook for Solar Power - HELAPCO