How SEI’s All-Women Solar Training Program Is Changing the Game for Women in the Industry

When we talk about solar training, we often focus on technical skills, but we tend to overlook how important the learning environment is—especially for women in a male-majority industry. That’s why having an all-women’s solar training program can make such a big difference for women to find an environment where they feel safe, supported, and empowered. 

1. A Safe Space Where Learning Thrives

For the past three years, the feedback we’ve received from women in these training sessions has been overwhelmingly positive. When we ask women who’ve completed our all-women’s solar lab week how the experience impacted them, one comment comes up again and again: “I’ve never felt safer to ask questions and learn than I did in this environment.”

In mixed-gender settings, it’s not uncommon for women to feel like they’re being judged or even patronized, which can make it harder to fully engage. But in an all-women’s training, the atmosphere is different. Participants feel more comfortable stepping outside their comfort zones, asking the questions they might not ask elsewhere, and really diving into the learning experience.

“Personally, I liked it better than if it was a co-ed lab. I haven’t done co-ed practical training lately. However, in the past when I was doing such activities, some men felt women cannot do as good of a job as them. Therefore, they’d come around wanting to offer help to a female student even when it was not necessary”—SEI Student, Anna Manega from Tanzania

2. Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions

One of the most powerful aspects of all-women training is the sense of connection that develops between participants. In a male-dominated industry, women face unique challenges—ranging from subtle biases to being outright overlooked. Being in a group where everyone has faced those same struggles allows for a level of understanding and support that’s hard to find in mixed settings, where those dynamics often go unspoken or unaddressed, but in this environment, they can really connect, share, and support one another.

Women in these programs say they feel uplifted by their peers, not patronized or judged. It’s a space where they can talk openly about their experiences, share solutions, and cheer each other on.

“The SEI Women’s Lab truly changed my life. It was the immersion I needed to really commit to my new career in solar. The highlight for me was seeing women from all over, different ages, different races making their way in the movement for clean energy. I thought I would feel lost, not having a background in the field, but quite the opposite, I was surprised at how much I knew, and how easily I understood the coursework with the right instruction.” —SEI Student , Jenna Dunne from Missouri, US

3. Empowered by Women Who Lead

There’s something undeniably inspiring about seeing women succeed in a field where men have traditionally been the majority. In these trainings, not only are the participants women, but so are the instructors—women who are thriving in the solar industry.

This kind of representation is empowering. It shows participants that success in the industry is within reach for them too. And beyond the technical skills, the connections they make with other women—both peers and instructors—can lead to lifelong mentorship and support networks.

“Having female teachers shows us that we can also be at the top of our careers. They certainly opened many doors! They were so knowledgeable and it was great to hear more about their career stories.” —SEI Student, Anaide Aued from Brazil

4. Building a Community, Not Dividing One

It’s important to understand that the goal of all-women training isn’t to separate women from men, but to build a community for women in an industry where they’re still a minority.

Women often report feeling isolated in mixed-gender training or workplaces. By creating a space for women to come together, we’re fostering camaraderie and a sense of belonging—something that’s much harder to achieve in mixed groups, where the dynamics are different.

“(The lab was) So inspiring!! It started on the first day with everyone presenting themselves. It was great to hear each one’s stories and know that we were all there as equals. Although we have different stories, most were looking to empower themselves through education and to leave the world a better place.”— SEI Student, Anaide Aued from Brazil

5. Leading the Charge for Gender Equity

The solar industry is growing rapidly, and if we want to see more women in leadership roles, we need to provide the right environment for them to thrive. All-women’s solar training isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building confidence, forming connections, finding mentors and laying the foundation for future leaders to make positive contributions toward a more diverse renewable energy industry. And that’s something that benefits everyone.

“Female leadership is important because we need a more balanced, big picture approach to our industry. If we level the playing field and more women are invited to be leaders in the industry, I believe that we can better problem-solve the challenges facing solar today. Also, having more women in leadership positions allows women to feel represented when they decide to join the solar workforce”— SEI Student and former Training Coordinator, Amanda Campbell from California, US

A Limited Opportunity to Make a Difference

This year’s lab was made possible thanks to Sungrow US generous donation, which covered all operational expenses. Additionally, AES sponsored 10 women for the Women’s Lab Week, covering their travel expenses and tuition.

With only a few sponsorship slots available, your contribution can help transform women’s professional paths by giving them access to a program that will jumpstart their careers in solar. You’ll also align your brand with a movement that’s shaping the future of the industry. Act now to become one of the select sponsors making a real impact!