DIVERSITY & EQUITY IN SOLAR
Clean energy industries represent the future of our country, and our values should be reflected in the makeup of our workforce. IREC publishes comprehensive research to help solar and storage companies advance equal opportunities for everyone — including women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans.
The U.S. Solar Industry Diversity Study provides comprehensive data on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the solar and solar-plus-storage industries. The study offers insights on career pathways, employee wages, employee satisfaction, and career development. It also includes best practices for how the industry can improve.
The latest edition of the U.S. Solar Industry Diversity Study was published in 2019 by The Solar Foundation, which has since merged with IREC. It was published in partnership with the Solar Energy industries Association (SEIA). The full report and more information is available here.
*U.S. Solar Industry Diversity Study 2019, The Solar Foundation. Available at www.TheSolarFoundation.org/diversity
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
Solar Austin is committed to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable where all staff, partners, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and honor for our shared work.
We are an organization that celebrates the rich diversity of the Central Texas region. We will not tolerate discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying of any kind. We are an organization that celebrates the richness of our community, and our commitment is to advance and advocate for renewable energy with this celebration at the forefront. As an organization and Board of Directors, we agree to be guided by these principles and pledge that they will be reflected in our vision, mission, strategic planning, programming, governance, and board composition. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our staff, our members, and programs we develop and support.
*For the purposes of this statement, diversity refers to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, disability and socio-economic status; Inclusion is valuing, respecting, and encouraging the full participation of each individual in the life and leadership of the organization; Equity is a process that ensures all people have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and grow despite historical, structural, legislative, racial, and socio-economic inequities.
SOLAR AUSTIN'S EQUITY INITIATIVES
Today, Solar Austin is working to overcome systemic barriers in local solar hiring practices. In 2019, Solar Austin launched a pilot program in partnership with Huston-Tillotson University, a local HBCU, to recruit and place qualified low-income students of color and female students into paid solar internships. After a successful pilot, Solar Austin established its “Pathways to Clean Energy Careers” Program, which has educated over 400 students on solar career opportunities and placed over 50 students in industry roles.
One of Solar Austin’s first successful efforts was to advocate the municipal utility Austin Energy to offer local solar rebates. With Solar Austin’s help, Austin Energy began a rebate program in 2003 that has deployed 65 MW of residential and commercial solar across 10,000 customers to date. Solar Austin remains engaged in policy discussions in Austin, advocating for policies and programs that benefit current/potential solar customers, the local solar industry, and the community at large.
More recently, Solar Austin has focused efforts on improving equity and accessibility to the benefits of solar by creating resiliency hubs on other local nonprofits to bring light to already vibrant but under resourced communities. By hosting workshops to gather information and explore barriers to accessing solar, determine what aspects of solar are most valued, and explore solutions for expanding solar access, Solar Austin has engaged in program development exercises with Austin Energy staff and advocated for policy changes at City Council. We have also created a donation-based installation program to help underserved communities access the benefits of solar.
OTHER RESOURCES
Renewables Forward
An open and collaborative resource for inspiring greater diversity & inclusion within the renewable and clean energy industry. Helpful resources include hiring best practices, a DEI playbook, recruitment tips, and more. Solar Austin is a proud part of the Renewables Forward Collective.
Job Board
Our partner agencies are hiring as the industry continues to grow! Email tatianna.cannon@solaraustin.org if you have a job you would like to share.
WRISE
Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy. By building Community, promoting Education, and cultivating Leadership, WRISE works to recruit, retain, advance and inspire systemically excluded communities in pursuing a sustainable and equitable future.