Solar Industry Diversity Study

IREC publishes comprehensive research to help solar and storage companies advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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An Equitable Workforce

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).

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What We Found

Representation Gaps

Women and African Americans are both underrepresented in the solar workforce. There is a wide gender gap in pay, advancement, and job satisfaction. 

Leadership Challenges

As in many other industries, the executive suites at solar companies are overwhelmingly white and male. 88% of senior executives are white and 80% are men.

Barriers for Women of Color

Interviews with women of color show they face unique challenges in career growth and advancement.

Opportunities for Employers

A growing number of solar firms are tracking metrics on employee diversity, but more employers should do so. 

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