Honoring Women in Solar for National Women’s History Month
At Terrasmart, we’re proud to cultivate career opportunities for people from all backgrounds. For National Women’s History Month, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our female leaders in the traditionally male-dominated field of construction: Renee Roggow, VP, Racking Project Operations at Terrasmart, and Leah Jones, Senior Director, Field Construction Operations.
About 30% of the solar industry’s installation workforce is female, nearly triple the construction industry workforce average of 11%. Still, women remain under-represented in the solar industry overall. Renee and Leah share inspiring details about their personal journeys, advice for women entering solar, and insights into the impact women have on the solar industry as a whole.
What inspired you to apply your experience in the construction industry to solar and join Terrasmart?
Renee: I joined Terrasmart close to 11 years ago as Director of Finance, but my role quickly expanded beyond finance to include HR and operational support. As the company grew, transitioning into construction operations felt like a natural fit and a great opportunity to apply my experience to a crucial area of the business.
Leah: The construction industry has always been a passion of mine—I love the challenge of bringing complex projects to life. When I saw the rapid growth of solar and its potential to reshape the energy landscape, I knew I wanted to be part of that transformation. Joining Terrasmart was an easy decision because of its reputation for innovation in utility-scale solar. I was drawn to the company’s commitment in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in solar construction, and joining the solar industry gave me the opportunity to have a lasting impact on the world.
Renee Roggow, VP, Racking Project Operations at Terrasmart
“Encouraging more women to enter the solar construction field starts with greater visibility, mentorship, and actively fostering an inclusive culture where they feel supported and empowered to take on leadership roles. As the industry continues to grow, companies that prioritize diversity will not only help break down barriers but also benefit from a broader talent pool and fresh perspectives.” – Renee Roggow
The majority of jobs in the solar industry are in installation and project development, which are traditionally male-dominated fields. What is your first-hand experience with this, and what are some opportunities and challenges in welcoming more women to this area?
Renee: Even with the strides women have made in the industry, most of the people I interact with, whether customers or members of my own team, are men. The opportunities are growing, but one of the biggest challenges is the perception that these jobs require a certain physicality or technical background. In reality, success in solar construction roles comes down to problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability – skills that women bring just as strongly as men.
Leah: I’ve absolutely seen firsthand how male-dominated the solar industry is, and construction as a whole can be. Early in my career, I was often one of the only women on a job site or in leadership meetings. But instead of seeing that as a barrier, I saw it as an opportunity to prove that knowledge, skill, and leadership aren’t defined by gender. The good news is that the industry is evolving, and there’s a real opportunity to welcome more women into solar, especially in installation and project management roles.
One of the biggest challenges is visibility. Representation matters. Women need to see other women thriving in these positions to believe it’s a path they can take. That’s why mentorship is so important. We need to actively support and encourage women to step into these roles, whether that’s through training programs, leadership development, or simply making sure their voices are heard and valued in the field. Another key issue is breaking outdated perceptions about what it takes to succeed in construction and solar. Physical labor is part of the job, but problem-solving, communication, and leadership are just as critical. I’m proud to be part of this shift and to show that women belong in every part of the solar industry—from the ground up.
Alondra Luna, master scheduler for the construction team, operating Terrasmart’s Screw Machine (TSM) on a recent site visit.
“As a woman in this field, I saw an opportunity to lead by example — demonstrating that women belong at every level of the industry, from the field to the boardroom. I’m passionate about breaking barriers and proving that leadership in construction isn’t defined by gender but by knowledge, determination, and the drive to build a more sustainable future.” – Leah Jones
Leah Jones inspecting Terrasmart’s recent tracker build on a project site up North
What can the industry do to proactively execute workforce recruiting and development strategies for women? How have you been involved with these activities?
Renee: The solar industry can enhance opportunities for women by encouraging women to join and stay engaged in industry communities. This is one way I help foster a more inclusive environment—not just in our industry but for women striving for success in any career. I’m a part of organizations like Women in Clean Tech & Sustainability, and this participation allows me to contribute to mentorship, share information, and help women access job opportunities in renewable energy. Additionally, our internal women’s group at Terrasmart, Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN), provides a space for support, networking, and professional growth. We hold monthly meetings with inspiring speakers.
Leah: I believe bringing more women into solar requires more than just hiring—it’s about building a pipeline of talent and fostering an inclusive culture. I’ve been actively involved in mentoring, advocating for women in construction and solar, and ensuring they have clear pathways for career growth. I lead by example, staying visible in the field and in leadership roles to challenge outdated perceptions. I’ve also worked on training initiatives that develop both technical and leadership skills, so women see themselves not just in entry-level roles but as future supervisors and directors.
Leah with Gage Sykes, Field Commissioning Supervisor
How does the industry benefit as a whole by supporting women in solar?
Renee: There are incredible opportunities for women in the solar industry—not only because it’s a growing field, but also because it allows them to contribute to a more sustainable future. When more women enter the solar workforce, they bring new perspectives and ideas, enhancing the industry’s ability to innovate, expand, and make a tangible impact on the environment.
Leah: The more that women step into roles in solar, the more they can change the industry for the better. It’s not just about filling positions; it’s about bringing diverse perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and leadership styles that drive innovation and efficiency.
What would you like to say to women who are thinking of changing careers to the solar industry, or joining it as their first job?
Renee: For women considering this path, I’d encourage them to be confident in their abilities, seek out mentors, and not be intimidated by the male-dominated nature of some roles. The industry values problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration. Whether in project management, engineering, installation, or operations, success comes from being detail-oriented, having strong communication skills, and being able to think critically in fast-paced environments. If you’re eager to learn, willing to step outside your comfort zone, and passionate about sustainability, the solar industry offers a rewarding and impactful career path.
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Terrasmart remains committed to fostering an environment where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, respected, connected, and supported in order to develop, grow, and succeed. We will continue sharing stories of equal opportunity achievements within our company, industry, and country.
