Shared Childcare Boosts Women’s Solar Careers

Shared childcare drives gender parity in solar

Equal participation by both parents in childcare can dramatically accelerate women’s careers in the solar and broader clean‑energy sectors. Jana Plananska, founder of Jana Plananska Mobility Solutions, argues that when companies extend flexible work and parental‑care policies to all employees, caring responsibilities become a shared duty, allowing women to stay and advance in technical roles.

Why flexible work matters for talent retention

Flexible hours, part‑time options, and remote‑work possibilities are not perks but essential tools for keeping women in the workforce. Studies show that firms offering flexible schedules see improved retention of women in technical departments. In the solar industry, where women are currently under‑represented, such policies can help close the gap faster than recruitment drives alone.

Evidence from the renewable‑energy field

Multiple reports confirm that gender‑diverse teams bring broader problem‑solving perspectives that benefit project outcomes. In Israel, surveys of female solar technicians highlight flexible scheduling as a key factor influencing their decision to stay at a firm. These findings echo Plananska’s observation that “flexibility should apply to the entire workforce” to foster an inclusive culture.

Practical steps companies can take

1. Introduce shared parental leave that can be split between both parents, encouraging fathers to take time off and normalising shared care.
2. Offer on‑site or subsidised childcare – providing financial support for childcare can offset costs and signal commitment.
3. Implement flexible working hours and remote‑work tools, allowing employees to adjust schedules around school hours or caregiving duties.
4. Create mentorship programs pairing senior women with newcomers to build confidence and career pathways.

These measures not only retain talent but also attract new candidates. Industry observers note that companies with formal childcare policies receive a noticeable increase in applications from qualified women for solar‑project roles.

What it means for Israel’s solar market

Israel aims for 30 % renewable electricity by 2030 and needs a skilled workforce to meet that target. Applying the typical Israeli residential solar economics (≈₪0.48/kWh tariff, ≈₪3,150/kWp installation cost), a 10 kWp rooftop system yields about ₪8,160 per year and pays back in under four years. Scaling such installations requires engineers, installers, and project managers – roles where women are under‑represented. Implementing inclusive workplace policies can help broaden the talent pool needed for this expansion.

The broader impact on the energy transition

Beyond staffing, inclusive workplaces foster innovation. Plananska stresses that “the success of the renewable energy and electric mobility transition does not hinge on technology alone.” Diverse perspectives help identify barriers to EV adoption, design user‑friendly charging solutions, and develop resilient grid‑integration strategies. When women feel supported to bring their ideas forward, the entire ecosystem – from solar panel manufacturers to grid operators – becomes more adaptable and forward‑looking.

How you can support change today

• Employers: Review your parental‑leave policies and introduce flexible work options.
• Policymakers: Incentivise companies that provide on‑site childcare through tax credits.
• Industry bodies: Highlight best‑practice case studies at conferences like Women in Solar+ Europe.
• Individuals: Mentor or sponsor a colleague, and advocate for shared caregiving at home.

By normalising shared childcare and flexible work, Israel can unlock a larger pool of talent, accelerate its renewable targets, and set a global example of gender‑balanced clean‑energy leadership.

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What it means for Israel – A typical 10 kWp home system in central Israel generates ~17,000 kWh/year, worth ~₪8,160 at the residential tariff, and pays back in under four years. Expanding the solar sector with a more inclusive workforce can contribute significantly to meeting the 30 % renewable electricity target.

For a deeper dive into the financial side of residential solar, try our solar ROI calculator and explore market data on our solar data page.