interview

Women in Solar Energy (Ireland): Bronze Solar Diversity Champion 2025

by Thérèse O Donoghue - 1 December 2025

SolarPower Europe's Solar Diversity Champion Award acknowledges and celebrates organisations that have demonstrated commitment and success in achieving gender balance, and creating diverse, inclusive work environments. During our 2025 Diversity Champion Award online ceremony, WISE(IR) - Women in Solar Energy (Ireland), was awarded the Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award. The network was praised for its efforts to empower women working in the solar sector in Ireland, which includes running workshops to equip women with the technical knowledge and soft skills needed to thrive in the solar industry.

We sat down with Maeve Delargy, Senior Associate at Philip Lee LLP and Co-Founder of WISE(IR), to chat about what winning the award means to the network, why the network is unique, the importance of celebrating diversity in the solar sector, and much more!

1. Congratulations on winning the Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award 2024! What does this recognition mean for your organisation, and its commitment towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE &I)?

This is really important recognition for us. It is very encouraging to know that our network is worthy of this award. It will help to spur us on to continue our work, organising events and making connections.

2. Winning the Bronze Solar Diversity Champion Award is a remarkable achievement. Can you highlight the specific initiatives or practices that you believe were pivotal in earning this success?

I’m not sure it was one initiative or event specifically. I think what makes our network stand out is the fact that it came from one idea and has grown so quickly into a successful network. It’s all based on volunteered time both from the organising committee and the speakers.

3. How do you plan to build on this recognition to further enhance your diversity and inclusion efforts in the future?

We have promoted this recognition on our social media platforms. If we are looking for sponsorship in the future it is definitely something we will include in our application. Also, I think it will really help us in finding hosts and speakers for our future events as it lends a real credibility to our network.

4. What other projects or initiatives is WISE(IR) - Women in Solar Energy (Ireland) a part of that ensure solar development in Europe is diversified and inclusive? How do these initiatives support your mission to accelerate the energy transition?

WISE(IR) is not currently part of any other projects or initiatives but linking with other groups is certainly something we would consider. There are other networks such as Women’s Infrastructure Network Ireland, Women in Renewables and Women in Construction Ireland we can collaborate with. WISE(IR) has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Irish Renewable Energy Awards so we look forward to attending that event and connecting with others working in renewable energy in Ireland.

5. Why is it important to celebrate diversity practices in the solar sector? 

I think that being visible about what you’re doing is important. It encourages others to start their own initiatives. It also provides encouragement to individuals working in a space that is perhaps less diverse or inclusive. It lets them know that, as a whole, the sector is moving in the right direction. They might be inspired to take some action to change their immediate situation.

6. How do awards like the Solar Diversity Champion Award help the solar sector, and how do they align with WISE(IR)’s goals?

These awards encourage companies to take action in relation to diversity. They show that being a leader in this regard is appreciated and rewarded. WISE(IR) wants to showcase women working in the solar sector. The Solar Diversity Champion Award feeds into this. WISE(IR) wants to allow women in the solar sector to make connections and learn from each other. This Solar Diversity Champion Award also facilitates this.

7. In what ways do you think your success in promoting diversity and gender equality can influence other organisations, and the broader energy sector?

I would hope that this success will encourage other organisations to get involved with WISE(IR) either by hosting events, proposing speakers or encouraging their staff to attend our events. This award legitimises our efforts and gives us a bigger platform. Hopefully there will be other similar networks around Europe making submissions to next year’s awards. And perhaps some other initiatives from Ireland too.