Who gets to change society? Solar energy as a gateway to a sustainable transition

Transitioning to a sustainable society is urgent and requires everyone to be onboard.

However, existing cultural and social norms impact who is invited to participate in the transition, essentially excluding groups of people despite their interest, competences, and willingness. One key sector in the transition where social norms are currently hindering participation is the solar energy sector.

Solar energy production is increasing drastically, which is positive in mitigating climate change.

However, the sector has a long way to go in terms of social sustainability, for example by including women, and truly making the connection between energy transition and equality.

The aim of the project is to draw on energy and gender research, as well as empirical insights, to design, test, and launch a norm-creative education module that addresses and supports a long-term shift in social norms in the solar energy sector.

The education module will target emerging and established actors in the solar energy sector and will be open access to allow wide dissemination.

The project is a collaboration between RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Solelskolan, and Intellecta, where Solelskolan will act as industry partner, testbed, and future provider for the education module.

The long-term effect of the module is a more socially sustainable solar energy sector that welcomes a diverse group of people to become agents for change, and through this, support a faster transition.