In recognition of this, MCS is shining a spotlight on the inspirational women it works with across its certification scheme to drive up confidence in renewables.
May Wang, US Segment Manager for Solar & Sustainability at MCS certification body TÜV Rheinland
Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role
Having recently relocated to Boston, I lead TÜV Rheinland’s North American Solar and Power Plant operations. We are a product certification body, and in my role I oversee the strategic and operational aspects of our solar, power plant, and sustainability portfolio in the US.
What has been your career journey and are there any highlights?
I entered the industry 20 years ago with TÜV Rheinland China. Shortly after joining, we opened TÜV Rheinland’s second solar testing lab, in Shanghai. I’ve witnessed the evolution of the solar industry; we’ve faced numerous challenges along the way, including an increasingly competitive market, alongside significant achievements, such as expanding the Shanghai laboratory to become the world’s largest accredited solar testing lab.
How do you work with MCS?
We became the first product certification body outside of Europe to be MCS accredited to certify solar PV. We also recently hosted MCS COO Lisa Cooke at our Solar Energy Conference in February, where she presented insights from the UK Solar Roadmap. I continue to attend the MCS solar PV working group meetings to stay abreast of updates and ensure our certification methodologies continue to exceed industry benchmarks.
What has been your experience as a woman in the renewables sector, and what advice would you give to others looking to enter the industry?
Early on, I encountered the typical hurdles of a male-dominated industry—situations where I had to consistently advocate for equal opportunities and establish my credibility. These experiences were demanding but instrumental in developing my resilience.
Over the years, I’ve seen a transformative shift within the industry. There is now a stronger emphasis on inclusivity and female empowerment, with many organisations recognising the value of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and excellence.
I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the leadership of trailblazing figures such as our Global Expert for Diversity, Ms Sabine Hager and our Global HR Officer for Products, Ms Dunja Vance. Their dedication to nurturing female leadership has not only enriched our workplace culture but also set a high standard for the industry.
I would encourage women to pursue a career in renewables with confidence and resilience. It’s essential to build technical expertise and remain curious about emerging trends. Embrace opportunities for mentorship and networking, as these can provide invaluable support. Remember that every challenge is a steppingstone to growth – stay focused, be proactive in your professional development, and let your passion for sustainability guide you.
Simona Marcucci, Operations Director at MCS certification body The Installation Assurance Authority (IAA)
Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role
I am Operations Director at The IAA – an installer certification body. As a team, we are responsible for all administrative duties: from membership onboarding, customer complaints, diary management for all inspectors, and support for our guarantee holders.
What has been your career journey?
I re-started my career journey with CIGA/The IAA ten years ago in the customer service department, after a break to be a stay-at-home mum. I learned a lot in a short space of time, growing my skillset and eventually leading me to the position I hold today (having recently been promoted from my previous role of Head of Customer Operations).
My move from Customer Service into Membership really started to open doors for my career. I set up the department and started to build on a strong team. Being a busy mum of two doesn’t hinder the opportunity to further your career when you work for a great company!
In what ways do you collaborate with MCS?
As a certification body, The IAA is accredited to audit and provide MCS certification to installers. I oversee the onboarding process and ensure that the required standards are being met. Our right first-time ethos aligns with the work that MCS continues to do to ensure the highest standards of installations are completed and consumers are protected.
What has been your experience as a woman in the renewables sector, and what advice would you give to others?
My experience has been a very positive one. I am lucky enough to work with many incredible women within my team and throughout the company. The opportunities I’ve had have been based on my willingness to learn, my dedication, and the desire to achieve the best outcomes for consumers and installer members.
I would say a career in renewables is something you should absolutely go for. It’s a great industry to work in, fast-paced and ever-evolving, which obviously brings challenges along the way – but also amazing rewards.
Fee Fulton, Office Manager at MCS certified installer, TB Electrics
Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role
I’m the Office Manager at TB Electrics, having joined almost four years ago. TB Electrics has been an MCS certified installer since 2011, specialising in solar PV & battery storage systems. We also do EV chargers and LED lighting solutions. As we are an SME, my role is really varied. I organise office processes, oversee customer service, I organise development for the team…the list goes on!
What has been your career journey?
I started with TB Electrics part-time, but I picked things up quickly and progressed to Office Manager. My supervisors recognised this and enrolled me into a level 3 apprenticeship in Leadership and Management which I have just completed – I wanted to ensure that I am doing the best job that I can for my team.
How do you work with MCS?
One of my main roles is to ensure we are MCS compliant and orchestrate our inspections – so on a personal level I work quite closely with them. As a business, we are also part of their installer forum and regularly contribute to relevant consultations.
What has been your experience as a woman in the renewables sector, and what advice would you give to others?
I would say that 80% of my day-to-day interactions within this industry are with men. As a woman, I feel it is key to have a thick skin and a good sense of humour, as well as being organised and knowledgeable. I feel that there are more women entering the sector than ever before, but we need to see this at installer level – all of our onsite technicians are men.
If you’re a woman thinking of moving into renewables…just go for it. It’s a great industry to work in, and as a top tip, I owe my success to knowing when it pays to be bossy! Don’t be intimidated and believe in yourself.
Nancy Jonsson, Technical Consultant at the Heat Hump Association
Tell us a bit about yourself and your job role
In my role as Technical Consultant to the Heat Pump Association, I lead our Technical and Commercial working groups and share technical / policy information with our members. My goal is to help members digest complex policy, and this involves reviewing technical / product standards, legislation, and other industry developments. I also regularly engage with government officials on alleviating technical and market barriers to heat pump adoption.
What has been your career journey?
I was always fascinated by planes growing up, which led me to choose mechanical engineering for my degree. After graduating, I held various positions with leading manufacturers in the heating and heat pump sector.
During my career, I’ve launched award-winning and innovative heat pump products to market, and each has required years of close collaboration with R&D, marketing and sales colleagues. I enjoy working with energetic people who share the same vision and values, and who don’t mind me challenging the status quo!
How does your role connect with MCS?
I represent the HPA on the MCS Heat Pump Working Group and provide input to MCS’s work on evolving their product and design standards. As the HPA has a broad range of members, close collaboration on what’s best for the sector is really important.
What has been your experience as a woman in the renewables sector, and what advice would you give to others?
I’ve always felt positively supported within our industry and I now work in a small, 80% female team. Over the years, it’s been great to notice the increasing number of women taking up different sector roles – such as design, installation, technical support, product engineering, as well as leadership positions. My advice to others would be to be inquisitive and ask questions – it helps everyone around you. Identify your interest areas and accept any new challenges to broaden your horizons.
Alex Hughes, Head of Scheme at MCS
What is your role at MCS?
As Head of Scheme, I lead our Scheme Management team and oversee the delivery of both the product and installation Scheme. This means I often interact with certification bodies and installers, so I’m lucky enough to work closely with May, Simona, Fee and Nancy.
What advice would you share with other women entering leadership roles?
Hearing a range of perspectives is critical to a business’ growth, so don’t be afraid to raise your opinion and ask questions – even where you may be the only woman in the room. It’s also important to remember that mistakes are okay. Everyone makes them, so while you can put a lot of pressure on yourself, try to remember that a setback isn’t a full stop as it allows you to learn.
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring women at MCS and in the wider sector, so my final piece of advice would be to look at what they are doing, listen to their career stories, and understand that a successful transition to net zero requires a wide range of viewpoints.
Images supplied by MCS and iStock/SolStock
