Women interests in PV [RE-wrenches]

[Kelly Larson]

Hi Jeff, 

Teaching classes for women in energy and RE, I have seen a huge increase 
in women's interest in solar, starting the summer before last.  The 
classes I teach are for the more technical type, and the increase took 
me by surprise.  

I would say women are seeing the long-term benefits of RE ahead of 
other, um, "groups", and we will be seeing the "other groups" 
follow...eventually.  :>)   

Seriously though, women are in touch with kids more, and that gives them 
a different view on issues that effect the future.  They also have money 
to spend now.  And seem to be willing to live and put in systems alone 
if necessary. 

I have also seen an increase in the over 55 crowd.  These folks seem to 
be bent on providing a self-sufficient lifestyle that will be unaffected 
by the outside world and not contribute to the destruction of the earth. 
 Many of the women I teach are over 55 and looking for a second, (or 
third, or fourth), career.

It is interesting for me to see you noting this trend.  I see nothing 
politically incorrect in you trying to learn how to better serve your 
market.  You may have also noticed that women want to be handled 
differently than men.  This can be a challenging change to make from 
dealing mostly with men.  Because I serve mostly women in my work, 
installing and teaching, I have the opposite challenge when serving men. 
 

Here is what I find works for women (and anybody really): 
1 take time to listen 
2 keep listening
3 listen some more    :>) 
4 treat with respect 
5 don't talk down 
6 don't confuse with too many details but explain what you are doing/ 
will do 
7 don't omit details that are important for fear they won't understand 
8 educate 
9 answer all questions 


Women tell me all the time that their installer doesn't bother to 
explain things to them.  And that when they do it is in a condescending 
way.  So this is one of the stereotypes that you may, as a man, be up 
against.  Don't be afraid to say you don't know something.  Women love 
that!  :>)   (As long as you get them the answer.) 

This information is offered respectfully and a little tongue in cheek.  
There are average gender differences in the human species, to say so 
isn't politically incorrect.  What would be is to say that everyone is a 
particular way, and that it limits them individually.  Fact is, we are 
all different, and can overcome great obstacles when we want to, which 
is what it often takes to do solar for all of us.

Happy day, 
Kelly Larson 
Electrical Contractor (CA License # 868189) 
Electrical Engineer 
Energy Educator 

jryago at netscape.com wrote:
> 
> Since I am now way past 55, I am allowed to be a little politically 
> incorrect from time to time, and I do not in any way want to offend the 
> many excellent female members of this group. However, I have an 
> observation I would like to make that frankly, has me puzzled.
> 
> I have gone back to check and I would say of all of the systems we have 
> installed in the past few years, over 90% of the initial contacts (and 
> most follow-up meeting arrangements) were from women, and if married, 
> their husbands took a real back seat to any pv system install. In many 
> cases, the husbands expressed very little interest at all, while the 
> women were extremely interested. In addition, we have installed three(3) 
> totally 100% off-grid systems in the past 2 years for single women who 
> have built small very energy-efficient homes in rural areas and live 
> alone.
> 
> I think there is a real marketing and advertising potential out there 
> that is not being tapped! Are any of you seeing this trending, or is 
> this just another one of those southern belle Virginia things?
> 
> Jeff Yago
> Dunimis Technology
> 
> _____________________________________________________________
> Netscape.  Just the Net You Need.



Kelly Larson
BSEE
Ca Electrical Contractor #868189


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