S01E2: The Solar Switch: From Pro to Opener
In this episode of The OpenSolar Podcast, host Melissa speaks with Sophie and Jimi — two seasoned solar professionals who’ve recently made the leap from rooftop to remote, joining the OpenSolar team.
Their conversation covers the reality of life in the solar industry, what it takes to grow a solar business, the challenges women face on the job, and how building better software can make the work of solar professionals dramatically easier.
Also available to stream on Apple and Spotify.
What no one tells you about working in solar
For newcomers, the solar industry can be a surprise. Sophie entered the field expecting to sell panels, only to find herself navigating portals, paperwork and complex compliance processes before anything even went on the roof. “I was pretty naive,” she says, “but it was a delight to find how much complexity and challenge there was.”
Jimi’s biggest learning curve came from the industry’s unpredictable cycles. “I’d never heard the term ‘solar coaster’ before I joined. The whole industry rises and falls with subsidies and policy shifts. If you’re not prepared, it can catch you out quickly.”
Gender bias in the solar industry
Sophie also spoke candidly about working in a male-dominated industry. “I remember my first conference, hundreds of men and just a handful of women,” she recalls. “Even more challenging were the customer reactions. I’d call to confirm a site visit, and they’d ask if it was really me coming out.”
That response, often from other women, led her to gain formal solar and battery design accreditation — not out of necessity, but to be taken seriously. “I wanted to be able to say, yes, I am accredited. I do know what I’m talking about.”
She now helps lead Australian Women in Solar Energy, a community supporting gender equity in the industry.
Why Sophie and Jimi made the leap to OpenSolar
Both Sophie and Jimi used OpenSolar extensively before joining the company. For Jimi, now Director of Pro Experience, the platform transformed how he ran his solar business. “It took over the office workflow and automated everything. I was a fan from day one.”
Sophie, now GM for Australia and New Zealand, says the move felt natural. “We say OpenSolar is built by pros for pros and it really is. The team listens. You see your feedback show up in the product.”
The small product wins that matter
While big feature launches often steal the spotlight, it’s the small enhancements that can make the biggest difference day to day. Jimi shared how even tiny improvements to the platform changed the way he worked as a solar pro, and now, he gets to help shape those changes from the inside.
At OpenSolar, feedback from former pros isn’t just heard, it’s implemented. That sense of agency and responsiveness is something both Jimi and Sophie value deeply. Being able to influence the tools they once used in the field is part of what makes their work so rewarding.
What makes OpenSolar different
For Sophie, it’s the people and the culture. Working remotely was a new experience, but the sense of connection, collaboration and support quickly stood out. “This is one of the most talented, thoughtful teams I’ve ever worked with.”
Features like Open Day, a monthly, company-wide day off to rest and recharge, reinforce that culture and keep energy high across time zones.
Advice for new solar professionals
Sophie’s advice is simple: “Back yourself. Learn everything you can, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. There are people in this industry who will help you, just reach out.”
Jimi recommends a focus on quality. “We stopped chasing volume, chose high-end gear, and let word of mouth drive the business. It worked — no marketing budget needed.”
Their shared takeaway: solar is a tough but rewarding industry. And when the right tools are in place, the job gets easier and the impact bigger.