As South Africa accelerates its renewable energy transition, one thing remains clear: the sector’s success will rely not only on innovation, but on inclusion. This Women’s Month, Sungrow, a global leader in clean energy solutions, is spotlighting the vital role of women in engineering and the need to ensure they are empowered to lead the charge.
Lona Kula, a service engineer at Sungrow, is one of the women shaping this transition. Her career began in 2014 as a protection and control technician, where she worked on substation automation and electrical system safety. Over the years, she steadily advanced into more senior roles, refining her technical expertise in electrical engineering, control systems, and power infrastructure. In 2021, she made the shift into renewable energy, driven by both personal conviction and the global urgency to find sustainable energy solutions.
Kula joined Sungrow in 2022, where her role involves supporting the commissioning, operation, and optimisation of clean power systems, including residential hybrid solutions, commercial battery storage, and grid-tied solar installations. She works across diverse sites, often in remote or challenging locations, ensuring that complex solar infrastructure is not only operational but optimised for long-term efficiency. Reflecting on one of her most memorable contributions, Kula highlights the commissioning of a hybrid energy system for a rural community that had long experienced unstable electricity.
“Seeing the system go live and bringing reliable power to homes, clinics, and schools was a powerful reminder of why I chose this path,” explains Kula. “When you see the impact of your work in real time, particularly in places that have gone without reliable power for years, it’s incredibly motivating.”
Kula recognises the importance of representation and mentorship, adding that while South Africa has made progress in encouraging girls into STEM fields, there is a growing need for stronger mentorship, more inclusive workplaces, and early education outreach to shift the landscape.
“Companies have a key role to play by providing career pathways, amplifying the voices of women in leadership, and creating environments where technical excellence is nurtured across all backgrounds,” she says. “At Sungrow, the company prioritises this, and has built a culture that values learning, teamwork, and diversity.”
Eric Song, managing director for Sungrow Sub-Saharan Africa, echoes this sentiment, adding that the representation of women in the industry is not just important, but essential for a stronger, more resilient energy future.
“Diverse teams deliver better solutions. At Sungrow, we actively invest in mentorship, inclusive hiring, and career development initiatives that support women across the energy value chain.”
Industry-wide progress depends on sustained effort and shared accountability. While strides have been made, many women in technical roles still encounter challenges, from unconscious bias to gaps in mentorship and leadership visibility. Addressing these issues requires not only awareness but collaborative action,
“As South Africa looks ahead, women should play a central role in shaping the future – not only as participants, but as leaders and innovators. The clean energy transition isn’t just about technology. It’s about building an inclusive industry that truly reflects the communities we serve,” concludes Song.
