Kate Carter Represents PV Squared Solar at National Renewable Energy Conference

GREENFIELD — Kate Carter, team manager at PV Squared Solar, recently represented the worker-owned solar cooperative at the 2026 Principals Conference Retreat hosted by the Amicus Solar Cooperative in Puerto Rico, where solar leaders from across North America gathered to collaborate on strengthening locally owned solar companies and advancing industry best practices.

The Amicus Solar Cooperative is a network of independent solar companies that share knowledge, develop industry standards, and support values-driven solar businesses rooted in their communities. Carter’s participation in the retreat reflects both PV Squared’s involvement in the cooperative network and the growing leadership of women in the renewable energy sector.

“Solar is not just about technology,” she said. “It’s about people, collaboration, and shared values. Representing PV Squared at a national gathering of solar leaders was an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and bring that knowledge back to the communities we serve.”

The solar and construction industries have historically been male-dominated, but that landscape is evolving as more women pursue careers in renewable energy and the skilled trades. At PV Squared, women contribute across every area of the company, including project management, system design, operations, cooperative governance, and installation teams.

Brittany Hathaway, co-owner of PV Squared and co-chair of the Greenfield Business Assoc. board of directors alongside Carter, said the collaboration reflects the supportive leadership culture within the company and the broader Pioneer Valley community.

“It’s an honor to work alongside Kate, both at PV Squared and in our shared work with the Greenfield Business Association,” Hathaway said. “I’m incredibly proud of the many talented and empowered women helping shape the future of clean energy and local business across the Valley.”

Founded in 2002, PV Squared Solar is a 100% worker-owned cooperative where the people who design, install, and maintain solar systems also help guide the company’s future. The cooperative model encourages mentorship, collaboration, and long-term career pathways within the renewable energy workforce.

Leaders at PV Squared say Women’s History Month is both a moment to recognize progress and an opportunity to continue building pathways for women in the clean energy economy.

“As the solar industry grows, it’s important that the workforce building that infrastructure reflects the communities it serves,” Carter said. “Creating opportunities for women in the trades strengthens both the industry and the communities we work in.”

Through its work installing solar systems for homes, farms, businesses, and nonprofits across Western Mass. and Southern Vermont, PV Squared aims to build not only clean energy infrastructure, but also a resilient local workforce. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the leaders helping shape that future.