Women In Solar - Sophia Hasnaoui, Senior Business Development Manager - Yellow Door Energy

Sophia Hasnaoui

Senior Business Development Manager, Yellow Door Energy

About Sophia?

Sophia Hasnaoui is a Senior Business Development Manager at Yellow Door Energy, specializing in solar energy solutions for commercial and industrial clients in the UAE and Oman. With over a decade of experience across international markets, including the GCC, France, and Morocco, she focuses on reducing energy costs and emissions through solar leases. A certified Climate Fresk facilitator, Sophia leads climate change workshops for businesses and schools. Previously, she contributed to regional growth at KSB Middle East. She holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Systems from Université Technologique de Compiègne and studied Business Sustainability at the University of Cambridge.

Please Introduce yourself and your role at *Company

I joined Yellow Door Energy in 2019 as a Senior Business Development Manager. My role focuses on supporting businesses in their sustainability journey by raising awareness, educating stakeholders, and providing customized solar solutions. I am responsible for generating leads, building and scaling our sales pipeline, and negotiating long-term contracts to close deals. In addition, I work closely with the Project Management team to ensure the successful completion of projects. Staying updated on the latest technologies, regulations, and market trends is crucial to my role, allowing me to deliver the best solutions to our customers and support their business objectives and sustainability goals. 

Can you share your journey into the solar industry? What was it that inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

The 2015 Paris Agreement was a turning point in my career, inspiring me to dedicate my efforts to reducing carbon emissions and combating global warming. I initially connected with MESIA, which provided invaluable support and guidance as I entered the solar industry. This region's abundant sunlight made solar energy seem like an easy sell, but I quickly learned that driving adoption is more complex. Witnessing the commitments made at various COPs reinforced my confidence in the solar sector’s growth potential. I was particularly drawn to Yellow Door Energy's innovative business model of solar leasing, recognizing the company's potential for significant impact. My motivation stems from the urgency of climate action—our decisions today will shape the future for generations to come.

Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your career that you are particularly proud of? What made it special for you?

A significant milestone in my career was transitioning from heavy industries to the renewable energy sector, where I found my passion for sustainability. This shift made me feel unstoppable, as helping businesses and communities become more sustainable motivates me daily and gives me the strength to tackle challenges. 

Some standout achievements include signing my first solar lease with Landmark Group at Yellow Door Energy and attending the MESIA Solar Awards, where one of my customers, Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, won the prestigious Solar Project of the Year in the C&I Sector. These moments reaffirm my commitment to making a positive impact through clean energy solutions.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could give advice to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of a career, but taking time for yourself and your loved ones is equally crucial. I would also advise focusing on what truly matters—identifying your core values and aligning your efforts with them. Lastly, always keep the bigger picture in mind. It’s important to look beyond immediate tasks and challenges to understand how your actions contribute to long-term goals, both personally and professionally.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the solar industry, particularly in leadership positions? What changes would you like to see?

With 198 countries committing to triple renewable energy generation during COP28, it's clear that both men and women are essential to achieving these goals. For the solar industry to thrive, diversity and inclusion must be central to the recruitment process, and creating more inclusive workplace cultures is critical. Although women play vital roles in the industry, they remain underrepresented, particularly in leadership positions. Encouragingly, there are more platforms today, like WiSER, the Dubai Business Women Council, and MESIA, that support women in this sector. To drive meaningful change, we need to ensure equal pay and opportunities, inspire young women to pursue STEM fields, and foster cultural shifts within organizations that highlight female role models. This will empower more women to take on leadership roles and shape the future of the solar industry.

What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in the solar industry or other renewable energy fields?

Women make up 39% of the global workforce, but only 16% in the traditional energy sector, compared to 32% in renewables (Sources: IEA, IRENA). The renewable energy sector offers diverse career opportunities beyond engineering, including business development, finance, legal, HR, marketing, and more.

For young women considering a career in solar or other renewable fields, my advice would be to support one another and build a strong network, both internally and externally. Developing technical skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends are crucial for success. Don’t hesitate to share your knowledge—collaboration is key in this field. Challenges are inevitable, but always remember the positive impact your work has on the world. Stay motivated, be resilient, and don’t give up. Lastly, embrace creativity and think outside the box; innovation is what drives this industry forward.

About Yellow Door Energy

Yellow Door Energy is the leading sustainable energy partner for businesses, serving commercial and industrial customers in the Middle East and Africa. The company’s solar and battery energy storage solutions enable businesses to reduce energy costs, improve power reliability and lower carbon emissions. These solutions directly contribute to companies’ and countries’ Net Zero targets. Yellow Door Energy’s shareholders are Actis, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and The Arab Energy Fund (formerly APICORP).