News

We uphold our core value, We Are One Family, by fostering an environment where every colleague feels safe and supported. We partnered with Encircle to host an LGBTQIA+ cultural humility and allyship training, where employees gained insights into mental health research and building positive relationships.

We had the privilege of meeting Uthara, co-founder of Buzz Women, who shared how their organization empowers women globally to create change in their communities. Through their focus on the 5 Cs—Care, Climate, Community, Confidence, and Cash—Buzz helps build sustainable futures. We left inspired and eager to support their impactful mission.

We’re proud to present Enstall’s 2023 Sustainability Report. Discover how we’re leading the energy transition with cutting-edge solar PV solutions, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a strong focus on transparency. We thank our dedicated business units, Blackstone and Rivean Capital for their unwavering support and contributions.

Many people struggle to keep up with technology. David Deleu uses his “Empower Hours” to help those in need. Visiting local Neighborhood Houses and libraries, he assists residents with digital tasks, from setting up apps to filing tax forms online. His patient guidance provides relief and confidence to those new to technology, making a impact on their daily lives.

PanelClaw employees volunteered to help the North Andover Historical Society, which is dedicated to sustainable energy with net-zero initiatives, including solar panels on their roof. They needed help repainting a 250-foot fence surrounding their property, and they stepped up. Over two mornings, 16 employees used their Empower Hours to complete the project.

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with HomePlan! Each year, we’ll collaborate on innovative projects and provide cutting-edge solar solutions to support load shedding and more. Stay tuned for the exciting developments ahead as we work together to create a brighter, more sustainable future!

We had a rewarding day with colleagues from Enstall, cleaning up litter in the beautiful De Dellen forest in Epe. Two teams, the Dirty Rangers and Queen  Clean, competed to collect the most trash. We enjoyed the great weather and each other’s company while making the forest cleaner and strengthening our bonds. It was a fantastic day of teamwork, environmental care, and fun!

Enstall Empowers joined Twende Solar’s summer solstice fundraiser, supporting their mission to eliminate poverty, strengthen economies, and protect ecosystems through renewable energy. At the event, David Denenberg from IronRidge and Robin Swanhuyser discussed expanding global solar access and showcasing Enstall Empowers’ impact.

The Deventer Leerschool organized a sponsored run for KIKA, a children’s cancer charity. When the initiator couldn’t continue, Enstall employee Chantal Ferdinandus stepped in. The event was a success, raising €5,999.40. The children were proud, and we are very grateful for all the support and effort.

GRID Central Valley’s SolarCorps Fellowship is recruiting for its next 11-month training cohort. Current Fellows have gained hands-on experience in the clean energy field, discovered new career paths, and made meaningful connections. Some will remain with GRID, while others will continue their education.

Wim of Enstall EU appreciates the Four Day Marches for their outdoor activity, camaraderie and spirited singing. Faced with cancellation last year, he rallied seven volunteers to ensure the 77th edition thrived despite challenges such as new routes and permit hurdles. This year’s event drew a record 4,400 participants. The event promotes fitness, community and unity and is supported by Enstall Empower Hours.

SEI supports current and former members of the U.S. military by offering the Solar Ready Veterans Program, which includes the Solar Professionals Certificate Program (SPCP) and other training opportunities through the Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative. This support is extended through scholarship programs for active duty military and veterans.

Enstall and Solar Energy International are teaming up to create a new curriculum for entry-level solar jobs and offer scholarships to veterans. Through their collaboration, they aim to bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment while addressing the industry’s need for skilled workers. This partnership underscores the importance of profit-nonprofit collaboration in fostering sustainable careers in renewable energy.

Our Enstall employees took time out of their busy schedules to support Feed My Starving Children with their meal-packing event. Together with our EcoFasten, we joined forces to pack meals to feed underprivileged children around the world. Through our corporate sustainability initiative, Enstall Empowers, these dedicated employees earned Empower Hours, contributing to our mission of fostering a financially just and environmentally sustainable planet.

The Switch is raising funds to support their mission to educate the next generation of solar experts. Created by skilled artisans at the Harlinger Pottery and Tile Factory using techniques dating back to 1598, these unique tiles pay homage to Dutch craftsmanship. They represent the contributions of artisans such as blacksmiths, sailors, tailors and carpenters who have shaped the Netherlands. All proceeds from the sale go directly towards training and certifying new talent within The Switch team.

Blackstone Energy Transition Partners portfolio company Enstall on winning third place in the Blackstone Gives Back Challenge! Enstall CEO Stijn Vos pitched live at the BX CEO Conference on behalf of Solar Energy International, winning them a grant from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation to create new curriculum for entry level jobs and provide scholarship opportunities with a special focus on veterans. SEI offers comprehensive online and in-person solar training courses and programs for solar professionals.

We are thrilled to share the Empowers Impact Report of 2023 with you. This report highlights our dedication, in collaboration with our partners, to drive positive change and our continuous efforts. Our commitment to empowerment remains at the core of all our endeavors, whether it involves training installers, implementing non-profit solar projects, or providing children with STEM education. We believe that together, we can work towards a greener tomorrow.

We’re proud of Le Ly’s work through her Empower Hours. Le participated in the ACCT 335 – VITA program at California State University East Bay, helping community members file their taxes. As an IRS-certified VITA volunteer, she demonstrated her tax preparation skills and ethical standards. Le made a impact by helping low-income families access potential refunds and tax credits while overcoming complex tax scenarios and language barriers. This experience not only benefited the community, but also enhanced her professional and interpersonal skills.

Last November, team Esdec raised money to fulfill the wish of Sjors, a 10-year-old boy, for a special day. With generous support from friends, family, business partners, and numerous well-wishers, the challenge collected many contributions. In a touching display of compassion and generosity, Make A Wish organized an unforgettable day for Sjors, a boy with dreams as big as his heart.

Hilko, an avid winter sports enthusiast, found new purpose guiding disabled skiers on a trip organized by the Association of Disabled Winter Sports Enthusiasts (VGW). Joining a team of 60 volunteers, including ski instructors and equipment handlers, he dedicated his Empower Hours to support this meaningful cause. Inspired by his mother’s involvement with VGW, Hilko contributed his Empower Hours to provide disabled skiers with an unforgettable winter sports vacation.

To bring the world solar, sooner, we need every member of our team to be a part of our mission. That’s why we’re introducing Empower Hours, an Enstall Empowers initiative for our employees to make a meaningful difference beyond their daily roles. Empower Hours provide dedicated time for our team members to step away from their regular tasks and volunteer at non-profits or charities.

It was an unforgettable day where Jealey was able to feel and be treated like a true princess. Jealey was picked up in a limo,
rode on a Unicorn, decorated the cake (and ate it of course), had lunch in a castle, and had a special dinner with her family.

We have scored 1500 out of 1500 points in the United States for our SEIA DEIJ certification module on “supporting community organizations that support diversity” due to the work of Empowers.

We’re thrilled to share that Enstall has been honored with the prestigious 2023 World-Class Workplace Award, recognizing our commitment to employee engagement. This award reflects our dedication to creating a positive work culture where every team member feels valued and supported.

The Sustainability Hub, operating from St. Agatha Catholic Church, is training individuals in solar panel installation. Led by A.J. Patton, this program aims to graduate 10,000 skilled workers, offering steady employment and environmental benefits. Funded by Summit Ridge Energy, it targets underserved communities.

Community Work Services, Apex Technical School, and Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute, in partnership with The Fedcap Group, introduce the Clean Energy Institute. This 450-hour solar training program includes digital skills, financial literacy, and hands-on solar installation. Graduates earn six college credits from Paul Smith’s College, paving the way for further education. The initiative, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Commonwealth Corporation, and National Grid Foundation, sets a precedent for similar projects in underserved communities, meeting the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

One and a half years after Empowers was founded, we are ready to show the world what we have accomplished.

Elementary school children are engaging in various “technical games” from the Cool TECH Box. They have come up with three innovative solutions to address the shortage of personnel in the field of technology.

A new project for technology in elementary schools has been introduced: the Cool TECH Box. The creator, Anja Lutz, was disappointed by the low number of children opting for technology, prompting her to initiate a social project aimed at raising awareness of technology among elementary school students.

Empowers invited Wolfpack Robotics (FRC Team 3859) to judge a competition. After long deliberation, the Wolfpack Robotics team was ready to announce the winner of the Empowers Summer Contest.

We have scored 500 out of 500 points in the United States for our SEIA DEIJ certification module on “supporting community organizations that support diversity” due to the work of Empowers.

The former Shell laboratory at Overhoeksplein, once veiled in secrecy, has transformed into A Lab—a thriving hub where 300 innovative and socially-conscious creative enterprises collaborate. Lucas Hendricks, the visionary behind this initiative, aims to create diverse connections within the rapidly developing district. A Lab has been a fixture on Overhoeksplein since 2013, evolving into a central player as the neighborhood developed. A Lab connects Amsterdam North by housing businesses dedicated to serving locals and Amsterdam residents, including IMC Weekendschool and Massih Hutak. Bouw Woon Leef recently visited A Lab’s The Switch, a company training the unemployed, migrants, and refugees to become solar panel installers.

How do you deal with the shortage of people on the labor market? Solar Magazine discusses this dilemma with Seyit Yeyden, managing partner of the Professional Garden. “The pond is bigger than most PV installers think.”

The switch-flipping ceremony celebrated the completion of a 300-kilowatt solar panel installation at Isaac Dickson Elementary School, courtesy of Green Built Alliance’s Appalachian Offsets program. The project, six years in the making, is set to save the school over $30,000 annually in energy costs, benefiting school programs. The event held personal significance for Leigha Dickens, a former board member turned staff, as her husband attended the school as a child, making it a special family moment. It’s also a reminder that even seemingly impractical childhood dreams, like eco-friendly school designs, can become a reality, ushering in a more sustainable future.

In Loon op Zand, 30 solar panels were installed on a flat roof. What makes this project unique is that these panels now grace the roof of a home for 8 future residents with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The Open Door Foundation plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of these residents by providing essential care and support. This remarkable initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Open Door Foundation, Esdec Distribution, Trina Solar, and SolarEdge. Trina Solar supplied the panels in partnership with ESTG, while SolarEdge provided the inverters.

To achieve the energy transition, we still need many hands who can install solar panels, among other things.

We are short of people in the technology sector. Esdec, an Enstall company, is a supplier of mounting systems for solar panels in Deventer, among others. In this podcast, Vera Vos Vice-President Strategic Marketing and Communication at Enstall, and Maarten Waalkens account manager at Konnected will talk about this subject.