Category: Clean Energy

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a chance to speak straight with lenders and tax credit syndicators which is magnificent. Then, if there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a huge offer. Were presently dealing with a collaboration with Lowes, which is donating about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our projects. Stabilizing exposure, standing next to us and saying “these communities are worthy of investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can potential partners do company with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly looking for partners to invest, provide debt or purchase some tax credits, thats the first ask. We are likewise always prepared to host people if they want to see a few of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. This is not exclusive; its an open book. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally have not had access. We are likewise going to be expanding our board. Im always challenging magnates to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I believe that has real value
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been excellent simply to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and discovering about people with totally various point of views. I like the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Just knowing that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

I think there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, individuals just cant think it. Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is constantly important. We are also constantly ready to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals when a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had gain access to.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and real estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his expertise and performance history of producing constant returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting change neighborhoods and their effect on the world. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his influence on Americas shift to a clean economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to begin your company?
I had 2 essential minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas costs, and she was just making 10 dollars an hour, so we could not afford the gas costs. A lot of individuals have comparable anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
They looked confused that I would even dare ask about the daily people. I believe I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I started my business. I called it 548 Capital since that is the unit number in the public housing where I grew up.

Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, completely sustainable and totally economical advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 residential units, a coffee store, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered use in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I believe there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant believe it.
The other thing that I believe is crucial is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a pretty powerful message. That amount of money impacts the spending plan of daily households
.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
You cant skip the grind. Let me acknowledge that starting a business, any service, was going to be challenging. With that said, access to capital is ungodly challenging. When I go to banks and state that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. Some banks dont desire to invest; they dont wish to partner; they do not desire to do their share. It is a battle of generational size that Im trying to eliminate here, and weve made very small, incremental progress. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is necessary. My voice only suggests so much, but the more I can bring pals to the table and amplify that voice, the more we can raise attention to the requirement
.

Tell us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you run in, primary clients, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody must have gain access to. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody.

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to provide a product that will save our community up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to local community solar and to help industrial homes with energy performance. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to make sure city homeowners were receiving the same amount of investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually historically been a middle-class issue since Black neighborhoods have had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will feature industry leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black female CEO in the community solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar power, no matter house type, and assisting hard-working households reduce month-to-month costs.
What inspired you to start your business?
The plain reality that the majority of households who were receiving renewable energy rewards were greater earnings. I remember discovering this and believing there had to be a way to resolve this space. I saw there was an issue. I had my own ideas on how to solve it, and I wished to have firm over my own decisions. I was at a community conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not bought the community solar movement. When I started to explain how critical and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar motion, it seemed like a lightbulb had actually turned on for me. I started revealing how higher-income communities and individuals in the suburban areas were taking advantage of renewable tax rewards and had actually gotten a lot of support. The fact is, energy usage effects Black home budgets greatly. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, indicating they spend over 6% of their income on house energy bills. Thats a massive percentage. To be able to provide an item that will conserve our neighborhood as much as 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods cost effective access to local neighborhood solar and to assist commercial homes with energy efficiency. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical energy need to come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently facing many pressing difficulties, encouraging them that there is another one simply as crucial is extremely hard. I remember attempting to describe neighborhood solar to my buddies and the discussion rapidly pivoting to housing. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and injustice are bigger than we know, and it drowns our neighborhood. Where Black people are not being purchased, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please show us a current company success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to ensure city homeowners were getting the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class issue since Black communities have actually had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To find out more about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will feature industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned sustainable energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists co-ops, utilities and federal governments integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced structure strategies to the sustainable energy market. I desire to reduce the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of big energies and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a country.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are changing the method utilities, co-ops and federal governments think of powering the future of this excellent nation. We invest in finding and using proven, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. Our team of energy specialists helps us lower construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can also provide consulting and strategic planning services, website recognition and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
There is no difficulty little or too big for us. We welcome chances to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our substantial lessons found out and our proven new technologies. We can assist our clients believe differently about their neighborhood and the world. We like to state, “We give you more power over your power.” And we believe energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.
For more information about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure techniques to the sustainable energy industry. I desire to decrease the amount of green space used to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the key to green growth.

Tell us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you operate in, primary clients, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody must have access. Somebody, some entity, needs to work as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody. Thats what my objective is, and thankfully we are growing. We are currently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be revealing some new locations this fall
.

I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people just cant think it. Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. We are also always willing to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals when a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had gain access to.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 3rd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and property analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his expertise and track record of developing consistent returns with a personal passion for helping transform communities and their effect on the world. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas shift to a clean economy.
LEARNT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had 2 critical moments that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas expense, and she was only making ten bucks an hour, so we could not pay for the gas costs. And so, sadly, we had our gas and heat shut off. For roughly a year in my teenagers, we had to boil water and carry it up to a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely bumpy rides, and experiences like that simply stick with you. I dont care what occurs the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is moving forward; those moments are with you forever. As I discuss that with different groups around the country, it has ended up being clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not a great thing
.
They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the everyday people. I think I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I started my business. I called it 548 Capital since that is the unit number in the public housing where I grew up.

So what can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always important. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are worthwhile of financial investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can potential partners work with you?
Today, we are Chicago-focused. We are always looking for partners to invest, use debt or buy some tax credits, thats the very first ask. We are also always ready to host people if they desire to see a few of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host individuals when a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally have not had gain access to. We are also going to be broadening our board. Since I think that has genuine worth, Im always difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been excellent simply to meet the other Accelerate member business. I learned a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and learning about people with absolutely various perspectives. I like the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge difference.
###.

Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, entirely sustainable and completely economical advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 property systems, a coffee bar, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant believe it.
The other thing that I think is very important is we have an economic impact that resonates with people, and its a pretty effective message. Were intending to cut utility expenses for households in half. Thats a big deal, you understand. That quantity of cash effects the budget plan of daily households
.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that union structure is crucial.

The most recent assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)– also published this summer– concluded that it is an “established reality” that human-caused warming is causing boosts in the frequency and strength of extreme weather condition events all over the world.

From heatwaves and cyclones in the United States to flooding in Europe and China, the weather over recent months has actually frequently struck the headings.

So, with the summer season ending for much of the northern hemisphere, this is an opportunity to recall at some of the extreme weather condition of the previous season and the effects it has had on the lives of millions of individuals.

The map below sums up the types of extremes that have struck various parts of the world this summertime– consisting of storms and flooding, heatwaves, wildfires and dry spell. The short article will cover them in turn, focusing predominantly on the northern hemisphere.

In spite of this knowledge, the extreme weather condition seen throughout this summer shows that, internationally, much of society still is not prepared for the effects of a changing climate.

Storms and flooding

Typhoon Elsa, in early July, was the very first to strike Barbados in more than 60 years. Hurricane Grace in mid-August brought damage and flooding to Haiti just days after an earthquake. It then advanced to end up being a cyclone– killing 8 individuals in Mexico..

Possibly the most prominent heatwave this summertime struck the Pacific north-west at the end of June. Portland, Oregon, broke temperature records on 3 successive days, with the hottest being 46.6 C (116F). More than 465 individuals died in Canada and analysis shows that the heatwave caused more than 600 excess deaths in Washington and Oregon. Other effects included power scarcities and melting homes.

In August, Hurricane Henri was the first tropical cyclone to make landfall in Rhode Island given that Hurricane Bob in 1991. (It is uncommon for a hurricane to travel that far north.) And Hurricane Ida caused destruction from Louisiana– where it made landfall– all the method approximately New York and New Jersey in the northeast..

Far from the Atlantic, Typhoon In-fa caused record-breaking flooding in China, requiring as numerous as one million people to relocate and killing 300.

More than 50 hurricanes, cyclones and extratropical storms made their existence felt throughout this years northern hemisphere summer season..

Dry spell.

Rain from hurricane Ida gushing into the New York City train pic.twitter.com/7wBH5qtM1U— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 2, 2021.

In mid-August, a heatwave across the Mediterranean area caused excess deaths in Spain, Italy and Greece. Record-breaking temperatures were tape-recorded in Spain (47.2 C) and for Europe as a whole (in Sicily at 48.4 C). Tunisias capital city, Tunis, saw record-breaking temperature levels of 49C, which brought power failures to the city.

The map listed below shows a worldwide map of dry spell conditions in August, with the shading red, orange and yellow shading showing locations that have actually been drier than normal..

Sharelines from this story.

Tunisias capital city, Tunis, saw record-breaking temperature levels of 49C, which brought power failures to the city.

Dry spell conditions as indicated by the Standard Precipitation Index for August 2021, with red, yellow and orange shading suggesting drier than regular conditions, white showing near-normal conditions, and purple revealing wetter than normal. Source: Generated using Copernicus Emergency Management Service details (2021 ).

For the northern hemisphere, the map shows that the United States and Canada stand apart for dry conditions. In June 2021, a continuous drought covered 39% of the US. At the time, more than 137 million individuals were affected by dry spell conditions.

Wildfires.

In southwestern US, Lake Mead– the USs largest tank– is presently at its least expensive level given that it was developed in the 1930s, which is likewise impacting the Hoover Dams ability to generate electrical energy. There has actually been the very first water shortage declaration as an outcome in the United States.

Firemen and local volunteers extinguishing a fire on Evia Island in Greece. Credit: Sipa United States/ Alamy Stock Photo.

While dry spell conditions in a particular area regularly extend beyond a single season, this summertime has seen dry spells worsen and continue throughout the world..

River flooding in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in mid-July made heading news across the continent after leading to more than 180 deaths. The immediate reason for the floods was a slow-moving low-pressure weather condition system, but a fast attribution study discovered that human-caused environment modification had actually made the occasion up to 9 times more likely.

A boost in severe rainfall events are expected as a result of environment modification due to the fact that a warmer atmosphere can hold more wetness and can also enhance evaporation in some areas. Climate design projections show that practically the whole world is expected to see a boost in severe precipitation as it warms..

( In the southern hemisphere, the map reveals that Madagascars dry spell– explained as its worst in 40 years– has actually continued, and is now triggering extensive food lacks. The United Nations said the nation is on the edge of experiencing the worlds first “environment modification starvation”, according to BBC News. Brazil is also having its worst drought in 91 years.).

In other places, there were lethal flooding events unconnected with tropical cyclones. In Nigeria, for instance, floods triggered a bridge to collapse, killing 21 people. Ghana and Burkina Faso saw crops lost and roadways harmed during their monsoon season, while flooding in India caused landslides and at least 180 deaths..

Heat stress exposure over the summer season as shown by the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) monthly mean of day-to-day maxima. Source: Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service info (2021 ).

Every area of the northern hemisphere in summer season was touched by record-breaking temperatures and severe heat in 2021 (see map lower down)..

The maps below program how heat stress exposure differed across the world in June (top), July (middle) and August (bottom), with purple shading showing “severe” conditions. The map shows that August saw heat tension of some kind in 74% of land regions.

In other places, a persistent heatwave in Siberia helped sustain wildfires all summer season, with “mind-boggling” temperature levels striking 48C. And Pakistan, northern India and parts of the Middle East also saw heatwaves, where temperature levels exceeded 52C in locations. (Jacobabad in Pakistan and Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates are two places where scientists have actually formerly taped a “wet-bulb” temperature level– which integrates temperature and humidity– going beyond 35C, which is the limit of what the human body can handle.).

Being extremes in temperature level, heatwaves are fundamentally linked to environment change and have increased in frequency and period globally. When standard temperature levels increase this in turn causes a raised possibility of extremes in temperature.

Substantial wildfires likewise hit much of the Mediterranean. In Israel, an area of 1,700 hectares was damaged– the worst fire damage seen in years.

The United Nations said the nation is on the edge of experiencing the worlds first “climate change scarcity”, according to BBC News.

Dry spell is yet another type of extreme weather condition where the impact of environment change can already be seen.

The dry and hot conditions that result in wildfires are increasing in some locations as the environment warms, including in the western US, Iberian Peninsula and Brazil. The way that the land is handled likewise contributes– for instance, forest management strategies can be used to assist avoid disastrous wildfires.

Wildfires impacted many regions of the world this summertime, and often accompanied other risks during this season. As mentioned above, devastating wildfires took hold across more than 1.5 m hectares of Siberia, with the smoke they produced even reaching the north pole 3,000 km away. This years fires are the biggest in Russias history.

A rapid attribution research study discovered that the event would have been almost impossible without environment change..

High tide of the Meuse river throughout floods in Germany after heavy rains. Credit: Abaca Press/ Alamy Stock Photo.

At the end of July, parts of North Africa and Europe were likewise hit by a heatwave. This brought record-breaking temperatures to Northern Ireland of 31.4 C in County Armagh and saw the very first “extreme heat caution” released in the UK. Preliminary figures from the UKs Office of National Statistics estimates that the heat led to between 400 and 800 excess deaths.

Somewhere else, a consistent heatwave in Siberia helped fuel wildfires all summer, with “mind-boggling” temperatures hitting 48C. And Pakistan, northern India and parts of the Middle East also saw heatwaves, where temperatures exceeded 52C in places. (Jacobabad in Pakistan and Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates are two places where scientists have actually formerly tape-recorded a “wet-bulb” temperature– which combines temperature level and humidity– surpassing 35C, which is the limitation of what the human body can cope with.).

Wildfires also hit North America once again this summer. The United States has seen around 2m hectares destroyed by fires, while Canada was struck by 300 active fires during July and the whole town of Lytton was burned to the ground in the state of British Columbia.

In Europe, heavy rains and mudslides in Turkey killed 17 individuals, while flash flooding in London in July triggered water to gush into London Underground stations.

Heatwaves.

I was at a community meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to use a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget friendly access to local neighborhood solar and to help business properties with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I desired to ensure city locals were receiving the same amount of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has historically been a middle-class concern since Black neighborhoods have actually had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will feature industry leaders and subjects connected to speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, supplying customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar power, no matter home type, and assisting hard-working families lower month-to-month expenses.
What inspired you to start your business?
The stark reality that the bulk of homes who were getting renewable resource incentives were higher earnings. I keep in mind learning this and thinking there needed to be a method to resolve this gap. I saw there was a problem. I had my own concepts on how to fix it, and I wished to have company over my own choices. I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. As soon as I began to discuss how critical and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar movement, it felt like a lightbulb had actually switched on for me. I started demonstrating how higher-income neighborhoods and individuals in the residential areas were benefiting from eco-friendly tax rewards and had actually gotten a lots of support. The truth is, energy use impacts Black family budget plans greatly. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy concern, suggesting they invest over 6% of their income on home energy costs. Thats a huge percentage. To be able to offer a product that will save our community as much as 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities affordable access to regional community solar and to help commercial properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical power customers can buy shared solar from a local job without having to set up any devices in their homes. In turn, citizens conserve hundreds on their electrical energy costs. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity must come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently dealing with numerous pressing challenges, persuading them that there is another one just as crucial is extremely hard. I remember attempting to discuss community solar to my buddies and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and oppression are larger than we understand, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being invested in, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent company success story.
When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to ensure city residents were receiving the same amount of investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has traditionally been a middle-class concern because Black communities have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the individuals I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration successful.
For more information about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I desire to decrease the quantity of green space used to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. And we believe energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the second installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will include market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned sustainable energy business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists co-ops, utilities and governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building techniques to the renewable energy industry. I want to minimize the amount of green space used to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. I founded this company after working for a couple of big utilities and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an effect through your business?
We are changing the way governments, co-ops and utilities think about powering the future of this excellent nation. We purchase finding and using proven, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to shape the country each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable resource company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. Our team of energy professionals helps us decrease construction costs and timelines for our clients. We can likewise offer consulting and strategic planning services, site recognition and preparation, construction, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, and so much more.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We accept chances to bring our customers into the future, using our substantial lessons found out and our proven brand-new technologies. And we think energy independence is the crucial to green development.
To discover more about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
###.

I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, individuals just cant think it. Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is always important. We are likewise constantly prepared to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had access.

Inform us about your company? (objective, partners, areas you run in, main consumers, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everyone needs to have gain access to. Somebody, some entity, has to function as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone. Thats what my objective is, and fortunately we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, but we will be revealing some brand-new places this fall
.

So what can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always important. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are worthy of investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can prospective partners work with you?
We are likewise constantly ready to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had access. Im constantly difficult top executives to put their name and face on these efforts because I think that has genuine value
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How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been fantastic just to satisfy the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and discovering about people with completely different perspectives. I enjoy the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Just knowing that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a big difference.
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Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be building a $30 million, entirely sustainable and totally inexpensive development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 domestic units, a coffeehouse, a company center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered use in the city
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What impact are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people discover who lags our company. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant think it. To me, thats quite rewarding. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I believe is essential is we have an economic impact that resonates with people, and its a pretty powerful message. That amount of money effects the spending plan of daily families
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What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that coalition building is crucial.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his knowledge and track record of developing consistent returns with a personal enthusiasm for helping transform communities and their influence on the planet. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas shift to a tidy economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had two essential moments that made me leap. In 1999, my mom received a $400 gas costs, and she was only making ten bucks an hour, so we couldnt pay for the gas bill. And so, regrettably, we had our gas and heat turned off. For around a year in my teens, we had to boil water and carry it up to a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were distinctively bumpy rides, and experiences like that just stick with you. I do not care what takes place the rest of your career or what your quality of life is moving on; those moments are with you forever. As I discuss that with different groups around the nation, it has actually ended up being clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A great deal of people have comparable anecdotes, whichs not a good thing
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The second turning point was most likely 15 years back, as I was working for a company that was purchasing a host of things worldwide. Individuals were coming in to request a financial investment around renewable energy, and I positioned a concern to them: “What you are finishing with these solar firms is incredible, and the cost of solar is coming down, but how does that help daily people?” I asked, “Where are they in your formula? Where is their access? They are paying a disproportionate amount of their income on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even dare ask about the daily individuals. They said, “Well, you understand, low- and moderate-income households typically live in multi-family buildings, and it is tough to get in contact with those building owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to contact private families and the expense of getting those people educated and after that signing up for eco-friendly energy is not a favorable business design.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to change the market forever. So I quit my job. I think I kipped down my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I started my business. Because that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up, I called it 548 Capital. So everything is I do is targeted to families in those scenarios and concentrated on enhancing their lifestyle
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By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the very first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black lady CEO in the community solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing consumers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar power, no matter home type, and assisting hard-working families lower monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black households experience a high energy burden, implying they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy costs. To be able to offer a product that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods cost effective access to local neighborhood solar and to assist commercial residential or commercial properties with energy performance. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical power customers can purchase shared solar from a regional task without needing to set up any equipment in their homes. In turn, residents save hundreds on their electrical energy costs. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical power must come from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already facing many pushing challenges, convincing them that there is another one just as essential is very hard. I keep in mind trying to explain community solar to my good friends and the conversation rapidly rotating to housing. The truth of the matter is, institutional bigotry and oppression are larger than we know, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being purchased, we are being asked to focus on constantly for our survival.
Please show us a current company success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to make sure city locals were getting the same amount of investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class issue due to the fact that Black communities have had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I needed to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.
To discover more about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
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I was at a community meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to regional neighborhood solar and to help industrial homes with energy performance. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to make sure city residents were receiving the exact same quantity of financial investment as the county. Sustainable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class concern because Black neighborhoods have actually had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the individuals I required to link with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure techniques to the sustainable energy industry. I desire to decrease the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. And we believe energy independence is the crucial to green development.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will feature industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a sustainable energy economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned sustainable energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps federal governments, co-ops and energies incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
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What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building methods to the sustainable energy industry. I want to lower the quantity of green space utilized to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large energies and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an effect through your business?
We are changing the way federal governments, energies and co-ops think of powering the future of this terrific country. We purchase finding and making use of proven, emerging innovations from around the world that can be used to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your business?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. Our group of energy specialists assists us lower construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can also offer consulting and strategic planning services, website identification and preparation, construction, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, therefore much more.
Is there anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
There is no obstacle small or too big for us. We welcome opportunities to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our substantial lessons found out and our proven new innovations. We can help our clients believe in a different way about their neighborhood and the world. We like to say, “We offer you more power over your power.” And our company believe energy self-reliance is the essential to green development.
To discover more about Sole Trader, see soletraderenergy.org.
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