Category: Clean Energy

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will include industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply 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 business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black female CEO in the community solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar power, no matter home type, and helping hard-working families minimize monthly expenses.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy concern, implying they invest over 6% of their income on home energy expenses. To be able to use an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist business homes with energy efficiency. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical energy consumers can buy shared solar from a regional project without having to set up any equipment in their houses. In turn, citizens save hundreds on their electrical power expenses. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electrical energy should originate from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
To a community that is currently dealing with many pushing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one just as important is really tough. I keep in mind attempting to describe community solar to my friends and the conversation rapidly pivoting to real estate. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and injustice are bigger than we understand, and it drowns our neighborhood. Where Black individuals are not being invested in, we are being asked to focus on continuously for our survival.
Please share with us a current business success story.
A very individual success story for me is cultivating a partnership with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I matured in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mommy was an organizer– community was stitched into my very being. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wished to make sure city citizens were getting the exact same amount of financial investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing everything full circle. Renewable energy has historically been a middle-class issue due to the fact that Black communities have actually needed to reside in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with individuals I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration successful.
To read more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to offer a product that will save our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities cost effective access to local community solar and to assist commercial homes with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to make sure city locals were getting the very same amount of financial investment as the county. Sustainable energy has traditionally been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods 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 link with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced building strategies to the sustainable energy industry. I want to minimize the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly 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 delighted to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will include industry leaders and subjects connected to speeding up a fair and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three 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 renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists utilities, co-ops and federal governments integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building techniques to the renewable resource market. I want to decrease the amount of green space used to support the development of renewable resource worldwide and assistance bring our industry into the future. I established this company after working for a couple of large energies and recognizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a country. We need dynamic, unencumbered thought that embraces the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein stated, “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you all over.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are changing the method co-ops, federal governments and utilities think of powering the future of this excellent country. We buy finding and making use of proven, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility specialists assists us reduce building and construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can likewise provide consulting and tactical planning services, website recognition and preparation, construction, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We embrace chances to bring our clients into the future, using our extensive lessons found out and our proven new innovations. And we think energy independence is the crucial to green growth.
To find out more about Sole Trader, see soletraderenergy.org.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 3rd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and genuine estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his proficiency and performance history of developing constant returns with an individual enthusiasm for assisting change communities and their impact 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 clean economy.
CHECKED OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your company?
I had 2 critical moments that made me jump. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas costs, and she was just making 10 dollars an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas costs. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not a great thing
.
They looked puzzled that I would even dare ask about the everyday people. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I started my company. I named it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up.

I believe there is always a shock when individuals discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant think it. Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is constantly valuable. We are likewise always ready to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host people as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had gain access to.

Inform us about your company? (objective, partners, areas you operate in, primary customers, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody ought to have access. Someone, some entity, has to work as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody. Thats what my mission is, and thankfully we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be announcing some new locations this fall
.

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be developing a $30 million, entirely budget friendly and entirely sustainable advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 residential systems, a coffee store, an organization center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What impact are you making?
When individuals learn who is behind our company, I think there is constantly a shock. Even in our own communities, individuals just cant think it. To me, thats quite satisfying. People seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have an economic impact that resonates with people, and its a quite powerful message. That amount of money impacts the budget plan of daily families
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were constructing sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is crucial.

So what can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is constantly important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a chance to speak straight with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is magnificent. If there are national corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a huge deal. Were presently dealing with a collaboration with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our tasks. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities deserve investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can prospective partners work with you?
We are also always ready to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. We host individuals once a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in neighborhoods that historically have not had gain access to. Im constantly difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I believe that has genuine value
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been great simply to fulfill the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with totally different viewpoints. I love the networking.
I think we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

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 installation will include market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black lady CEO in the community solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, supplying consumers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar energy, despite house type, and assisting hard-working families decrease regular monthly costs.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. 36% of Black households experience a high energy problem, suggesting they spend over 6% of their earnings on home energy bills. To be able to provide an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget-friendly access to local community solar and to assist industrial homes with energy efficiency. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical energy must come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already dealing with numerous pushing difficulties, encouraging them that there is another one just as crucial is very hard. I remember attempting to explain community solar to my buddies and the discussion rapidly rotating to real estate. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and injustice are larger than we know, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being bought, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent company success story.
An extremely individual success story for me is cultivating a collaboration with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I grew up in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mom was an organizer– community was stitched into my very being. When I first transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wished to make sure city homeowners were receiving the very same amount of investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing whatever full circle. Eco-friendly energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem 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 individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To read more about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

I was at a community conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to offer a product that will save our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to local community solar and to assist commercial properties with energy performance. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to ensure city residents were receiving the very same amount of investment as the county. Renewable energy has historically been a middle-class problem because 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 required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to minimize the quantity of green area utilized to support the development of renewable energy around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to form the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the key to green development.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the second installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will feature market leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and just shift to a sustainable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering 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 renewable energy business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps energies, governments and co-ops integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced building strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I wish to lower the amount of green area used to support the development of renewable resource all over the world and help bring our industry into the future. I established this company after working for a number of large utilities and realizing that the old model will not get us to where we need to be as a nation. We need vibrant, unencumbered thought that welcomes the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity will get you everywhere.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are altering the method federal governments, co-ops and energies think of powering the future of this great nation. We purchase finding and utilizing proven, emerging technologies from all over the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge eco-friendly energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility professionals assists us minimize building expenses and timelines for our clients. We can likewise provide consulting and strategic preparation services, website recognition and preparation, building, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, therefore far more.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We embrace opportunities to bring our clients into the future, using our extensive lessons discovered and our tested brand-new innovations. And we believe energy independence is the key to green development.
To discover more about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

Show us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be developing a $30 million, entirely sustainable and completely inexpensive advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 residential units, a cafe, a company center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
When individuals discover who is behind our business, I believe there is always a shock. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals simply cant think it. To me, thats pretty satisfying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I believe is important is we have an economic impact that resonates with people, and its a pretty powerful message. That amount of money effects the budget plan of everyday households
.
What challenges do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were developing sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that coalition building is important.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the third installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects associated with speeding up a fair and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a years of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his proficiency and performance history of creating consistent returns with a personal passion for helping change neighborhoods and their impact on the planet. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect 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 business?
I had 2 critical minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas expense, and she was only making 10 bucks an hour, so we could not afford the gas expense. A lot of individuals have comparable anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
The 2nd turning point was most likely 15 years back, as I was working for a company that was investing in a host of things all over the world. Individuals were can be found in to request a financial investment around renewable resource, and I postured a question to them: “What you are finishing with these solar firms is magnificent, and the cost of solar is boiling down, however how does that help everyday individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their gain access to? They are paying a disproportionate quantity of their earnings on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even attempt inquire about the everyday individuals. They said, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income families frequently 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 structure owners, you have to call specific households and the expense of getting those people informed and then signing up for renewable resource is not a favorable service model.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the housing advancement and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to change the marketplace permanently. So I stopped my job. I believe I kipped down my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I began my business. Because that is the system number in the public housing where I grew up, I called it 548 Capital. Everything is I do is targeted to families in those scenarios and focused on enhancing their quality of life
.

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 constantly important. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are worthwhile of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can potential partners do company with you?
We are likewise constantly willing to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. We host individuals once a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in communities that traditionally havent had gain access to. Im always tough leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I believe that has genuine worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been great simply to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with completely different perspectives. I like the networking.
I believe we are doing the finest we can do in the COVID environment. Just understanding that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a huge difference.
###.

I think there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people just cant believe it. Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. We are also always prepared to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host people as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were using in communities that historically have not had gain access to.

Tell us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you operate in, main clients, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody ought to have gain access to. Somebody, some entity, has to function as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody. Thats what my objective is, and luckily we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be announcing some new locations this fall
.

I was at a community conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to provide an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget-friendly access to regional neighborhood solar and to help industrial residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to guarantee city residents were getting the same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has historically been a middle-class issue because Black neighborhoods have actually had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the individuals I needed to link with in order to make this partnership successful.

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 include industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are prospering in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black female CEO in the community solar market. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar energy, regardless of house type, and helping hard-working households reduce monthly costs.
What inspired you to start your company?
I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy concern, meaning they invest over 6% of their earnings on home energy bills. To be able to provide an item that will save our community up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to local neighborhood solar and to help business homes with energy efficiency. WeSolar released in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical energy consumers can purchase shared solar from a regional job without needing to install any equipment in their houses. In turn, citizens save hundreds on their electrical power expenses. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical energy must come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently dealing with numerous pushing challenges, persuading them that there is another one simply as crucial is really hard. I remember attempting to describe community solar to my pals and the discussion rapidly pivoting to real estate. The fact of the matter is, institutional bigotry and oppression are bigger than we understand, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being purchased, we are being asked to focus on constantly for our survival.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
A very individual success story for me is cultivating a collaboration with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I grew up in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mother was an organizer– neighborhood was sewn into my extremely being. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to ensure city locals were receiving the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing whatever cycle. Renewable resource has traditionally been a middle-class issue since Black communities have needed to reside in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with individuals I required to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To find out more about WeSolar, go to wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to minimize the quantity of green space used to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader gives 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+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and maintenance. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the second installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include market leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps co-ops, utilities and governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building methods to the renewable energy industry. I wish to lower the quantity of green space used to support the growth of renewable energy around the globe and assistance bring our industry into the future. I established this company after working for a number of big energies and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a nation. We need vibrant, unencumbered thought that welcomes the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you all over.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are altering the method federal governments, utilities and co-ops think of powering the future of this excellent country. We invest in finding and utilizing proven, emerging technologies from around the globe that can be used to power today and the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the country each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. Our team of utility specialists assists us lower construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can likewise offer consulting and tactical planning services, website identification and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, therefore far more.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We accept opportunities to bring our clients into the future, using our extensive lessons discovered and our proven new technologies. And we think energy independence is the crucial to green growth.
To get more information about Sole Trader, see soletraderenergy.org.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable 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 business 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 investment banking, endowment management, and genuine estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his knowledge and track record of creating constant returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting change communities and their influence 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 tidy 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 two turning points that made me jump. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas expense, and she was only making ten bucks an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas costs. And so, sadly, we had our gas and heat shut off. For around a year in my teens, we needed to boil water and carry it approximately a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were distinctively difficult times, and experiences like that just stick to you. I do not care what happens the rest of your profession or what your quality of life is moving forward; those moments are with you forever. As I talk about that with different groups around the nation, it has actually become clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A lot of people have comparable anecdotes, whichs not an advantage
.
They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the daily people. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I began my company. I named it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public housing where I grew up.

Share with us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be developing a $30 million, totally budget friendly and totally sustainable development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 property systems, a cafe, a business 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 discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant think it.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a pretty powerful message. That amount of money effects the spending plan of everyday households
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were constructing 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 think the lesson is that coalition building is crucial.

Inform us about your business? (objective, partners, areas you operate in, primary clients, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody ought to have access. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everyone.

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

So what can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in spaces together so everyone can share notes is constantly important. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are worthy of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can possible partners work with you?
We are likewise constantly willing to host individuals if they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host people when a week at our building so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had gain access to. Im constantly challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts because I believe that has genuine worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been terrific just to fulfill the other Accelerate member companies. I learned a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with totally various viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge difference.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the very first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black lady CEO in the community solar market. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, providing consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar power, no matter house type, and assisting hard-working households lower month-to-month expenses.
What inspired you to start your company?
I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. 36% of Black households experience a high energy burden, suggesting they invest over 6% of their income on house energy expenses. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods cost effective access to local community solar and to help business residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electricity need to come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already facing so many pressing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one just as essential is extremely difficult. I keep in mind attempting to explain community solar to my pals and the conversation quickly rotating to housing.
Please share with us a current business success story.
An extremely individual success story for me is cultivating a partnership with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I matured in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mama was an organizer– community was stitched into my very being. When I first transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wished to ensure city homeowners were receiving the same amount of investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing everything cycle. Renewable resource has historically been a middle-class problem since Black communities have actually needed to reside in survival mode, but 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.
To read more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to use an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities inexpensive access to regional community solar and to assist commercial residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I desired to make sure city citizens were getting the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually historically 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 individuals I required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.