Category: Clean Energy

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure strategies to the renewable energy industry. I want to decrease the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of renewable 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 ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, 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 installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and simply shift to a renewable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists energies, federal governments and co-ops incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building techniques to the sustainable energy market. I want to reduce the amount of green space utilized to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. I founded this business 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 impact through your company?
We are changing the way energies, co-ops and governments consider powering the future of this fantastic country. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging technologies from worldwide that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to form the country each and every day.
Tell us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility experts assists us reduce building expenses and timelines for our customers. We can also provide consulting and strategic preparation services, website identification and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, therefore far more.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no challenge too large or small for us. We accept chances to bring our clients into the future, using our comprehensive lessons found out and our tested brand-new innovations. We can assist our clients believe in a different way about their community and the world. We like to state, “We offer you more power over your power.” And we believe energy independence is the essential to green growth.
For more information about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

Tell us about your business? (mission, partners, regions you operate in, primary clients, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody must have gain access to. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody.

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be developing a $30 million, entirely sustainable and completely inexpensive development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 residential systems, a coffeehouse, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered usage in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant believe it.
The other thing that I think is important is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a quite effective message. That amount of cash impacts the spending plan of daily households
.
What obstacles do you face? 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 wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is crucial.

I think there is always a shock when individuals learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant believe it. Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is constantly valuable. We are also always prepared to host individuals 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 building so they can see the innovation that were applying in neighborhoods that historically have not had access.

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 market leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his expertise and track record of developing consistent returns with an individual passion for assisting change communities 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 tidy 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 minutes that made me jump. In 1999, my mom received a $400 gas expense, and she was only making 10 bucks an hour, so we could not manage the gas costs. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
The second turning point was probably 15 years ago, as I was working for a firm that was purchasing a host of things worldwide. Individuals were coming in to request for an investment around renewable resource, and I positioned a question to them: “What you are finishing with these solar firms is incredible, and the cost of solar is coming down, however how does that aid everyday people?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their gain access to? They are paying an out of proportion amount of their earnings on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the daily individuals. They said, “Well, you understand, low- and moderate-income households typically live in multi-family structures, and it is difficult to get in contact with those constructing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to call individual households and the expense of getting those individuals educated and after that subscribing to renewable resource is not a beneficial organization design.” I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to alter the market permanently. So I stopped my task. I think I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my business. Because that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up, I called it 548 Capital. Whatever is I do is targeted to families in those circumstances and focused on enhancing their quality of life
.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are deserving of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can prospective partners work with you?
Today, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly looking for partners to invest, provide financial obligation or purchase some tax credits, thats the first ask. If they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods, we are likewise constantly prepared to host individuals. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host people when a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were using in communities that traditionally havent had gain access to. We are also 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 think that has real value
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been great simply to meet the other Accelerate member business. I learned a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with completely various viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a big difference.
###.

I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to use a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist industrial homes with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I desired to make sure city locals were receiving the same amount of investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class concern due to the fact that 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 successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the very first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will include industry leaders and topics associated with accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, offering consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar energy, regardless of home type, and helping hard-working households minimize monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy burden, indicating they spend over 6% of their income on home energy expenses. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods inexpensive access to local neighborhood solar and to assist business properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electricity consumers can acquire shared solar from a regional task without having to set up any equipment in their houses. In turn, homeowners conserve hundreds on their electrical power bills. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity must originate from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently dealing with numerous pressing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one just as important is very difficult. I keep in mind attempting to explain community solar to my buddies and the discussion quickly pivoting to real estate. The fact of the matter is, institutional racism and injustice are larger than we understand, and it drowns our neighborhood. Where Black people are not being invested in, we are being asked to focus on constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent business success story.
When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to make sure city homeowners were getting the very same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually historically been a middle-class problem due to the fact that Black communities have actually 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 connect with in order to make this partnership effective.
To get more information about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building techniques to the sustainable energy industry. I want to decrease the amount of green area utilized to support the growth 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 ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the essential to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects 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 three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving 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 resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists utilities, co-ops and governments integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure strategies to the renewable energy market. I wish to decrease the quantity of green space utilized to support the development of eco-friendly energy worldwide and aid bring our market into the future. I founded this business after working for a number of large energies and recognizing that the old model will not get us to where we need to be as a nation. We require 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 company?
We are altering the method utilities, governments and co-ops believe about powering the future of this great nation. We purchase finding and making use of proven, emerging innovations from around the globe that can be used 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 form the country each and every day.
Tell us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable resource company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility experts helps us minimize building expenses and timelines for our clients. We can also supply consulting and strategic planning services, site identification and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, therefore far more.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
There is no obstacle small or too large for us. We embrace chances to bring our clients into the future, using our comprehensive lessons learned and our tested brand-new innovations. We can help our customers believe differently about their community and the world. We like to state, “We provide you more power over your power.” And our company believe energy independence is the crucial to green development.
For more information about Sole Trader, check out 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 installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and just transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his competence and track record of developing consistent returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting change neighborhoods and their influence 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 start your company?
I had two turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mom received a $400 gas bill, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we could not afford the gas costs. And so, sadly, we had our gas and heat shut down. For roughly a year in my teenagers, we had to boil water and carry it as much as a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely difficult times, and experiences like that simply stick to you. I dont care what occurs the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is progressing; those minutes are with you forever. As I talk about that with different groups around the nation, it has become clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A great deal of individuals have similar anecdotes, whichs not a great thing
.
The second essential moment was most likely 15 years ago, as I was working for a firm that was purchasing a host of things worldwide. Individuals were coming in to request a financial investment around renewable resource, and I posed a question to them: “What you are finishing with these solar companies is amazing, and the expense of solar is boiling down, but how does that assistance everyday individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their access? They are paying a disproportionate quantity of their income on energy.” They looked confused that I would even attempt ask about the everyday individuals. They said, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income families frequently live in multi-family structures, and it is difficult to get in contact with those building owners. If you can not get in contact with the structure owners, you have to get in touch with private households and the cost of getting those individuals educated and then signing up for sustainable energy is not a favorable organization model.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to alter the market permanently. So I stopped my job. I believe I kipped down my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I started my company. Since that is the system number in the public housing where I grew up, I called it 548 Capital. So everything is I do is targeted to households in those situations and concentrated on improving their quality of life
.

Tell us about your company? (objective, partners, regions you operate in, main customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all communities, all households, everybody ought to have access. Somebody, some entity, needs 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 brand-new areas this fall
.

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be constructing a $30 million, totally budget-friendly and completely sustainable development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 residential systems, a cafe, 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 think there is always a shock when people discover who lags our company. Even in our own communities, people simply cant believe it. To me, thats quite satisfying. People seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is important is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a pretty powerful message. That amount of money impacts the budget of daily families
.
What obstacles do you face? 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 think the lesson is that union structure is crucial.

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

So what can organizations 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 always important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak directly with lenders and tax credit syndicators which is amazing. Then, if there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can also be a huge deal. Were presently dealing with a collaboration with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our projects. Stabilizing exposure, standing beside us and saying “these neighborhoods are worthwhile of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can possible partners do service with you?
We are also constantly willing to host individuals if they want 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 innovation that were applying in neighborhoods that historically havent had access. Im constantly difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts because I think that has genuine value
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been terrific simply to satisfy the other Accelerate member companies. I learned a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering people with absolutely different point of views. I enjoy the networking.
I think we are doing the finest 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 big distinction.
###.

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to use a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget friendly access to local community solar and to assist commercial residential or commercial 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 exact same amount of investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has historically 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 connected me with the individuals I required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.

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 simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black lady CEO in the neighborhood solar market. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar power, despite house type, and assisting hard-working families minimize regular monthly costs.
What inspired you to start your company?
I was at a community meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black households experience a high energy concern, meaning they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy expenses. To be able to offer a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities affordable access to local community solar and to assist business properties with energy efficiency. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electrical power need to come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already facing so many pushing difficulties, encouraging them that there is another one simply as important is very tough. I remember trying to describe community solar to my pals and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a recent business success story.
An extremely individual success story for me is cultivating a partnership 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 stitched into my very being. When I initially transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I desired to ensure city locals 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 resource has historically been a middle-class issue since Black neighborhoods have had to reside 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 partnership successful.
To find out more about WeSolar, go to wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will include market leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and just transition to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing 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 company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps 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 structure strategies to the renewable energy market. I desire to reduce the quantity of green area used to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large utilities and understanding that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are changing the way utilities, co-ops and federal governments think of powering the future of this terrific country. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from around the world that can be used to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to form the country each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of utility experts helps us lower building and construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can also supply consulting and strategic planning services, site recognition and preparation, building, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, therefore a lot more.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
We welcome chances to bring our clients into the future, using our comprehensive lessons discovered and our proven new technologies. And we think energy independence is the essential to green growth.
To read more about Sole Trader, see soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced structure techniques to the renewable energy market. I desire to minimize the amount of green area utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader gives our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to shape the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and maintenance. And we think energy independence is the crucial to green development.

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

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be constructing a $30 million, completely budget-friendly and entirely sustainable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 domestic systems, a cafe, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I think there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it.
The other thing that I think is crucial is we have a financial impact that resonates with individuals, and its a quite effective message. That amount of money impacts the spending plan of daily families
.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that union structure is essential.

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

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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and topics related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering in the eco-friendly 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 real estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his proficiency and track record of developing constant returns with an individual passion for helping transform neighborhoods and their influence on the planet. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect 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 pivotal minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom received a $400 gas expense, and she was only making ten dollars an hour, so we couldnt afford the gas bill. 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 discussion, and I began my company. I called it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public housing where I grew up.

So what can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. Stabilizing exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are worthy of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can potential partners do company with you?
We are also always willing to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally havent had gain access to. Im always challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I think that has real worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been terrific just to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I discovered a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with absolutely various viewpoints. I like the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Just knowing that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a huge difference.
###.

I was at a community conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to offer a product that will save our community up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to regional community solar and to assist business properties with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to ensure city citizens were getting the exact same amount of financial investment as the county. Sustainable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods have actually had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the people I required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the very first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will feature industry leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and just 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 prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black woman CEO in the community solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar power, despite home type, and assisting hard-working families decrease regular monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your company?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. 36% of Black families experience a high energy burden, implying they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy costs. To be able to provide an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Inform us about your company?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities budget friendly access to regional community solar and to help business properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar released in Baltimore and will broaden to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical energy consumers can buy shared solar from a local project without needing to install any devices in their houses. In turn, homeowners save hundreds on their electricity costs. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical energy should come from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already facing so lots of pressing challenges, encouraging them that there is another one just as important is really tough. I keep in mind trying to describe community solar to my friends and the discussion rapidly rotating to housing.
Please share with us a recent company success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to guarantee city locals were receiving the exact same amount of financial investment as the county. Sustainable energy has traditionally been a middle-class issue since Black communities 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 partnership effective.
To read more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
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By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will include industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable energy economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering 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 renewable resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps governments, co-ops and utilities incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
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What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the eco-friendly energy industry. I desire to decrease the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big utilities and recognizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are changing the way co-ops, federal governments and utilities consider powering the future of this great country. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging technologies from around the globe that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to clean 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 diverse, professional, leading-edge eco-friendly energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of utility specialists helps us minimize building expenses and timelines for our customers. We can also supply consulting and strategic planning services, site recognition and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Is there anything else you would like to share with ACORE members and partners?
We welcome opportunities to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our comprehensive lessons discovered and our proven new technologies. And we believe energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.
To learn more about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
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A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced structure techniques to the renewable energy industry. I want to reduce the quantity of green area utilized to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to tidy 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 eco-friendly energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the key to green development.