Category: Clean Energy

I think there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it. Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is constantly valuable. We are likewise always ready 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 communities that traditionally havent 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 series.
Each installment includes industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and just transition to an eco-friendly 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.
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 property analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his proficiency and performance history of producing constant returns with a personal passion for assisting change 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 transition 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 business?
I had 2 pivotal minutes that made me jump. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas expense, and she was only making 10 bucks an hour, so we could not afford the gas bill. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the daily people. I believe I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that conversation, and I began my company. I named it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the public housing where I grew up.

Inform us about your company? (objective, partners, areas you run in, main customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all neighborhoods, all households, everyone ought to have gain access to. Someone, some entity, has to function as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody. Thats what my objective is, and fortunately we are growing. We are currently 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 people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak straight with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is amazing. If there are national corporations that can support our work that can also be a huge deal. Were presently working on a collaboration with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our projects. Stabilizing exposure, standing beside us and stating “these neighborhoods are worthwhile of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can possible partners work with you?
We are also always willing to host people if they want 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 innovation that were using in communities that historically have not had access. Im constantly challenging top executives to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I believe that has genuine value
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been fantastic simply to satisfy the other Accelerate member business. I discovered a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about people with totally 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 big difference.
###.

Share with us a recent 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 cost effective development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 domestic units, 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?
When individuals learn who is behind our business, I think there is always a shock. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant believe it. To me, thats pretty satisfying. People seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is important is we have a financial impact that resonates with people, and its a quite effective message. Were aiming to cut energy costs for families in half. Thats a huge offer, you know. That quantity of cash impacts the budget plan of everyday families
.
What difficulties do you deal with? 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 incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that coalition building is crucial.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects related to accelerating an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys very first Black woman CEO in the community solar market. Under her management, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget friendly solar power, no matter house type, and helping hard-working households reduce month-to-month expenditures.
What inspired you to begin your business?
The plain reality that most of households who were receiving sustainable energy rewards were higher earnings. I remember learning this and thinking there had to be a method to resolve this gap. I observed there was a problem. I had my own ideas on how to fix it, and I wished to have agency over my own decisions. I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not purchased the neighborhood solar motion. It felt like a lightbulb had turned on for me once I began to explain how important and immediate it was for us to be a part of the solar motion. I began revealing how higher-income communities and people in the residential areas were taking benefit of eco-friendly tax rewards and had gotten a ton of support. The fact is, energy use impacts Black household spending plans greatly. 36% of Black households experience a high energy burden, suggesting they invest over 6% of their income on house energy expenses. Thats an enormous percentage. To be able to offer a product that will save our community approximately 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget friendly access to regional community solar and to assist industrial homes with energy effectiveness. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electricity customers can buy shared solar from a local job without having to set up any equipment in their houses. In turn, homeowners save hundreds on their electricity expenses. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electrical energy must come from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
To a community that is already facing so numerous pushing challenges, encouraging them that there is another one simply as crucial is extremely difficult. I keep in mind attempting to explain community solar to my friends and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current company success story.
A really 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– neighborhood was stitched into my extremely being. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wished to guarantee city residents were receiving the exact same quantity 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 actually traditionally been a middle-class problem due to the fact that Black communities have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with individuals I required to link with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To read more about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to offer an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to local community solar and to help industrial residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted 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 because 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 required to link with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the second installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include market leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 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 renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists federal governments, energies and co-ops incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the sustainable energy market. I wish to minimize the quantity of green space used to support the development of renewable energy around the globe and help bring our market into the future. I founded 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 idea that accepts the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein stated, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity 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 way governments, co-ops and energies think of powering the future of this fantastic nation. We invest in finding and utilizing tested, emerging technologies from around the globe that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to shape the country each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge eco-friendly energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy experts helps us decrease construction costs and timelines for our clients. We can also offer consulting and tactical preparation services, site recognition and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, and so far more.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We embrace opportunities to bring our customers into the future, using our comprehensive lessons found out and our proven new innovations. And we believe energy independence is the crucial to green development.
To get more information about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building methods to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to lower the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of sustainable energy around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. And we believe energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.

Show us a current success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be constructing a $30 million, entirely economical and totally sustainable development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 residential systems, a coffeehouse, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it.
The other thing that I believe is important is we have an economic impact that resonates with people, and its a quite powerful message. That amount of money effects the budget of daily families
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were building 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 think the lesson is that union building is essential.

Tell us about your business? (mission, partners, areas you run in, primary clients, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations accessible for all: all communities, all households, everybody ought to have access. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody.

So what can companies 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 valuable. Stabilizing exposure, standing next to us and saying “these communities are worthwhile of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can possible partners work with you?
We are also constantly willing to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host individuals when a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that traditionally have not had access. Im constantly tough top executives to put their name and face on these efforts because I think that has real value
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been fantastic simply to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering people with absolutely different perspectives. I like the networking.
I think we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Just understanding that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a big difference.
###.

I believe there is constantly a shock when individuals discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant believe it. Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is always valuable. We are likewise always prepared to host individuals 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 structure so they can see the innovation that were applying 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 happy to share the 3rd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation features industry leaders and topics associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are prospering 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 property analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his knowledge and track record of producing consistent returns with an individual passion for assisting transform communities and their influence on the world. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas transition 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 begin your company?
I had 2 turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas expense, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we could not afford the gas costs. Therefore, unfortunately, we had our gas and heat shut off. For roughly a year in my teenagers, we had to boil water and carry it approximately a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely tough times, and experiences like that simply stick with you. I do not care what takes place the rest of your career or what your lifestyle is progressing; those minutes are with you permanently. As I speak about that with various groups around the nation, it has become clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, whichs not a good idea
.
The second essential minute was most likely 15 years ago, as I was working for a firm that was investing in a host of things all over the world. Individuals were can be found in to request a financial investment around eco-friendly energy, and I posed a question to them: “What you are doing with these solar companies is incredible, and the cost of solar is boiling down, however how does that help everyday individuals?” 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 confused that I would even dare inquire about the everyday individuals. They said, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income families often reside in multi-family structures, 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 households and the expense of getting those people educated and then registering for renewable resource is not a beneficial organization model.” I asked, “What if I owned the real estate advancement and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to alter the market permanently. I stopped my task. I think I kipped down my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I started my business. I named it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up. Everything is I do is targeted to families in those scenarios and focused on improving their quality of life
.

I was at a neighborhood conference 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 neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget friendly access to local community solar and to assist business residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to make sure city citizens were receiving the 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 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 partnership effective.

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 installation will include market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and simply 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 thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys very first Black lady CEO in the neighborhood solar market. Under her management, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar energy, no matter home type, and helping hard-working families lower monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, meaning they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy bills. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities affordable access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist industrial homes with energy performance. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electricity customers can acquire shared solar from a local job without needing to set up any devices in their houses. In turn, residents save hundreds on their electrical power costs. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electricity need to originate from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
To a community that is already dealing with so many pushing obstacles, persuading them that there is another one simply as essential is really hard. I keep in mind attempting to discuss community solar to my pals and the discussion quickly rotating to housing.
Please share with us a recent company 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 relocated to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wished to make sure city citizens were getting 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 everything full circle. Eco-friendly energy has historically been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods have actually 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 get in touch with in order to make this collaboration successful.
To learn more about WeSolar, go to wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies 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 renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps co-ops, utilities 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 resource market. I want to lower the quantity of green space utilized to support the growth of renewable resource all over the world 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 need to be as a nation. We require dynamic, unencumbered idea that accepts the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein stated, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity will get you all over.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an effect through your business?
We are altering the way energies, co-ops and federal governments consider powering the future of this great country. We purchase finding and making use of proven, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. Our group of energy experts helps us lower building expenses and timelines for our customers. We can likewise provide consulting and tactical planning services, site recognition and preparation, construction, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, and so far more.
Exists anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no challenge too large or small for us. We welcome opportunities to bring our clients into the future, using our comprehensive lessons discovered and our proven new innovations. We can help our customers believe in a different way about their community and the world. We like to say, “We provide you more power over your power.” And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.
For more information about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building strategies to the renewable energy industry. I desire to lower the quantity of green area utilized to support the growth of sustainable energy around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we think energy independence is the essential to green development.

I believe there is constantly a shock when people discover who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it. Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. We are also constantly ready 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 building so they can see the innovation that were applying in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had access.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo courtesy of 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 features industry leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy 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 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 helping transform neighborhoods and their influence on the world. 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.
LEARNT 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 two pivotal minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas bill, and she was only making ten dollars an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas bill. And so, sadly, we had our gas and heat turned off. For approximately a year in my teens, we needed 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 takes place the rest of your career or what your lifestyle is progressing; those moments are with you forever. As I discuss that with various groups around the nation, it has ended up being clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, whichs not a good thing
.
They looked puzzled that I would even dare ask about the everyday people. I think I turned in my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I started my business. I named it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up.

Share with us a recent success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be building a $30 million, entirely economical and entirely sustainable development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 domestic systems, a coffeehouse, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant think it. To me, thats quite gratifying. People seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have a financial impact that resonates with individuals, and its a pretty powerful message. Were aiming to cut utility costs for families in half. Thats a big offer, you know. That amount of cash impacts the budget plan of everyday families
.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were developing sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that union structure is essential.

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 constantly important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak directly with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is incredible. Then, if there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can also be a big deal. Were currently working on a partnership with Lowes, which is donating about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our jobs. Stabilizing exposure, standing next to us and stating “these neighborhoods deserve investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can possible partners do service with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are always searching for partners to invest, offer financial obligation or buy some tax credits, thats the very first ask. If they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods, we are likewise constantly willing to host people. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host people as soon as a week at our building so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had access. We are also going to be expanding our board. Im constantly tough magnates to put their name and face on these efforts since I think that has real worth
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been fantastic just to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and finding out about people with totally different viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I believe 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 difference.
###.

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

I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 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 communities economical access to local neighborhood solar and to assist business homes with energy efficiency. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to make sure city homeowners were getting the very same amount of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has traditionally been a middle-class issue because Black neighborhoods have had to live in survival mode, however 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 collaboration 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 series. Each installation will feature industry leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a sustainable energy 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 flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black lady CEO in the community solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, offering consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar energy, despite home type, and helping hard-working households decrease regular monthly costs.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, indicating they spend over 6% of their income on house energy bills. To be able to use an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities inexpensive access to local community solar and to assist commercial properties with energy effectiveness. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electrical energy need to come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently dealing with so numerous pressing difficulties, convincing them that there is another one simply as crucial is extremely tough. I keep in mind trying to describe neighborhood solar to my good friends and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current business success story.
An extremely personal 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 mother was an organizer– community was sewn into my very being. When I first transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wished to make sure city citizens 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 everything cycle. Renewable resource has actually 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 connected me with the individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.
For more information about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the second installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will include industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are growing 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 company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists energies, governments and co-ops 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 energy market. I desire to lower the amount of green space utilized to support the development of renewable resource around the world and help bring our industry into the future. I founded this company after working for a couple of large energies and understanding that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a country. 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; imagination will get you everywhere.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an effect through your company?
We are altering the way governments, co-ops and utilities consider powering the future of this excellent nation. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader gives our clients access to tidy 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 varied, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility experts helps us decrease construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can likewise offer consulting and strategic preparation services, site identification and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, therefore a lot more.
Is there anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We accept chances to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our extensive lessons discovered and our tested new innovations. And we think energy independence is the essential to green growth.
To get more information about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
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A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I desire to reduce the amount of green area utilized to support the growth of sustainable energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy independence is the key to green development.

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be developing a $30 million, entirely budget-friendly and completely sustainable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 residential systems, a coffee bar, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered usage in the city
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What impact are you making?
When people discover who is behind our business, I think there is always a shock. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant think it. To me, thats pretty gratifying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have a financial impact that resonates with individuals, and its a quite effective message. Were aiming to cut utility expenditures for families in half. Thats a big deal, you understand. That quantity of money effects the spending plan of daily families
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What challenges do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were constructing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that union building is essential.

So what can companies 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. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are worthwhile of investment”– you cant put a worth on that
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How can prospective partners do business 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 neighborhoods. We host people as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that historically have not had gain access to. Im constantly tough top executives to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I think that has real value
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How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been fantastic simply to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with totally various viewpoints. I like the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply understanding that it exists, which ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a big difference.
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By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and property analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his know-how and performance history of developing consistent returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting transform neighborhoods 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 transition 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 begin your business?
I had 2 critical minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas expense, and she was just making 10 dollars an hour, so we could not manage the gas costs. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
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They looked puzzled that I would even dare ask about the daily individuals. I think 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 real estate where I grew up.

I think there is always a shock when individuals discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people just cant think it. Putting individuals in rooms 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 communities. We host people as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that historically have not had access.

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