Category: Clean Energy

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities inexpensive access to local neighborhood solar and to assist business homes with energy effectiveness. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to ensure city locals were getting the very same amount of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has traditionally been a middle-class concern since 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 required to link with in order to make this partnership successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installation will feature market leaders and topics connected to speeding up an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys very first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to economical solar power, despite house type, and assisting hard-working households decrease monthly expenses.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was at a community meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black families experience a high energy burden, meaning they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy bills. To be able to use a product that will save our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Inform us about your company?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities economical access to local community solar and to help business homes with energy performance. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electrical energy must come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a community that is already facing so many pushing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one simply as important is extremely challenging. I keep in mind attempting to explain neighborhood solar to my good friends and the conversation rapidly pivoting to real estate.
Please show us a current business success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to ensure city residents were receiving the very same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has historically been a middle-class concern 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 people I required to link with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To find out more about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the second installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 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 energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps governments, energies and co-ops integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I wish to decrease the amount of green space used to support the growth of renewable resource all over the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of big energies and recognizing that the old model will not get us to where we require to be as a country. We need dynamic, unencumbered idea that embraces 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 utilities, federal governments and co-ops believe about powering the future of this terrific nation. We buy finding and utilizing proven, emerging technologies from around the world that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the country each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility professionals assists us minimize building and construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can likewise supply consulting and strategic planning services, website recognition and preparation, building, operations and upkeep, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, therefore much more.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no challenge small or too big for us. We welcome chances to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our extensive lessons learned and our proven new innovations. We can help our clients believe differently about their community and the world. We like to state, “We offer you more power over your power.” And we believe energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.
To discover more about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure techniques to the renewable energy industry. I desire to minimize the amount of green area used to support the development of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, entirely sustainable and entirely cost effective advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 residential systems, a coffee store, a company 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 discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people just cant believe it.
The other thing that I think is very important is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a pretty powerful message. Were intending to cut utility costs for families in half. Thats a big offer, you understand. That quantity of cash impacts the budget of daily households
.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
You cant avoid the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning an organization, any company, was going to be tough. With that said, access to capital is ungodly tough. When I go to banks and say that were constructing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they take a look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. Some banks do not want to invest; they dont wish to partner; they do not wish to do their share. It is a battle of generational size that Im attempting to combat here, and weve made really little, incremental development. I think the lesson is that union structure is essential. My voice only means a lot, however the more I can bring friends to the table and enhance that voice, the more we can raise attention to the need
.

Inform us about your business? (mission, partners, regions you operate in, primary customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations accessible for all: all communities, all families, everyone ought to have access. Somebody, some entity, needs to function as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody. Thats what my mission is, and luckily we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be revealing some brand-new places this fall
.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is constantly valuable. Stabilizing exposure, standing next to us and stating “these neighborhoods are worthwhile of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can potential partners do business with you?
We are likewise constantly willing to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals as soon as a week at our building so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that historically have not had gain access to. Im constantly tough leading executives 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 just 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 totally various viewpoints. I love the networking.
I believe we are doing the finest we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, which ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a big distinction.
###.

I think there is always a shock when individuals learn who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, people just cant believe it. Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always valuable. We are also constantly ready to host individuals if they desire 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 communities that historically have not had gain access to.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo 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 series.
Each installment includes market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets expert 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 competence and performance history of creating consistent returns with an individual enthusiasm for helping transform communities and their effect 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.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to begin your business?
I had two pivotal minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas costs, and she was only making 10 dollars an hour, so we could not manage the gas costs. A lot of people have comparable anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the everyday people. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my company. I named it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public housing where I grew up.

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to provide 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 help business properties with energy performance. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to make sure city residents were receiving the exact same quantity of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has traditionally been a middle-class problem since Black communities have actually had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I required to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installation will feature market leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are thriving in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black female CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar energy, no matter home type, and helping hard-working households decrease regular monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to begin your company?
The stark truth that most of families who were getting renewable resource rewards were higher income. I remember learning this and thinking there had to be a method to address this space. I observed there was an issue. I had my own ideas on how to fix it, and I wished to have firm over my own choices. I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not purchased the neighborhood solar motion. As soon as I began to discuss how critical and immediate it was for us to be a part of the solar motion, it seemed like a lightbulb had turned on for me. I started showing how higher-income communities and individuals in the suburbs were taking benefit of renewable tax incentives and had received a ton of support. The truth is, energy use impacts Black household budget plans significantly. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, meaning they invest over 6% of their income on house energy bills. Thats a massive percentage. To be able to use a product that will save our neighborhood approximately 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods inexpensive access to regional neighborhood solar and to help commercial residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electrical power should come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a community that is already dealing with so many pushing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one just as important is extremely challenging. I remember trying to explain neighborhood solar to my buddies and the conversation rapidly pivoting to real estate.
Please show us a recent business success story.
When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to ensure city residents were receiving the exact same amount of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has actually historically been a middle-class problem since 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 people I needed to link with in order to make this partnership effective.
To read more about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the renewable energy market. I desire to reduce the amount of green space used to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to shape the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy self-reliance is the key to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will feature industry leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are 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 business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists governments, co-ops and energies integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building methods to the renewable energy market. I desire to minimize the quantity of green space utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big utilities and realizing that the old model will not get us to where we require to be as a country.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are altering the method co-ops, utilities and governments consider powering the future of this excellent nation. We buy finding and using tested, emerging innovations from worldwide 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 shape the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy experts helps us minimize building costs and timelines for our clients. We can likewise offer consulting and strategic preparation services, site recognition 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 too large or little for us. We welcome chances to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our substantial lessons learned and our tested new innovations. We can assist our clients believe differently about their neighborhood and the world. We like to state, “We give you more power over your power.” And we believe energy independence is the crucial to green growth.
To read more about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
###.

Tell us about your business? (objective, partners, areas you operate in, main 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. Someone, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody.

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

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be building a $30 million, totally sustainable and entirely cost effective development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 property 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 think there is always a shock when individuals learn who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant think it.
The other thing that I think is essential is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a pretty effective message. That quantity of cash effects the budget plan of everyday families
.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
You cant avoid the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning a company, any company, was going to be tough. With that stated, access to capital is ungodly hard. When I go to banks and state that were building sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. Some banks dont desire to invest; they do not desire to partner; they do not wish to do their share. It is a battle of generational size that Im trying to eliminate here, and weve made really little, incremental progress. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is necessary. My voice only means so much, but the more I can bring buddies to the table and magnify that voice, the more we can raise attention to the requirement
.

So what can companies 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 valuable. Through the Accelerate program, weve had an opportunity to speak directly with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is magnificent. Then, if there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can also be a huge offer. Were currently working on a collaboration with Lowes, which is donating about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our jobs. Normalizing direct exposure, standing beside us and stating “these communities deserve investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can potential partners work with you?
Today, we are Chicago-focused. We are always searching for partners to invest, use debt or purchase some tax credits, thats the first ask. If they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods, we are likewise always prepared to host individuals. This is not exclusive; its an open book. We host people as soon as a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in communities that traditionally have not had access. We are also going to be broadening our board. Since I believe that has genuine worth, Im constantly challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been terrific just to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering people with totally different point of views. I love the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the third installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets specialist 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 know-how and performance history of developing consistent returns with a personal passion for assisting transform communities and their impact on the world. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his influence on Americas shift to a clean economy.
READ 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 critical moments that made me jump. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas costs, and she was only making 10 bucks an hour, so we could not manage the gas expense. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
The 2nd turning point was probably 15 years back, as I was working for a firm that was purchasing a host of things around the globe. Individuals were being available in to request for a financial investment around eco-friendly energy, and I posed a concern to them: “What you are making with these solar firms is magnificent, and the cost of solar is coming down, but how does that help everyday individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their access? 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 families frequently reside in multi-family structures, and it is hard to get in contact with those developing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to call individual households and the cost of getting those individuals educated and after that signing up for renewable resource is not a favorable service model.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the housing advancement and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to change the marketplace forever. So I quit my job. I think I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that conversation, and I began my business. I called it 548 Capital since that is the unit number in the general public housing where I grew up. So everything is I do is targeted to families in those situations and concentrated on improving their quality of life
.

I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. To be able to offer a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities affordable access to regional community solar and to assist industrial homes with energy effectiveness. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to ensure city locals were getting the very same amount of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has actually historically been a middle-class problem due to the fact that 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 needed to link with in order to make this partnership successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up a fair and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are flourishing in the sustainable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black woman CEO in the community solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar energy, no matter house type, and assisting hard-working families reduce month-to-month costs.
What inspired you to start your business?
The plain reality that the majority of households who were getting renewable energy incentives were greater income. I keep in mind learning this and thinking there needed to be a method to address this gap. I observed there was a problem. I had my own ideas on how to resolve it, and I wanted to have firm over my own choices. I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. When I began to describe how critical and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar motion, it felt like a lightbulb had actually turned on for me. I began demonstrating how higher-income communities and individuals in the suburbs were taking benefit of renewable tax incentives and had actually gotten a ton of assistance. The truth is, energy usage impacts Black household spending plans significantly. 36% of Black households experience a high energy problem, meaning they invest over 6% of their income on house energy bills. Thats an enormous portion. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities cost effective access to local community solar and to assist business residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar launched in Baltimore and will broaden to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical energy customers can acquire shared solar from a local project without having to install any devices in their houses. In turn, residents conserve hundreds on their electrical energy costs. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electricity should come from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
To a community that is already facing so lots of pushing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one simply as crucial is very challenging. I remember trying to describe community solar to my pals and the conversation quickly rotating to housing.
Please show us a current business success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to ensure city residents were receiving the very same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually historically been a middle-class concern since Black communities have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I required to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.
For more information about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced structure methods to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to lower the amount of green area utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader gives our clients 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 varied, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy independence is the crucial to green growth.

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 industry leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and just transition to an eco-friendly energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are growing 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 structure strategies to the sustainable energy market. I want to decrease the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large energies and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are altering the way co-ops, federal governments and energies believe about powering the future of this fantastic nation. We purchase finding and making use of tested, emerging technologies from around the globe that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy experts assists us decrease building costs and timelines for our customers. We can also offer consulting and tactical preparation services, website recognition and preparation, building, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, therefore a lot more.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no difficulty too large or little for us. We accept chances to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our comprehensive lessons learned and our proven new innovations. We can help our clients believe differently about their neighborhood and the world. We like to state, “We offer you more power over your power.” And our company believe energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.
To find out more about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

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

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be building a $30 million, completely sustainable and completely affordable development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 property systems, a cafe, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
When individuals learn who is behind our company, I believe there is always a shock. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals simply cant think it. To me, thats pretty gratifying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I think is crucial is we have a financial impact that resonates with people, and its a quite effective message. That quantity of money effects the budget of everyday families
.
What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
You cant avoid the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning a company, any organization, was going to be tough. With that said, access to capital is ungodly hard. When I go to banks and state that were constructing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they take a look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. Some banks dont desire to invest; they dont desire to partner; they dont desire to do their share. It is a battle of generational size that Im attempting to combat here, and weve made extremely small, incremental progress. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is very important. My voice only means so much, but the more I can bring pals to the table and enhance that voice, the more we can raise attention to the need
.

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

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image courtesy of 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 includes industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert 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 combine his know-how and performance history of producing constant returns with an individual passion for helping change communities and their effect 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.
LEARNT 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 essential minutes that made me jump. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas bill, and she was just making ten dollars an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas expense. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not a good thing
.
The 2nd essential moment was probably 15 years ago, as I was working for a firm that was buying a host of things worldwide. Individuals were being available in to request for an investment around sustainable energy, and I postured a concern to them: “What you are making with these solar firms is magnificent, and the cost of solar is boiling down, however how does that help everyday people?” 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 puzzled that I would even attempt inquire about the everyday people. They stated, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income families often reside in multi-family buildings, and it is tough to get in contact with those developing owners. If you can not get in contact with the structure owners, you have to get in touch with specific households and the cost of getting those people educated and then registering for sustainable energy is not a beneficial service model.” I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to alter the marketplace forever. So I stopped my job. I believe I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I started my business. Because that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up, I named it 548 Capital. Whatever is I do is targeted to households in those scenarios and focused on enhancing their quality of life
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What can companies 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. Normalizing exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are worthwhile of financial investment”– you cant put a value on that
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How can possible partners work with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly trying to find partners to invest, use debt or buy some tax credits, thats the first ask. We are also constantly happy to host people if they desire to see a few of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host people once a week at our building so they can see the technology that were using in communities that traditionally havent had gain access to. We are also going to be expanding our board. Because I believe that has real value, Im constantly challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
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How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been terrific just to satisfy the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about people with absolutely different point of views. I like the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge difference.
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I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist business residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wanted to make sure city residents were receiving the exact same quantity of investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods have had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the individuals I required to link 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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and simply shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are flourishing in the sustainable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black lady CEO in the community solar market. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar energy, regardless of house type, and helping hard-working families decrease regular monthly expenses.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy burden, implying they spend over 6% of their income on house energy expenses. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to local community solar and to assist commercial residential or commercial properties with energy performance. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical energy must come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently facing so many pressing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one simply as crucial is very tough. I keep in mind attempting to describe community solar to my buddies and the discussion rapidly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current business success story.
A very personal 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 mama was an organizer– community was sewn into my really being. When I first transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wished to guarantee city residents were receiving the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing whatever complete circle. Renewable resource has traditionally been a middle-class concern due to the fact that Black communities have actually needed 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 link with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To find out more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
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