Category: Clean Energy

Tell us about your business? (objective, partners, areas you operate in, main customers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations 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.

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

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be building a $30 million, totally sustainable and completely budget-friendly development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 property systems, a coffee bar, 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 think there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant believe it.
The other thing that I believe is very important is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a quite powerful message. Were aiming to cut utility expenses for families in half. Thats a huge offer, you know. That amount of money impacts the budget plan of daily families
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
You cant avoid the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning an organization, any business, was going to be tough. With that said, access to capital is ungodly hard. When I go to banks and state that were building sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they take a look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. Some banks dont want to invest; they do not wish to partner; they do not wish to do their share. It is a fight of generational size that Im trying to combat here, and weve made really little, incremental development. I believe the lesson is that coalition building is essential. My voice just implies so much, but the more I can bring good friends to the table and enhance that voice, the more we can raise attention to the need
.

So what can companies like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in spaces together so everybody can share notes is constantly important. Normalizing exposure, standing next to us and saying “these neighborhoods are deserving of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can potential partners do organization with you?
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. We are likewise constantly ready to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. This is not exclusive; its an open book. We host people as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that historically havent had gain access to. We are likewise going to be broadening our board. Because I think that has real worth, Im always difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been excellent just to satisfy the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with completely various point of views. I love the networking.
I believe we are doing the 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 distinction.
###.

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 installation features market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his proficiency and performance history of producing consistent returns with an individual enthusiasm for assisting change neighborhoods 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 transition to a clean economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to begin your company?
I had two turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas costs, and she was just making 10 bucks an hour, so we couldnt pay for the gas expense. And so, regrettably, we had our gas and heat turned off. For roughly a year in my teens, we had to boil water and bring it as much as a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely difficult times, and experiences like that just stick to you. I do not care what happens the rest of your career or what your lifestyle is moving on; those minutes are with you forever. As I talk about that with various groups around the nation, it has become clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A great deal of people have comparable anecdotes, and thats not a good idea
.
They looked confused that I would even attempt ask about the everyday individuals. I think I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my business. I called it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up.

I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to use an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget friendly access to local community solar and to assist commercial properties with energy efficiency. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to guarantee city residents were getting the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class issue because Black neighborhoods have actually had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I required to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys very first Black lady CEO in the community solar market. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, providing consumers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget-friendly solar energy, no matter home type, and assisting hard-working families decrease regular monthly expenses.
What inspired you to begin your company?
I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. 36% of Black households experience a high energy burden, suggesting they spend over 6% of their income on home energy costs. To be able to provide a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget friendly access to regional community solar and to help commercial properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical power consumers can purchase shared solar from a local project without having to set up any devices in their homes. In turn, citizens conserve hundreds on their electricity bills. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity should originate from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently dealing with so many pressing obstacles, convincing them that there is another one just as crucial is very hard. I keep in mind trying to explain neighborhood solar to my good friends and the discussion quickly rotating to housing.
Please show us a recent business success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I desired to make sure city homeowners were receiving the exact same amount of investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has historically been a middle-class problem due to the fact that 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 needed to connect with in order to make this collaboration successful.
To get more information about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure methods to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to minimize the quantity of green area used to support the development of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the second installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include industry leaders and subjects connected to speeding up an equitable and just transition to a renewable resource economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member 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 renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists utilities, governments and co-ops incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced building methods to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to decrease the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of big energies and recognizing that the old model will not get us to where we require to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are altering the method federal governments, energies and co-ops believe about powering the future of this fantastic nation. We purchase finding and utilizing tested, emerging technologies from around the globe that can be used to power today and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility specialists assists us decrease building costs and timelines for our clients. We can also supply consulting and strategic preparation services, site recognition and preparation, construction, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
We accept chances to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our extensive lessons found out and our proven brand-new innovations. And we believe energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.
To discover more about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is always important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak straight with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is magnificent. Then, if there are national corporations that can support our work that can also be a huge deal. Were currently working on a partnership with Lowes, which is donating about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our tasks. Normalizing direct exposure, standing beside us and stating “these communities are deserving of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can possible partners work with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly looking for partners to invest, offer financial obligation or buy some tax credits, thats the first ask. If they desire to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities, we are likewise always willing to host people. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host people as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had gain access to. We are also going to be expanding our board. Im always challenging magnates to put their name and face on these efforts because I think that has real worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been excellent just to meet the other Accelerate member business. I learned a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and discovering individuals with totally different perspectives. I enjoy 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 huge distinction.
###.

I think there is constantly a shock when individuals discover who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant believe it. Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is constantly important. We are also constantly prepared to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals once a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were applying in neighborhoods that historically have not had access.

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be developing a $30 million, completely cost effective and completely sustainable advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 domestic systems, a coffee shop, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I think there is constantly a shock when individuals discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals simply cant think it.
The other thing that I think is important is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a quite powerful message. Were aiming to cut utility costs for families in half. Thats a huge deal, you understand. That quantity of money impacts the budget plan of everyday families
.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
You cant skip the grind. Let me acknowledge that starting a company, any service, was going to be difficult. With that stated, 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 look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These communities are still being red-lined. Some banks dont wish to invest; they dont wish to partner; they dont wish to do their share. It is a fight of generational size that Im attempting to eliminate here, and weve made very little, incremental progress. I think the lesson is that union building is necessary. My voice only means a lot, but the more I can bring pals to the table and magnify that voice, the more we can raise attention to the need
.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and simply transition to a renewable energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the sustainable energy 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 realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his expertise and performance history of developing consistent returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting transform neighborhoods and their effect on the planet. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas shift to a clean economy.
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 2 pivotal moments that made me jump. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas costs, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we couldnt pay for the gas costs. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
The second critical moment was most likely 15 years back, as I was working for a company that was purchasing a host of things around the globe. People were coming in to request for an investment around renewable resource, and I posed a question to them: “What you are doing with these solar companies is magnificent, and the expense of solar is boiling down, however how does that help everyday people?” I asked, “Where are they in your formula? Where is their gain access to? They are paying a disproportionate amount of their earnings on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even attempt inquire about the everyday people. They said, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income households often reside in multi-family structures, and it is tough to get in contact with those constructing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to get in touch with private families and the expense of getting those individuals educated and after that signing up for renewable resource is not a beneficial company model.” I asked, “What if I owned the housing advancement and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to alter the market permanently. I quit my job. I believe I kipped down my resignation within 6 months of that conversation, and I started my company. Since that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up, I named it 548 Capital. So whatever is I do is targeted to families in those circumstances and focused on improving their lifestyle
.

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

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will feature industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black female CEO in the community solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, offering consumers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget friendly solar energy, regardless of house type, and assisting hard-working households reduce monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black households experience a high energy problem, suggesting they spend over 6% of their income on home energy costs. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Inform us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to local community solar and to help industrial residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. WeSolar released in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical power consumers can buy shared solar from a local job without needing to set up any equipment in their houses. In turn, citizens conserve hundreds on their electrical energy costs. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electrical power need to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently dealing with a lot of pressing challenges, persuading them that there is another one just as essential is extremely hard. I remember trying to explain community solar to my good friends and the conversation quickly pivoting to real estate. The fact of the matter is, institutional bigotry and injustice are bigger than we understand, and it drowns our community. Where Black individuals are not being bought, we are being asked to focus on constantly for our survival.
Please share with us a recent business success story.
A very individual success story for me is cultivating a collaboration with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I matured in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mom was an organizer– community was stitched into my really being. When I initially transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wished to ensure city residents were receiving the 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. Renewable resource has traditionally been a middle-class problem due to the fact that Black communities have had to reside in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with individuals I needed to get in touch with in order to make this collaboration successful.
To discover more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

I was at a community conference with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to use an item that will save our 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 commercial homes with energy efficiency. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to guarantee city citizens were receiving the 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 had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the people I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building strategies to the renewable energy industry. I want to reduce the amount of green space utilized to support the development of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader gives our clients access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to shape the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the second installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include market leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists governments, co-ops and energies incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring innovative technologies and advanced building techniques to the renewable energy industry. I wish to reduce the quantity of green area used to support the growth of renewable resource around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large utilities and recognizing that the old design will not get us to where we need to be as a country. We require vibrant, unencumbered idea that welcomes the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity will get you everywhere.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are altering the way co-ops, governments and utilities think about powering the future of this terrific country. We invest in finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be used 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 ability 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 and construction, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility experts helps us minimize building and construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can also provide consulting and strategic preparation services, site recognition and preparation, construction, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, therefore much more.
Is there anything else you want to share with ACORE members and partners?
There is no difficulty too big or little for us. We accept opportunities to bring our customers into the future, using our comprehensive lessons found out and our tested new innovations. We can help our customers think in a different way about their neighborhood 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.
For more information about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable 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 flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a decade of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his competence and performance history of producing constant returns with an individual enthusiasm for helping change neighborhoods and their influence on the world. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas transition to a tidy economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had 2 pivotal moments that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas bill, and she was only making ten bucks an hour, so we could not pay for the gas costs. And so, sadly, we had our gas and heat shut off. For approximately a year in my teens, we had to boil water and bring it as much as a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely difficult times, and experiences like that just stick with you. I do not care what takes place the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is moving forward; those minutes are with you forever. As I talk about that with various groups around the nation, it has actually become clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
The 2nd critical minute was probably 15 years back, as I was working for a firm that was investing in a host of things worldwide. People were coming in to request an investment around sustainable energy, and I posed a concern to them: “What you are finishing with these solar firms is incredible, and the expense of solar is boiling down, however how does that aid daily people?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their gain access to? They are paying an out of proportion amount of their income on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even attempt inquire about the everyday people. They said, “Well, you understand, low- and moderate-income households frequently live in multi-family buildings, and it is difficult to get in contact with those developing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you need to call specific families and the cost of getting those individuals informed and after that subscribing to eco-friendly energy is not a beneficial business design.” I asked, “What if I owned the housing advancement and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to alter the market forever. So I stopped my job. I think I kipped down my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I started my company. I named it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public housing where I matured. So everything is I do is targeted to families in those circumstances and focused on improving their lifestyle
.

Tell us about your business? (mission, partners, regions you operate in, main consumers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all communities, all households, everybody should have gain access to. Somebody, some entity, has to function as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone. Thats what my objective is, and luckily we are growing. We are presently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be revealing some new locations this fall
.

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 constantly important. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak straight with lenders and tax credit syndicators which is incredible. Then, if there are national corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a huge offer. Were presently dealing with a partnership with Lowes, which is donating about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our tasks. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and saying “these communities deserve investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can prospective partners do company with you?
We are likewise constantly prepared to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host individuals as soon as a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were using in communities that historically have not had gain access to. Im always tough leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I believe that has real worth
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been great just to satisfy the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and learning more about individuals with completely different perspectives. I love the networking.
I think we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a big difference.
###.

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

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be developing a $30 million, totally affordable and totally sustainable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 property systems, a cafe, an organization center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
When people 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 quite satisfying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I believe is essential is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a pretty effective message. Were intending to cut utility expenditures for households in half. Thats a big deal, you understand. That amount of money effects the budget of everyday families
.
What challenges do you face? 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 neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that coalition structure is crucial.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the very first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installation will feature market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are growing in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar market. Under her management, WeSolar is growing rapidly, providing customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar energy, regardless of house type, and assisting hard-working households reduce regular monthly expenses.
What inspired you to begin your business?
The stark truth that most of families who were getting renewable resource rewards were greater earnings. I keep in mind learning this and believing there needed to be a method to address this space. I saw there was a problem. I had my own ideas on how to solve it, and I wanted to have firm over my own decisions. I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not bought the neighborhood solar motion. Once I began to describe how important and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar movement, it seemed like a lightbulb had actually turned on for me. I began revealing how higher-income neighborhoods and individuals in the residential areas were making the most of sustainable tax incentives and had actually received a lots of assistance. The truth is, energy use impacts Black home budget plans significantly. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, meaning they spend over 6% of their income on home energy costs. Thats an enormous portion. To be able to offer a product that will save our neighborhood as much as 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Inform us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities economical access to local neighborhood solar and to assist commercial residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity should come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
To a community that is already dealing with a lot of pressing challenges, persuading them that there is another one just as crucial is extremely tough. I remember attempting to explain neighborhood solar to my friends and the conversation rapidly rotating to housing. The fact of the matter is, institutional racism and oppression are bigger than we understand, and it drowns our neighborhood. Where Black individuals are not being purchased, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent business success story.
An extremely individual success story for me is cultivating a collaboration 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– neighborhood was sewn into my really being. When I first relocated to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wished to make sure city residents were getting the same amount of investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing whatever cycle. Renewable resource has actually historically been a middle-class issue due to the fact that Black neighborhoods have needed to reside in survival mode, but 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.
To read more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
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I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to use a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities inexpensive access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist business residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wanted to ensure city citizens were getting the very same amount of investment as the county. Renewable energy has traditionally been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods have had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the individuals I required to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced structure methods to the sustainable energy market. I want to decrease the quantity of green space used to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the key to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will feature market leaders and subjects associated with speeding up a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three 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 helps governments, energies and co-ops incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
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What inspired you to begin your business?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the renewable resource industry. I wish to reduce the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy worldwide and aid bring our industry into the future. I established this company after working for a number of big energies and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a nation. We require 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 method federal governments, energies and co-ops believe about powering the future of this terrific country. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging innovations from all over the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader offers 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 company?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable resource company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility experts assists us lower building and construction expenses and timelines for our customers. We can also provide consulting and strategic preparation services, website recognition and preparation, building and construction, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, therefore much more.
Exists anything else you wish to share with ACORE members and partners?
We welcome chances to bring our clients into the future, using our comprehensive lessons learned and our tested brand-new technologies. And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green development.
To get more information about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
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I believe there is constantly a shock when individuals discover who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant think it. Putting people in rooms together so everyone can share notes is always important. We are also always ready to host individuals if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these communities. We host people when a week at our building so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that traditionally have not had gain access to.

Share with us a current success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be constructing a $30 million, completely budget friendly and totally sustainable development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 residential systems, a coffeehouse, a service center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
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What effect are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people discover who is behind our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant believe it.
The other thing that I believe is crucial is we have an economic effect that resonates with people, and its a quite powerful message. Were intending to cut utility costs for families in half. Thats a big deal, you understand. That amount of money impacts the budget of daily households
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What obstacles do you deal with? Why?
When I go to banks and say that were constructing sustainable housing in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that union building is important.

Tell us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you run in, main consumers, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all households, everyone needs to have access. Someone, some entity, has to act as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone. Thats what my mission is, and fortunately we are growing. We are currently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be announcing some new locations this fall
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By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image 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 connected to speeding up an equitable and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the sustainable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and real estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his know-how and track record of producing consistent returns with an individual enthusiasm for helping transform communities and their impact on the planet. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his influence 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 received a $400 gas expense, and she was only making ten bucks an hour, so we could not afford the gas expense. And so, unfortunately, we had our gas and heat turned off. For roughly a year in my teenagers, we had to boil water and carry it up to a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were uniquely bumpy rides, and experiences like that simply stick to you. I dont care what occurs the rest of your career or what your quality of life is moving on; those moments are with you forever. As I talk about that with various groups around the country, it has ended up being clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not a great thing
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The second turning point was probably 15 years ago, as I was working for a company that was investing in a host of things around the world. People were being available in to request for an investment around eco-friendly energy, and I positioned a question to them: “What you are doing with these solar firms is incredible, and the expense of solar is coming down, but how does that aid daily individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their access? They are paying a disproportionate amount of their income on energy.” They looked confused that I would even attempt ask about the everyday individuals. They said, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income families typically live in multi-family structures, and it is hard to get in contact with those constructing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to call individual families and the cost of getting those people informed and after that subscribing to renewable energy is not a favorable business design.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the real estate development and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to change the market forever. I stopped my task. I believe I kipped down my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I started my business. I named it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the public real estate where I matured. Whatever is I do is targeted to households in those situations 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 spaces together so everyone can share notes is constantly valuable. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a possibility to speak directly with lenders and tax credit syndicators which is spectacular. If there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a huge offer. Were currently dealing with a partnership with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of materials to support our tasks. Stabilizing exposure, standing beside us and stating “these neighborhoods deserve financial investment”– you cant put a value on that
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How can potential partners do company with you?
We are likewise constantly willing to host people if they want to see some of the sustainable technology we are putting in these neighborhoods. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that historically havent had gain access to. Im always tough top executives to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I think that has genuine value
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How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been fantastic just to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I found out a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering about people with absolutely different viewpoints. I like the networking.
I think we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a big difference.
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