Category: Clean Energy

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

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

So what can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting people in spaces together so everyone can share notes is always valuable. Through the Accelerate program, weve had an opportunity to speak directly with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is spectacular. Then, if there are national corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a big deal. Were currently dealing with a collaboration with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our tasks. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these neighborhoods are worthy of financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can possible partners work with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly searching for partners to invest, offer financial obligation or buy some tax credits, thats the very first ask. If they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these neighborhoods, we are also constantly ready to host people. This is not exclusive; its an open book. We host people once a week at our structure so they can see the innovation that were applying in communities that traditionally have not had access. We are likewise going to be broadening our board. Im constantly difficult magnates to put their name and face on these efforts since I think that has genuine worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been great just to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering individuals with completely different point of views. I enjoy the networking.
I believe we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply understanding that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a big distinction.
###.

Share with us a recent success story.
We just recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, totally inexpensive and totally sustainable development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are building 50 domestic systems, a coffee shop, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people learn who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, people simply cant think it.
The other thing that I think is necessary is we have a financial effect that resonates with individuals, and its a quite powerful message. Were aiming to cut energy expenditures for families in half. Thats a big offer, you understand. That quantity of cash effects the spending plan of daily families
.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and state that were constructing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income communities, they look at me like Ive spoken the wrong language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. I believe the lesson is that union building is important.

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 installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes market leaders and topics related to speeding up a fair and simply shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the sustainable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets specialist with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and real estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his knowledge and track record of producing constant returns with an individual enthusiasm for assisting transform neighborhoods and their influence on the planet. In 2019, Patton was named a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his impact on Americas shift to a tidy economy.
READ 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 turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas bill, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we could not manage the gas costs. Therefore, sadly, we had our gas and heat turned off. For around a year in my teenagers, we needed to boil water and carry it as much as a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were distinctively bumpy rides, and experiences like that simply stick with you. I dont care what occurs the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is moving forward; those minutes are with you permanently. As I speak 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 comparable anecdotes, whichs not a good thing
.
They looked confused that I would even dare ask about the daily individuals. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I started my company. I named it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the public real estate where I grew up.

I 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 save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities budget friendly access to regional community solar and to assist commercial residential or commercial properties with energy performance. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to make sure city residents were getting the same quantity of financial investment as the county. Renewable 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 required to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the very first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will include market leaders and topics related to accelerating an equitable and just transition to a sustainable 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 flourishing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black female CEO in the community solar market. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar power, despite home type, and assisting hard-working families decrease month-to-month expenses.
What inspired you to start your company?
The plain truth that most of homes who were receiving renewable energy incentives were higher income. I keep in mind discovering this and believing there needed to be a way to address this gap. I observed there was an issue. I had my own concepts on how to fix it, and I desired to have firm over my own choices. I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not bought the neighborhood solar motion. It felt like a lightbulb had turned on for me as soon as I started to describe how critical and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar motion. I began showing how higher-income neighborhoods and people in the suburbs were taking advantage of sustainable tax incentives and had actually gotten a lot of assistance. The truth is, energy use impacts Black household budgets significantly. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy problem, indicating they invest over 6% of their income on home energy costs. Thats a huge portion. To be able to use an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities inexpensive access to regional community solar and to assist business homes with energy effectiveness. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electrical power should come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
To a community that is already dealing with numerous pressing challenges, encouraging them that there is another one simply as important is really tough. I keep in mind attempting to discuss neighborhood solar to my buddies and the conversation rapidly pivoting to housing. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and injustice are larger than we understand, and it drowns our neighborhood. Where Black people are not being purchased, we are being asked to focus on constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent company success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to make sure city locals were receiving the same amount of investment as the county. Renewable 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 linked me with the individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.
To discover more about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the renewable energy industry. I want to decrease the quantity of green space utilized to support the development of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, expert, leading-edge eco-friendly energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and upkeep. And we think energy self-reliance is the essential to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 2nd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation will feature industry leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy.
In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned sustainable energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists co-ops, energies and federal governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the renewable resource market. I wish to minimize the amount of green space used to support the growth of renewable resource worldwide and aid bring our market into the future. I established this company after working for a couple of big energies and understanding that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a nation. We require dynamic, unencumbered thought that accepts the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein said, “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 company?
We are altering the way governments, utilities and co-ops think of powering the future of this excellent country. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging technologies from all over the world that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to shape the nation 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 upkeep. Our team of utility experts assists us minimize building and construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can also supply consulting and tactical preparation services, site identification and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, and so far more.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
We welcome opportunities to bring our customers into the future, using our extensive lessons discovered and our proven new technologies. And we believe energy independence is the key to green growth.
To find out more about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

I was at a community conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. To be able to offer an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities cost effective access to local community solar and to help industrial residential or commercial properties with energy effectiveness. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I desired to make sure city citizens were receiving the same quantity of investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has historically been a middle-class issue 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 required to link with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the very first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installment will feature market leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and just transition 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 companies are prospering 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 management, WeSolar is growing quickly, supplying customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar power, despite house type, and assisting hard-working households reduce monthly expenses.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. 36% of Black families experience a high energy burden, meaning they invest over 6% of their earnings on house energy bills. To be able to offer a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget-friendly access to regional community solar and to help industrial properties with energy efficiency. WeSolar introduced in Baltimore and will broaden to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electricity customers can acquire shared solar from a regional job without needing to install any devices in their houses. In turn, locals save hundreds on their electricity expenses. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity must come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently dealing with numerous pressing challenges, convincing them that there is another one simply as essential is really hard. I keep in mind attempting to describe neighborhood solar to my buddies and the conversation rapidly pivoting 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 invested in, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please show us a recent company success story.
A very personal 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 mommy was an organizer– neighborhood was sewn into my extremely being. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wished to ensure city locals were getting the exact 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. Eco-friendly energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem 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 individuals I required to link with in order to make this partnership effective.
For more information about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced building techniques to the renewable energy market. I want to lower the quantity of green area utilized to support the development of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader offers our customers access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the country each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge renewable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the key to green growth.

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation will feature market leaders and subjects 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 renewable resource sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned eco-friendly energy company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader helps federal governments, energies 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 renewable energy industry. I want to decrease the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and aid bring our industry into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large 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 effect through your business?
We are altering the method federal governments, co-ops and utilities consider powering the future of this excellent country. We buy finding and making use of proven, emerging technologies from around the world that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader gives our clients access to tidy energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to form the country each and every day.
Inform us about your business?
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility experts assists us lower construction costs and timelines for our clients. We can also offer consulting and strategic preparation services, site recognition and preparation, building, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, website start-up or shutdown, therefore much more.
Exists anything else you would like to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no obstacle too large or small for us. We embrace chances to bring our clients into the future, using our extensive lessons found out and our tested brand-new innovations. We can help our customers think in a different way about their neighborhood and the world. We like to say, “We give you more power over your power.” And our company believe energy independence is the crucial to green growth.
To get more information about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 3rd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and just shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a financing, sales, and capital markets professional with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and genuine estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his proficiency and performance history of 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 shift to a tidy economy.
LEARNT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had 2 turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas costs, and she was just making ten dollars an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas costs. And so, unfortunately, we had our gas and heat shut down. For approximately a year in my teenagers, we had to boil water and bring it up to a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were distinctively bumpy rides, and experiences like that simply stick to you. I do not care what occurs the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is moving forward; those moments are with you permanently. As I talk about that with various groups around the nation, it has ended up being clear that my experience is not an abnormality. A great deal of individuals have similar anecdotes, whichs not a good idea
.
They looked confused that I would even dare ask about the daily individuals. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my company. I called it 548 Capital since that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up.

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. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a chance to speak directly with bankers and tax credit syndicators which is amazing. If there are nationwide corporations that can support our work that can likewise be a big offer. Were presently dealing with a partnership with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our tasks. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing beside us and stating “these communities deserve financial investment”– you cant put a worth on that
.
How can possible partners work with you?
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 people as soon as a week at our building so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had access. Im always challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I think that has genuine worth
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been excellent just to meet the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and finding out about people with absolutely various viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I believe we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, and that ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

Inform us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you operate in, main clients, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all neighborhoods, all families, everybody must have gain access to. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everyone.

Show us a recent success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to reveal that we will be developing a $30 million, totally economical and entirely sustainable development, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are developing 50 property units, a coffee bar, an organization center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What impact are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when individuals learn who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant believe it.
The other thing that I think is necessary is we have a financial effect that resonates with people, and its a quite effective message. Were aiming to cut utility expenditures for households in half. Thats a huge offer, you know. That amount of cash impacts the budget of daily households
.
What difficulties do you deal with? Why?
You cant skip the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning an organization, any service, was going to be hard. With that stated, access to capital is ungodly difficult. When I go to banks and state that were building 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. 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 eliminate here, and weve made very small, incremental development. I believe the lesson is that coalition building is essential. My voice just suggests a lot, but the more I can bring good friends to the table and enhance that voice, the more we can raise attention to the need
.

I think there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, individuals simply cant believe it. Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is constantly important. We are likewise always prepared 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 innovation that were using in neighborhoods that historically havent had gain access to.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installation will feature industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating an equitable and just transition 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 business are prospering in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black female CEO in the community solar market. Under her management, WeSolar is growing quickly, supplying customers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget-friendly solar power, no matter house type, and helping hard-working families lower regular monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to start your business?
The plain fact that the bulk of homes who were receiving renewable resource rewards were higher income. I keep in mind discovering this and thinking there had to be a way to address this gap. I saw there was a problem. I had my own ideas on how to fix it, and I wished to have agency over my own decisions. I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not purchased the community solar motion. As soon as I started to discuss how important and immediate it was for us to be a part of the solar movement, it felt like a lightbulb had actually switched on for me. I started showing how higher-income communities and individuals in the suburbs were making the most of sustainable tax rewards and had gotten a lot of assistance. The truth is, energy usage impacts Black family budget plans significantly. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy problem, suggesting they invest over 6% of their earnings on home energy expenses. Thats an enormous percentage. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities budget friendly access to local community solar and to assist business residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity need to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a community that is already dealing with so lots of pushing challenges, convincing them that there is another one simply as important is very tough. I remember trying to discuss community solar to my pals and the conversation rapidly rotating to real estate.
Please share with us a current business success story.
When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to make sure city locals were receiving the very same quantity of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has traditionally been a middle-class concern because Black neighborhoods have actually 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 link with in order to make this partnership successful.
To find out more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. To be able to offer a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods budget friendly access to regional community solar and to assist commercial homes with energy efficiency. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to ensure city residents were getting the 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, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the people I needed to connect with in order to make this collaboration effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation will feature industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up an equitable and simply transition to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how three Black-owned Accelerate member business are 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 helps co-ops, utilities and federal governments incorporate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to begin your company?
A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced building strategies to the renewable energy market. I desire to lower the amount of green area used to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big energies and realizing that the old model will not get us to where we need to be as a nation.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are altering the way utilities, federal governments and co-ops think of powering the future of this fantastic nation. We buy finding and making use of tested, emerging technologies from worldwide 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 capability to form the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. Our group of energy professionals helps us lower building costs and timelines for our customers. We can also provide consulting and tactical preparation services, website recognition and preparation, building and construction, operations and maintenance, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, therefore a lot more.
Is there anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no obstacle small or too big for us. We welcome chances to bring our customers into the future, utilizing our extensive lessons found out and our proven brand-new technologies. We can assist our clients think in a different way about their community and the world. We like to state, “We provide you more power over your power.” And we think energy self-reliance is the crucial to green growth.
To learn more about Sole Trader, go to soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure strategies to the renewable energy industry. I desire to minimize the amount of green area used to support the growth of renewable energy around the world and aid bring our market into the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge eco-friendly energy company with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building and construction, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the key to green development.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Photo thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installation includes industry leaders and subjects related to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are flourishing in the sustainable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a years of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his expertise and track record of producing constant returns with a personal 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 shift to a clean economy.
CHECKED OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had two essential minutes that made me leap. In 1999, my mom got a $400 gas bill, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we could not manage the gas bill. Therefore, regrettably, we had our gas and heat shut off. For approximately a year in my teenagers, we had to boil water and bring it as much as a porcelain tub to take a bath. Those were distinctively difficult times, and experiences like that just stick with you. I dont care what takes place the rest of your career or what your quality of life is moving on; those minutes are with you forever. As I speak about that with various groups around the country, it has actually become clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, whichs not an advantage
.
They looked confused that I would even dare ask about the everyday individuals. I believe I turned in my resignation within 6 months of that discussion, and I began my company. I named it 548 Capital since that is the system number in the public housing where I grew up.

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

Tell us about your business? (objective, partners, regions you operate in, primary consumers, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all communities, all households, everybody ought to have access. Someone, some entity, needs to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody. Thats what my mission is, and thankfully we are growing. We are currently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be revealing some new locations this fall
.

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 always valuable. Stabilizing exposure, standing next to us and saying “these communities are worthy of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can prospective partners do business with you?
We are also constantly ready to host people if they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. We host people when a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were applying in neighborhoods that traditionally havent had gain access to. Im always difficult top executives to put their name and face on these efforts due to the fact that I believe that has real worth
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How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been terrific just to fulfill the other Accelerate member business. I learned a lot from having discussions with them in real-time, and discovering individuals with absolutely various perspectives. I enjoy the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a big distinction.
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Share with us a current success story.
We just recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for a press conference to announce that we will be developing a $30 million, entirely sustainable and totally budget friendly advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 residential systems, a coffee bar, an organization center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
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What impact are you making?
I believe there is constantly a shock when people discover who lags our business. Even in our own neighborhoods, people simply cant think it. To me, thats quite satisfying. Individuals seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I believe is crucial is we have a financial impact that resonates with individuals, and its a quite powerful message. That amount of money impacts the budget of everyday families
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What challenges do you deal with? Why?
You cant avoid the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning an organization, any service, was going to be hard. With that stated, access to capital is ungodly challenging. When I go to banks and state that were developing sustainable real estate in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, they look at me like Ive spoken the incorrect language. These neighborhoods are still being red-lined. Some banks do not wish to invest; they do not wish to partner; they dont wish to do their share. It is a fight of generational size that Im trying to eliminate here, and weve made really small, incremental progress. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is very important. My voice only means a lot, but the more I can bring pals to the table and enhance that voice, the more we can raise attention to the requirement
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