Category: Clean Energy

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black females 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 bills is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities cost effective access to local neighborhood solar and to assist business properties with energy efficiency. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to ensure city residents were receiving the very same quantity of investment as the county. Renewable energy has traditionally been a middle-class issue because Black communities have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the individuals I required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the very first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installation will include industry leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member business are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations very first Black woman CEO in the community solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget friendly solar power, despite house type, and helping hard-working families decrease month-to-month costs.
What inspired you to begin your company?
I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy problem, implying they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy expenses. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Inform us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to regional community solar and to help commercial homes with energy effectiveness. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that specifies 50 percent of its electricity must come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently dealing with so many pressing obstacles, persuading them that there is another one just as important is very difficult. I remember trying to explain community solar to my friends and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current company success story.
A very personal success story for me is cultivating a partnership with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I matured in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mama was an organizer– neighborhood was sewn into my very being. When I first transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wanted to ensure city homeowners were receiving the very same amount of investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing everything full circle. Sustainable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem since Black communities have actually needed to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with individuals I needed to link with in order to make this partnership effective.
To read more about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the second installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will include industry leaders and topics connected to accelerating a fair and just shift to a renewable resource economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are flourishing in the renewable energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource company based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists utilities, co-ops and governments integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building methods to the sustainable energy industry. I desire to decrease the amount of green area used to support the growth of sustainable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. I founded this business after working for a couple of large utilities and understanding that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a country.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are altering the way federal governments, utilities and co-ops think of powering the future of this fantastic nation. We invest in finding and using proven, emerging technologies from worldwide that can be utilized to power today and the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable resource company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and upkeep. Our group of energy experts assists us lower construction costs and timelines for our clients. We can likewise offer consulting and tactical preparation services, website identification and preparation, construction, operations and maintenance, equipment recycling, cybersecurity, site start-up or shutdown, therefore much more.
Is there anything else you wish to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no difficulty too large or small for us. We accept opportunities to bring our customers into the future, using our comprehensive lessons learned and our tested brand-new innovations. We can assist our clients think in a different way about their neighborhood and the world. We like to say, “We offer you more power over your power.” And we think energy independence is the crucial to green development.
For more information about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy market. I desire to minimize the amount of green area used to support the development of renewable energy around the world and assistance bring our industry into the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to tidy energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we think energy independence is the essential to green growth.

Show us a recent success story.
We recently signed up with Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be constructing a $30 million, entirely budget friendly and completely sustainable advancement, in partnership with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 property units, a coffee bar, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will broaden solar-powered use in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I think there is always a shock when people discover who is behind our business. Even in our own communities, people just cant think it.
The other thing that I believe is important is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a pretty effective message. That quantity of cash effects the budget plan of everyday households
.
What challenges do you face? 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 communities are still being red-lined. I think the lesson is that coalition building is essential.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always important. Stabilizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are deserving of financial investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can possible partners do company with you?
We are likewise always willing 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 structure so they can see the technology that were applying in communities that historically havent had gain access to. Im constantly difficult leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts since I believe that has real value
.
How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been fantastic just to meet the other Accelerate member business. I learned a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and learning more about individuals with absolutely various perspectives. I love the networking.
I think we are doing the best we can do in the COVID environment. Feeling in ones bones that it exists, and that ACORE is so deliberate about the program, makes a big difference.
###.

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

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture thanks to Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the 3rd installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment includes market leaders and subjects connected to speeding up a fair and simply transition to a renewable resource economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are prospering in the sustainable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a decade of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and realty analysis. In May 2016, A.J. established 548 Capital, LLC, to integrate his expertise and track record of creating consistent returns with an individual passion for helping 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 influence 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 company?
I had 2 pivotal minutes that made me jump. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas costs, and she was just making 10 dollars an hour, so we could not pay for the gas costs. A lot of people have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
They looked puzzled that I would even dare ask about the daily people. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my business. I named it 548 Capital because that is the unit number in the public real estate where I grew up.

Inform us about your company? (mission, partners, areas you operate in, main consumers, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies available for all: all communities, all households, everybody needs to have access. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those technologies reach everyone.

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 installment will feature market leaders and topics related to speeding up an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black lady CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, offering customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to inexpensive solar energy, despite home type, and assisting hard-working families lower regular monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your company?
The stark fact that the majority of families who were getting eco-friendly energy incentives were greater income. I remember discovering this and believing there needed to be a way to address this space. I observed there was an issue. I had my own ideas on how to fix it, and I wished to have firm over my own choices. I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not bought the neighborhood solar motion. It felt like a lightbulb had turned on for me as soon as I started to describe how vital and urgent it was for us to be a part of the solar motion. I started showing how higher-income neighborhoods and people in the residential areas were taking advantage of renewable tax rewards and had actually received a load of support. The reality is, energy use effects Black family spending plans greatly. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, meaning they spend over 6% of their income on house energy expenses. Thats an enormous percentage. To be able to use a product that will save our neighborhood as much as 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist business residential or commercial properties with energy performance. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electricity need to come from sustainable energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently facing so lots of pressing obstacles, encouraging them that there is another one simply as crucial is really difficult. I keep in mind attempting to discuss community solar to my buddies and the discussion rapidly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current business success story.
An extremely individual success story for me is cultivating a partnership with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I grew up in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mom was an organizer– neighborhood was stitched into my very being. When I initially transferred to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wished to guarantee city homeowners were receiving the very same amount of investment as the county. It was the church that took me in, and the church that then supported my vision– bringing everything cycle. Renewable resource has actually traditionally been a middle-class issue since Black neighborhoods have actually had to reside in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with individuals I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To read more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
###

I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to provide a product that will conserve our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods cost effective access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist industrial properties with energy performance. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wanted to make sure city locals were receiving the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually historically been a middle-class issue 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 people I required to connect with in order to make this partnership effective.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is delighted to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment will feature market leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and simply shift to a sustainable energy economy.
In recognition 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, governments and energies integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your company?
A drive to bring ingenious innovations and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy industry. I want to reduce 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 established this business after working for a couple of large utilities and realizing that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a country.
How are you making an impact through your business?
We are altering the method utilities, co-ops and federal governments consider powering the future of this terrific nation. We invest in finding and using proven, emerging innovations from worldwide that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader offers our clients access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our ability to form the nation each and every day.
Tell us about your business?
Sole Trader is a varied, professional, leading-edge renewable resource company with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. Our team of utility professionals helps us lower construction costs and timelines for our customers. We can likewise provide consulting and strategic preparation services, website identification and preparation, construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, site startup or shutdown, and so a lot more.
Exists anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no challenge small or too large for us. We embrace opportunities to bring our clients into the future, using our extensive lessons found out and our tested brand-new technologies. We can help our customers think differently about their community and the world. We like to state, “We provide you more power over your power.” And our company believe energy independence is the essential to green development.
To get more information about Sole Trader, visit soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring innovative innovations and advanced building strategies to the renewable energy market. I desire to minimize the amount of green space utilized to support the growth of eco-friendly energy around the world and help bring our market into the future. Sole Trader provides our customers access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our capability to shape the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, construction, operations and maintenance. And we think energy self-reliance is the essential to green development.

Share with us a recent success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to announce that we will be developing a $30 million, totally budget-friendly and totally sustainable development, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 domestic systems, a coffeehouse, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
When individuals learn who is behind our company, I think there is always a shock. Even in our own communities, individuals just cant think it. To me, thats quite rewarding. People seeing whos behind 548 Capital matters.
The other thing that I believe is necessary is we have an economic effect that resonates with individuals, and its a quite effective message. Were aiming to cut utility expenses for families in half. Thats a huge offer, you understand. That quantity of money effects the spending plan of daily families
.
What challenges do you deal with? Why?
You cant skip the grind. Let me acknowledge that beginning an organization, any business, was going to be challenging. With that said, access to capital is ungodly difficult. 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 wrong language. These communities are still being red-lined. Some banks dont wish 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 small, incremental progress. I think the lesson is that union building is essential. My voice just implies a lot, but the more I can bring buddies to the table and magnify that voice, the more we can raise attention to the requirement
.

Inform us about your company? (objective, partners, areas you run in, primary customers, and so on).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable innovations available for all: all communities, all households, everybody must have access. Somebody, some entity, has to serve as the bridge so that those innovations reach everybody.

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

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Picture courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the third installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installment features market leaders and subjects connected to speeding up an equitable and just transition to a sustainable energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member business are growing in the renewable energy sector.
Robert “A.J.” Patton is a finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a decade of experience in financial investment banking, endowment management, and genuine estate analysis. In May 2016, A.J. founded 548 Capital, LLC, to combine his proficiency and performance history of producing consistent returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting transform neighborhoods and their influence on the planet. In 2019, Patton was called a recipient of the Energy News 40 Under 40 award– highlighting his effect on Americas shift to a 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 company?
I had 2 essential minutes that made me jump. In 1999, my mother received a $400 gas costs, and she was only making 10 bucks an hour, so we could not pay for the gas bill. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not an excellent thing
.
The 2nd critical moment was probably 15 years earlier, as I was working for a company that was purchasing a host of things around the globe. People were can be found in to request a financial investment around renewable resource, and I positioned a concern to them: “What you are doing with these solar firms is magnificent, and the expense of solar is boiling down, however how does that aid daily individuals?” I asked, “Where are they in your equation? Where is their gain access to? They are paying a disproportionate amount of their income on energy.” They looked puzzled that I would even attempt ask about the daily people. They stated, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income households typically live in multi-family structures, and it is hard to get in contact with those developing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you need to contact private families and the cost of getting those individuals educated and then signing up for renewable resource is not a beneficial company design.” I asked, “What if I owned the real estate advancement and the solar?” And they said, whoever does that is going to change the market permanently. I stopped my task. I believe I turned in my resignation within six months of that conversation, and I began my business. I named it 548 Capital because that is the system number in the general public real estate where I matured. Everything is I do is targeted to households in those circumstances and focused on improving their quality of life
.

What can organizations like ACORE do to move that needle for you, to break down that barrier?
Putting individuals in spaces together so everybody can share notes is always important. Normalizing direct exposure, standing next to us and stating “these neighborhoods are worthwhile of investment”– you cant put a value on that
.
How can possible partners do service 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 very first ask. If they desire to see some of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities, we are likewise always prepared 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 technology that were applying in neighborhoods that historically havent had access. We are also going to be broadening our board. Im always challenging top executives to put their name and face on these efforts because I believe that has real value
.
How was your Accelerate subscription benefited you?
Its been excellent simply to fulfill the other Accelerate member companies. I found out a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and finding out about individuals with completely various viewpoints. I like the networking.
I think we are doing the finest we can do in the COVID environment. Just understanding that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a huge distinction.
###.

I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to provide a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget friendly access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist industrial properties with energy efficiency. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wanted to make sure city homeowners were getting the exact same amount of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually historically been a middle-class concern due to the fact that Black communities have had to live in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the individuals I needed to connect with in order to make this collaboration successful.

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 feature market leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and just transition to a renewable resource economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are growing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys very first Black female CEO in the community solar market. Under her management, WeSolar is growing rapidly, providing consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to affordable solar power, despite home type, and assisting hard-working households minimize monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. 36% of Black households experience a high energy concern, implying they spend over 6% of their earnings on house energy expenses. To be able to offer a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to regional community solar and to assist industrial homes with energy performance. WeSolar released in Baltimore and will broaden to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical energy customers can purchase shared solar from a local task without needing to set up any equipment in their homes. In turn, locals conserve hundreds on their electrical power bills. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electrical energy must originate from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is already facing so numerous pressing challenges, encouraging them that there is another one just as crucial is extremely hard. I keep in mind attempting to explain neighborhood solar to my pals and the discussion quickly pivoting to real estate. The reality 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 continuously 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 first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to guarantee city citizens were getting 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 whatever complete circle. Renewable resource has traditionally 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 linked me with the individuals I required to get in touch with in order to make this collaboration effective.
To find out more about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
###

By Constance ThompsonAugust 30, 2021

The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the 2nd installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series.
Each installment will include market leaders and topics connected to speeding up a fair and just transition to a renewable energy economy.
In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August functions highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are growing in the eco-friendly energy sector.
Kevin Butler, PMP, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of Sole Trader Renewable Energy LLC, a minority- and veteran-owned renewable resource business based in Memphis, Tennessee. Sole Trader assists energies, federal governments and co-ops integrate renewables into their energy portfolios
.
What inspired you to start your business?
A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced building strategies to the renewable resource market. I want to lower the amount of green space utilized to support the development of renewable resource around the globe and assistance bring our market into the future. I established this business after working for a couple of big utilities and understanding that the old design will not get us to where we require to be as a nation. We need vibrant, unencumbered idea that accepts the possibility of where we can go. Albert Einstein stated, “Logic will get you from A to Z; creativity will get you all over.” This is the genesis of Sole Trader.
How are you making an impact through your company?
We are changing the method co-ops, governments and utilities consider powering the future of this excellent country. We invest in finding and utilizing proven, emerging technologies from around the world that can be utilized to power the present and the future. Sole Trader provides our clients access to clean energy, and we are inspiring the next generation with our ability to form the country each and every day.
Inform us about your company?
Sole Trader is a varied, expert, leading-edge renewable resource business with 200+ combined years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and upkeep. Our group of utility experts helps us reduce construction expenses and timelines for our clients. We can likewise supply consulting and strategic preparation services, site recognition and preparation, building and construction, operations and upkeep, devices recycling, cybersecurity, website startup or shutdown, and so much more.
Is there anything else you want to show ACORE members and partners?
There is no obstacle too large or little for us. We accept opportunities to bring our clients into the future, utilizing our substantial lessons learned and our proven brand-new innovations. We can assist our clients think differently about their community and the world. We like to state, “We give you more power over your power.” And we think energy independence is the key to green growth.
To read more about Sole Trader, check out soletraderenergy.org.
###.

A drive to bring ingenious technologies and advanced structure strategies to the eco-friendly energy market. I desire to decrease the amount of green area used to support the development of sustainable energy around the world and assistance bring our market into the future. Sole Trader gives our customers access to clean energy, and we are motivating the next generation with our capability to form the nation each and every day.
Sole Trader is a diverse, professional, leading-edge sustainable energy business with 200+ integrated years of experience covering power generation, building, operations and maintenance. And we believe energy independence is the essential to green growth.

I think there is always a shock when people learn who is behind our company. Even in our own communities, individuals just cant think it. Putting people in rooms together so everybody can share notes is constantly valuable. We are also constantly willing 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 structure so they can see the innovation that were using in neighborhoods that traditionally have not had gain access to.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 31, 2021
Image courtesy of Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is pleased to share the third installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series.
Each installation features market leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to a sustainable energy economy. In recognition of National Black Business Month, our August features highlight how 3 Black-owned Accelerate member companies are thriving 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 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 developing constant returns with a personal enthusiasm for assisting 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 influence on Americas shift to a tidy economy.
FOUND OUT MORE: Up-and-Comer Developer Makes Headway without the Banks ( Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021).
What inspired you to start your business?
I had two turning points that made me leap. In 1999, my mother got a $400 gas costs, and she was just making ten bucks an hour, so we couldnt manage the gas costs. And so, unfortunately, we had our gas and heat turned off. For approximately a year in my teens, we needed 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 simply stick with you. I do not care what occurs the rest of your profession or what your lifestyle is progressing; those moments are with you forever. As I talk about that with various groups around the nation, it has ended up being clear that my experience is not an anomaly. A lot of individuals have similar anecdotes, and thats not an advantage
.
The second pivotal minute was probably 15 years back, as I was working for a firm that was buying a host of things all over the world. Individuals were coming in to request a financial investment around eco-friendly energy, and I positioned a concern to them: “What you are finishing with these solar firms is amazing, and the cost of solar is coming down, but how does that help 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 dare ask about the everyday individuals. They said, “Well, you know, low- and moderate-income households typically live in multi-family structures, and it is hard to get in contact with those developing owners. If you can not get in contact with the building owners, you have to call specific families and the cost of getting those people informed and after that signing up for renewable resource is not a beneficial organization design.” So, I asked, “What if I owned the housing development and the solar?” And they stated, whoever does that is going to change the marketplace forever. I stopped my task. I believe I kipped down my resignation within six months of that discussion, and I began my business. Because that is the unit number in the public housing where I grew up, I called it 548 Capital. Everything is I do is targeted to households in those situations and focused on enhancing their quality of life
.

Show us a recent success story.
We recently joined Mayor Lightfoot for an interview to reveal that we will be building a $30 million, entirely sustainable and totally budget friendly advancement, in collaboration with the City of Chicago. We are constructing 50 domestic units, a coffee store, a business center, all on the South Side of Chicago, which will expand solar-powered usage in the city
.
What effect are you making?
I think there is always a shock when individuals learn who is behind our company. Even in our own neighborhoods, individuals just cant think it.
The other thing that I believe is important is we have a financial impact that resonates with people, and its a quite effective message. That quantity of money effects the budget plan of daily households
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What challenges do you face? Why?
When I go to banks and say 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. I believe the lesson is that coalition structure is crucial.

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 always valuable. Through the Accelerate program, weve had a chance to speak directly with bankers 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 working on a partnership with Lowes, which is contributing about $1,000,000 worth of products to support our jobs. Normalizing exposure, standing next to us and stating “these communities are worthwhile of investment”– you cant put a worth on that
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How can potential partners do service with you?
Right now, we are Chicago-focused. We are constantly trying to find partners to invest, offer financial obligation or purchase some tax credits, thats the very first ask. We are also always happy to host people if they want to see a few of the sustainable innovation we are putting in these communities. This is not proprietary; its an open book. We host individuals as soon as a week at our structure so they can see the technology that were using in neighborhoods that historically have not had gain access to. We are also going to be broadening our board. Because I believe that has genuine value, Im constantly challenging leading executives to put their name and face on these efforts
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How was your Accelerate membership benefited you?
Its been fantastic simply to satisfy the other Accelerate member companies. I discovered a lot from having conversations with them in real-time, and finding out about people with totally different viewpoints. I enjoy the networking.
I think we are doing the very best we can do in the COVID environment. Simply knowing that it exists, which ACORE is so intentional about the program, makes a big distinction.
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Inform us about your business? (objective, partners, regions you operate in, main clients, etc.).
The vision of 548 Capital is to make sustainable technologies accessible for all: all communities, all families, everyone needs to have gain access to. Someone, some entity, has to work as the bridge so that those technologies reach everybody. Thats what my mission is, and fortunately we are growing. We are currently headquartered in Chicago, however we will be revealing some new places this fall
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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 industry leaders and subjects associated with accelerating an equitable and simply transition to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog site is the first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are thriving in the renewable energy sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the nations first Black lady CEO in the community solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing rapidly, offering customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to cost effective solar energy, despite house type, and helping hard-working families minimize monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to start your business?
The stark truth that most of households who were getting eco-friendly energy incentives were greater earnings. I remember learning this and thinking there had to be a method to resolve this gap. I discovered there was an issue. I had my own concepts on how to fix it, and I desired to have company over my own choices. I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not bought the community solar movement. As soon as I started to describe how important and immediate it was for us to be a part of the solar motion, it felt like a lightbulb had turned on for me. I began showing how higher-income communities and people in the residential areas were benefiting from renewable tax incentives and had received a heap of support. The truth is, energy usage effects Black home spending plans significantly. 36% of Black families experience a high energy problem, indicating they spend over 6% of their earnings on home energy costs. Thats an enormous percentage. To be able to offer an item that will save our neighborhood as much as 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Inform us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to local neighborhood solar and to assist industrial homes with energy effectiveness. WeSolar launched in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical power customers can buy shared solar from a regional job without needing to set up any devices in their homes. In turn, citizens save hundreds on their electrical power costs. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that states 50 percent of its electricity must come from renewable resource sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a community that is already dealing with a lot of pushing challenges, encouraging them that there is another one just as essential is extremely challenging. I remember attempting to explain neighborhood solar to my buddies and the conversation quickly rotating to housing. The reality of the matter is, institutional racism and oppression are bigger than we know, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being bought, we are being asked to focus on continuously for our survival.
Please share with us a current company success story.
An extremely personal success story for me is cultivating a collaboration with Maryland United Baptist Missionary Convention, Inc. I grew up in a Baptist church in Brooklyn where my cousin was the pastor, and my mommy was an organizer– community was sewn into my really being. When I initially relocated to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to guarantee city residents were receiving 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 everything complete circle. Renewable resource has historically been a middle-class problem because Black neighborhoods have actually had to reside in survival mode, but Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with individuals I needed to link with in order to make this partnership successful.
To find out more about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
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I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to use a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to local neighborhood solar and to help commercial residential or commercial properties with energy performance. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to guarantee city locals were receiving the very same amount of investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually historically been a middle-class problem since Black neighborhoods have had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and connected me with the individuals I required to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.