Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Kristal Hansley, Founder & CEO of WeSolar, Inc.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the first installment in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog site series. Each installation will include market leaders and topics related to accelerating a fair and just shift to an eco-friendly energy economy. In acknowledgment of National Black Business Month, our August blog is the very first in a series highlighting how Black-owned member companies are thriving in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys very first Black lady CEO in the community solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing rapidly, supplying consumers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget friendly solar power, despite house type, and assisting hard-working households lower monthly expenditures.
What inspired you to begin your company?
The plain reality that most of households who were getting sustainable energy incentives were higher earnings. I remember learning this and thinking there needed to be a way to resolve this space. I discovered there was an issue. I had my own concepts on how to fix it, and I wanted to have firm over my own decisions. I was at a community meeting with 50 Black ladies organizers who were not purchased the neighborhood solar movement. When I began to discuss how important and immediate it was for us to be a part of the solar movement, it seemed like a lightbulb had switched on for me. I began demonstrating how higher-income communities and people in the residential areas were taking advantage of renewable tax incentives and had actually gotten a lots of assistance. The fact is, energy usage effects Black household spending plans greatly. 36% of Black families experience a high energy burden, meaning they invest over 6% of their income on house energy costs. Thats a huge portion. To be able to use an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods cost effective access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist business homes with energy efficiency. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electricity should come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What challenges do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently dealing with so numerous pushing obstacles, convincing them that there is another one just as crucial is really tough. I keep in mind attempting to explain neighborhood solar to my pals and the discussion rapidly pivoting to real estate.
Please show us a current company success story.
When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was released, and I wanted to ensure city locals were getting the exact same quantity of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has historically been a middle-class problem due to the fact that 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 link with in order to make this collaboration successful.
For more information about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
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I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. To be able to offer 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 community solar and to help industrial properties with energy effectiveness. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I wanted to make sure city residents were getting the very same amount of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has historically been a middle-class issue since 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 successful.