Renewable Power Perspectives Q&A with Kristal Hansley, Founder & CEO of WeSolar, Inc.
Arlo Solar Panel Charger (2021 Released) - Arlo Certified Accessory - Works with Arlo Pro 5S 2K, Pro 4, Pro 3, Floodlight, Ultra 2, and Ultra Cameras, Weather Resistant, Easy Install, White - VMA5600
$59.99 (as of 17:39 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
2 Pack - Solar Panel for Ring Camera, Compatible with Ring Spotlight Cam Plus/Pro(Battery) & Ring Stick Up Cam/Pro Battery & Ring Spotlight Cam Battery with 10FT/3M Long Cable
$39.99 (as of 20:58 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)I was at a community meeting with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. To be able to use a product that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy costs is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities economical access to regional community solar and to help commercial residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was launched, and I desired to guarantee city citizens were getting the same quantity of investment as the county. Sustainable energy has historically been a middle-class issue 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 connected me with the individuals I required to link 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 first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installation will include industry leaders and topics associated with speeding up a fair and simply transition to a sustainable 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 prospering 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 management, WeSolar is growing quickly, providing consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to economical solar energy, despite home type, and helping hard-working households minimize regular monthly expenses.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a neighborhood conference with 50 Black women organizers who were not invested in the community solar motion. 36% of Black homes experience a high energy problem, meaning they invest over 6% of their income on house energy bills. To be able to use 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 neighborhoods budget-friendly access to local community solar and to assist business homes with energy effectiveness. WeSolar released in Baltimore and will expand to other cities in the future. Through WeSolar, electrical energy customers can purchase shared solar from a local project without needing to set up any equipment in their homes. In turn, locals conserve hundreds on their electricity costs. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electrical power must come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently dealing with a lot of pressing challenges, convincing them that there is another one just as essential is very tough. I keep in mind trying to discuss community solar to my buddies and the discussion quickly rotating to real estate. The truth of the matter is, institutional racism and injustice are bigger than we understand, and it drowns our community. Where Black people are not being purchased, we are being asked to prioritize constantly for our survival.
Please share with us a current business success story.
When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I wanted to make sure city homeowners were getting the same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually historically been a middle-class concern since Black communities have actually had to live in survival mode, however Reverend Mason and Reverend Dewitt brought me into the circle and linked me with the individuals I needed to link with in order to make this collaboration effective.
For more information about WeSolar, see wesolar.energy
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