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

I was at a neighborhood meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar motion. To be able to use an item that will save our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to local community solar and to assist commercial homes with energy effectiveness. When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to make sure city homeowners were receiving the exact same quantity of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually historically been a middle-class issue because 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 people 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 delighted to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installment will include market leaders and subjects related to speeding up a fair and simply shift to a renewable resource economy. In recognition 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 countrys very first Black lady CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her management, WeSolar is growing rapidly, providing customers across Maryland and the District of Columbia access to budget friendly solar energy, regardless of house type, and helping hard-working households minimize regular monthly costs.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a community meeting with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the community solar movement. 36% of Black households experience a high energy problem, suggesting they spend over 6% of their income on home energy bills. To be able to use a product that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy bills is transformative.
Tell us about your business?
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods affordable access to local community solar and to help business residential or commercial properties with energy efficiency. In Maryland, legislators passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electricity need to come from renewable energy sources by 2030.
What difficulties do you face? Why?
To a community that is currently dealing with so numerous pushing difficulties, encouraging them that there is another one simply as essential is very hard. I remember attempting to explain neighborhood solar to my good friends and the conversation rapidly pivoting to housing.
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 residents were getting the exact same amount of financial investment as the county. Renewable energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class concern since 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 needed to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.
To read more about WeSolar, visit wesolar.energy
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