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

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 an item that will conserve our community up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
WeSolars objective is to bring under-resourced communities budget-friendly access to regional neighborhood solar and to help business properties with energy performance. When I first moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to ensure city homeowners were receiving the same quantity of financial investment as the county. Eco-friendly energy has actually traditionally been a middle-class problem because 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 people I required to link with in order to make this partnership successful.

By Constance ThompsonAugust 27, 2021
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is happy to share the first installation in our “Accelerating Renewables” blog series. Each installation will feature industry leaders and subjects connected to accelerating a fair and simply shift 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 flourishing in the renewable resource sector.
Kristal Hansley is the Founder & & CEO of WeSolar, Inc and is the countrys first Black woman CEO in the neighborhood solar industry. Under her leadership, WeSolar is growing quickly, offering consumers throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia access to economical solar power, despite home type, and assisting hard-working households minimize regular monthly expenses.
What inspired you to begin your business?
I was at a community conference with 50 Black females organizers who were not invested in the neighborhood solar movement. 36% of Black households experience a high energy concern, implying they invest over 6% of their earnings on home energy expenses. To be able to use an item that will save our neighborhood up to 60% on their energy expenses is transformative.
Tell us about your company?
WeSolars mission is to bring under-resourced neighborhoods economical access to regional neighborhood solar and to assist industrial homes with energy performance. In Maryland, lawmakers passed legislation that mentions 50 percent of its electricity must come from eco-friendly energy sources by 2030.
What obstacles do you face? Why?
To a neighborhood that is currently facing so many pressing obstacles, persuading them that there is another one simply as essential is really hard. I remember attempting to describe community solar to my pals and the discussion quickly pivoting to housing.
Please show us a current company success story.
When I initially moved to Baltimore, the Community Solar Pilot Program was introduced, and I desired to guarantee city locals were receiving the very same quantity of financial investment as the county. Sustainable energy has actually historically been a middle-class issue due to the fact that 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 needed to connect with in order to make this partnership successful.
To read more about WeSolar, check out wesolar.energy
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