Kristal Hansley is breaking barriers and revolutionizing the green energy industry with her company, WeSolar.
As the first Black woman to own a community solar energy company, Hansley is on a mission to make solar power accessible to underserved communities.
With a focus on energy equity, she is tackling the rising costs of electricity while providing environmentally sustainable solutions to low-income families.
Hansley’s journey into the solar energy sector began during her tenure at Neighborhood Sun, where she witnessed firsthand how solar power could benefit low-income households by reducing their utility bills.
This experience ignited her passion for the industry and inspired her to launch WeSolar. The company aims to open community solar farms in areas like Baltimore, where residents can subscribe to affordable, clean energy.
Under Hansley’s leadership, WeSolar is quickly expanding, offering consumers the opportunity to purchase electricity in blocks or invest in a portion of a solar panel.
This model provides flexibility for residents who may not have the financial means or physical space to install solar panels on their homes. By subscribing to solar power generated by local farms, individuals can enjoy lower electricity bills without the upfront costs typically associated with solar energy.
Hansley’s vision goes beyond just providing affordable energy. She is dedicated to addressing energy equity issues that disproportionately affect communities of color, particularly Black Americans.
For many years, the solar energy industry has been dominated by white men, but Hansley’s success is a testament to the growing diversity in the green energy sector. Her leadership has not only disrupted the industry but also created opportunities for others who have been historically excluded from the renewable energy conversation.
Speaking about her motivation, Hansley highlighted the importance of giving back to communities that have been left behind in the shift to sustainable energy.
“WeSolar is more than just a solar energy company; it’s about creating access and ensuring that everyone, regardless of race, gender, or economic status, can benefit from affordable, clean energy,” she said.
WeSolar’s community solar farms are a game-changer for those who live in densely populated areas or rental properties, where installing individual solar panels may not be feasible.
By pooling resources and sharing solar power, residents can significantly reduce their energy costs while contributing to the fight against climate change.
Hansley’s pioneering efforts in the solar industry represent a critical step forward in the movement toward environmental justice. As more people subscribe to WeSolar’s services, her impact on both the renewable energy landscape and marginalized communities continues to grow.
With the success of WeSolar, Kristal Hansley is paving the way for future entrepreneurs and showing that it is possible to combine business innovation with social responsibility.
