Kristal Hansley: Breaking Barriers as the First Black Female CEO of a Solar Company – A Story Exchange Feature

In a compelling feature by The Story Exchange, Kristal Hansley, the founder and CEO of WeSolar, is recognized for her groundbreaking achievements as the first Black woman to lead a community solar company in the U.S. Kristal’s journey from policy work to entrepreneurship has been fueled by her mission to make solar energy accessible to underserved communities and to ensure that the renewable energy revolution is equitable for all.

The article explores Kristal’s early career in Washington, D.C., where she worked on key community solar legislation that opened the door for her vision of a more inclusive clean energy future. She soon realized that her passion for policy could translate into real-world impact, leading her to launch WeSolar with the goal of providing low-to-moderate-income families with affordable access to renewable energy.

At the heart of Kristal’s work is the community solar model, which allows residents to subscribe to a local solar farm and receive credits on their utility bills without the high upfront costs associated with installing solar panels. This model not only helps families save on energy costs but also empowers entire communities to participate in the green economy.

In her interview with The Story Exchange, Kristal shares her experiences as a Black female entrepreneur in an industry that has been traditionally dominated by white men. She discusses the challenges she faced in breaking into the renewable energy sector and how her resilience and commitment to energy equity have shaped her leadership at WeSolar.

Kristal is not only transforming the solar industry but also creating opportunities for economic empowerment in communities that have been historically left out of the renewable energy conversation. Her leadership at WeSolar is a testament to the power of diversity in the clean energy space and her dedication to addressing energy inequality.

To learn more about Kristal Hansley’s inspiring journey and her mission to bring clean energy to underserved communities, read the full feature on The Story Exchange.