Kristal Hansley Featured in Vogue: Leading the Charge for Community Solar

In a recent Vogue feature, Kristal Hansley, CEO of WeSolar, is highlighted as a pioneering force in the renewable energy space, using community solar to bring affordable, clean energy to underserved communities. As the first Black woman to own a community solar company in the U.S., Kristal’s journey is inspiring and a testament to her commitment to making solar power accessible to all.

The article delves into Kristal’s personal and professional journey, from her upbringing in Brooklyn to her groundbreaking work in Washington, D.C., where she helped pass key community solar legislation. Her unique experiences fueled her passion for ensuring that marginalized communities—particularly those impacted by high energy costs and limited access to renewable resources—are not left behind in the clean energy revolution.

At the core of Kristal’s work is the community solar model, which allows residents to subscribe to a shared solar farm and receive credits on their energy bills. This approach offers a cost-effective way for people, especially those living in low-income areas, to benefit from solar power without needing to install expensive solar panels on their homes.

In the Vogue feature, Kristal emphasizes the importance of addressing energy inequality, pointing out that many communities of color face higher energy burdens and the brunt of climate change impacts. Her work at WeSolar is reducing these burdens and creating economic opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Kristal’s leadership extends beyond solar energy—she’s an advocate for climate justice and Black entrepreneurship, working to ensure that communities that have been historically excluded from the renewable energy conversation are now at the forefront of this transformative movement.

To learn more about Kristal Hansley’s journey and how she’s making waves in the renewable energy industry, read the full feature on Vogue.