Kristal Hansley: Pioneering Community Solar as the First Black Woman to Lead in the Industry – A Leading Ladies Africa Feature
In a powerful Leading Ladies Africa feature, Kristal Hansley, the founder and CEO of WeSolar, is celebrated as a trailblazer in the renewable energy space. As the first Black woman in the U.S. to launch a community solar energy company, Kristal is breaking barriers and redefining what it means to lead in an industry that has often lacked diversity and inclusion.
The article explores Kristal’s groundbreaking work with WeSolar, where she’s focused on bringing community solar to underserved neighborhoods, allowing residents—many of whom may not have the means to install solar panels on their homes—to access clean, affordable energy. This community-driven model provides households with an opportunity to subscribe to shared solar farms and receive credits on their energy bills, making solar energy accessible to all.
Kristal’s journey to entrepreneurship began in Washington, D.C., where she played a key role in advancing solar policy and legislation. Her work in the nation’s capital laid the foundation for her vision: to create a more equitable clean energy future by providing solar power to low-income and marginalized communities.
In her Leading Ladies Africa interview, Kristal discusses the importance of representation in the renewable energy sector and how being a Black woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry fuels her drive to succeed. She emphasizes that diversity in leadership not only brings fresh perspectives to the table but also ensures that solutions are more inclusive and impactful.
Beyond her success in clean energy, Kristal is a passionate advocate for Black entrepreneurship, using her platform to encourage and support women of color who aspire to lead in industries where they have historically been underrepresented.
To learn more about Kristal Hansley’s inspiring leadership and her journey as a pioneer in the community solar industry, read the full feature on Leading Ladies Africa.