Kristal Hansley: The Woman Behind the First Black Female-Owned Solar Company – A Face2Face Africa Feature

In a recent Face2Face Africa feature, Kristal Hansley, founder and CEO of WeSolar, is celebrated as a groundbreaking entrepreneur who is reshaping the renewable energy landscape. As the first Black woman in the U.S. to own a community solar company, Kristal is not only driving innovation in clean energy but also leading the charge for energy equity and social justice.

The article dives into Kristal’s inspiring journey from her policy work in Washington, D.C., to becoming a trailblazer in the solar industry. Her experiences in community advocacy and legislative work laid the foundation for her mission to bring solar energy to underserved communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods that have been excluded from the benefits of renewable energy.

Through WeSolar, Kristal is making community solar accessible to residents who cannot afford or accommodate traditional solar panel installations. This model allows households to subscribe to local solar farms and receive credits on their utility bills, reducing both their carbon footprint and their energy costs.

Kristal’s story is one of determination and resilience as she broke into a traditionally white, male-dominated industry. Her leadership at WeSolar not only provides clean energy but also promotes economic empowerment by offering sustainable solutions to communities that have long been marginalized in the energy sector.

In the Face2Face Africa article, Kristal emphasizes the importance of Black entrepreneurship and how representation in the renewable energy space can open doors for others. She is committed to ensuring that communities of color are at the forefront of the green energy revolution, and that solar power is used as a tool for both environmental and social progress.

Kristal’s work with WeSolar is a powerful example of how innovation, inclusion, and determination can create lasting change in an industry that desperately needs diverse voices.

To learn more about Kristal Hansley’s leadership and her vision for energy equity, read the full feature on Face2Face Africa.