Revitalizing Communities through the Development of Renewable Energy
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About Sunstone
Sunstone Renewable Energy, LLC, is a minority-owned, greenfield developer of renewable energy generation projects. Formed in 2014, Sunstone identifies and expertly develops vacant rural land – creating sustainable renewable energy projects while providing extraordinary financial returns to investors, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. Underserved communities often lack the capital and political power to participate in state and federal Zero Carbon Initiatives. As a local company, Sunstone achieves its mission by developing renewable energy in rural areas -- training skilled workers, creating jobs, providing funds for local projects, and improving the tax base of these socially and economically underserved communities.
Our Team
William Clayton, CEO and Founder
In 2014, William founded Sunstone Renewable Energy for the purpose of developing renewable solar projects on heritage land in marginalized communities within North Carolina. Solar projects provide a secondary use for farmland -- allowing landowners to retain their heritage ownership in heirloom property. Since 1994, as a licensed and ordained minister, William has served his local community in Vance County, NC, as an inspirational leader and change agent. As one of only three minority solar developers in North Carolina, he utilized his experiences to introduce the "community development model" of ministry to the solar industry. William emphasizes education and economic empowerment as the preferred pathway out of generational poverty within marginalized communities.
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Reuben Clayton, CFO
Reuben brings an extensive background in management, finance, and national politics to his role as Chief Financial Officer of Sunstone. Previous experience in strategic financial analysis of development opportunities as a director with the USDA Department of Rural Development, bring additional breadth and depth to the Sunstone executive team. Earlier in his career, Reuben held management positions in the State of North Carolina Department of Revenue and spent seven years as a Congressional staffer. Reuben’s strength and experience in state and federal government relations, business consulting, and finance equip him to effectively serve Sunstone’s partners and stakeholders.
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Richard Moretz, COO
Richard served as a greenfield development manager with both a large, US based solar company and an International solar developer. He led the successful entitlement and permitting efforts on 100+ solar sites within the State of NC, totaling over 500 MW of solar output. In previous positions, Richard spearheaded the capital raise for a New Mexico project portfolio totaling 300 MW -- creating a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) and comprehensive business plan for the offering. Earlier in his career, he identified and developed a 500+ MW portfolio of wind and solar projects in New Mexico.