Off Grid Schools
A Primary Focus

    Almost half my work has been designing, building and leading teams to install solar systems in third world schools. These systems will provide sustainable power for up to 30 years. Children work in the fields during the day, limiting their educational time to evenings with few hours of daylight. Electricity opens the door to further their education in ways not previously possible. In addition, with solar power these schools become community centers for fellowship, learning and fun. Schools can also raise funds by charging cell phones. Yes, people have cell phones but little else.

   Simultaneously during an installation, mission team members are interacting with the kids in a fiesta of games, bible stories and prayer. At the end of the day the fiesta and the installation teams gather with the children and adults to dedicate the system to the school. This is my favorite part of the installation because I get to see the faces of the children as they watch lights turn on for the first time in their lives. When they see the light we tell them to "remember that Jesus loves you!"

   To date, SonLight Power has completed 100 installations primarily in the country of Honduras. There are plans to install solar in 400 additional schools in that country alone.

Mission Compounds
Orphanages, Clinics, Churches & Schools

   Missionary Compounds are found in many third world countries. They serve the people by often providing life giving support in the way of orphanages, clinics, churches and schools. These compounds are renown for poor access to electricity, if any. Most run off of generators which are expensive, noisy and give off toxic gases. Leaders of these non-profit compounds seek out solar experts who will assist in alleviating their dependence on generators. I have been blessed with the opportunity to design and install many types of systems for these compounds primarily in Haiti.

Water Pumps

   "When the sun comes up the water comes up" is a phrase commonly said by Allen Rainey, founder of SonLight Power. The pumps we install have the power to draw water from very deep wells, assuring the water's cleanliness and availability. Our installation of solar powered pumps literally changes the lives of remote communities. To date the largest installation produces 6,000 gallons of clean water everyday for an entire village of 60 families in Nicaragua.  We have also done several systems in Haiti where contaminated water causes significant, chronic health problems. Clean water saves lives! 

Hands on Training

   Every mission trip requires some degree of training. I have taught engineering students, electricians, handymen, local community leaders and other missionaries. I explain how the systems work, how to maintain them, and how to troubleshoot them. Oftentimes the training includes designing and building the systems. These lessons range from hands on, whole day seminars in classrooms to tutorials in the field. This is essential for sustainability of the systems.  

Governmental Agency Partnerships

   There have been times when SonLight Power has been hired by governmental agencies to design and install solar systems. The US Embassy in Honduras wanted to raise awareness for the potential of renewable energies. We designed a visually appealing system for display in their courtyard. We have also partnered with the Honduran government and their First Lady, Rosa Elena de Lobo, to reach the goal of empowering 500 remote schools. Currently there are discussions with other countries and the United Nations for a variety of solar projects.