SonLight Power

What SonLight Power does

SonLight Power is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 by Allen Rainey and headquartered in Milford, Ohio, that designs and installs solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems for schools, orphanages, medical clinics, churches, and community centers in energy-poor regions. Its technical portfolio includes pole-mounted, roof-mounted, and grid-tied PV systems engineered for 30-year sustainable operation, alongside solar-powered water pumping solutions (typically 300-foot deep wells with multi-panel arrays driving Grundfos pumps delivering thousands of gallons daily) and GoSun solar cooking technology for indigenous communities. The organization has completed approaching 200 installations across at least 14 countries spanning Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the United States, with concentrated mission work in Honduras (including a multi-year Healthy Schools Program partnership with the Office of the First Lady of Honduras targeting 400+ off-grid schools) and Haiti.

The organization's business model is a hybrid charity model combining tax-deductible donations (one-time gifts, monthly recurring subscriptions at preset tiers of $25 to $1,000, stock gifts), foundation and corporate grants (largest disclosed: $47,000 from The P&G Fund in 2011), employer matching gift programs, mission trip participant contributions, and a year-end matched giving campaign (Give Light Challenge, up to $80,000 in donor matches). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: volunteer mission teams of 5-15 people are recruited through church networks, newsletters, social media (Facebook Live mission broadcasts), and word-of-mouth; distribution is routed through church and mission organization partnerships (Back2Back Ministries, Haiti Health Ministries, FSIL, Enlace, Vineyard Cincinnati, Cobblestone Community Church) and a Solar School training program that produces a distributed network of trained volunteer installers. The organization is ECFA accredited, holds GuideStar Platinum Transparency 2026, and has been recognized by the U.S. Embassy in Honduras (2010 Renewable Energy Development Award), the Jefferson Awards program (2017 finalist for founder Allen Rainey), and NABCEP (2021 Walt Ratterman Award for Director of Programs Clay Luna).

Revenue mechanics are donor-dependent with no commercial product sales; a 300W system for a three-classroom school costs approximately $3,500 in equipment and is installed by volunteers in roughly five hours. The organization operates without equity ownership, equity investors, or parent company ownership, governed instead by a Board of Trustees and funded through its diversified donor base and corporate supporters (Siemens, P&G, DSC OfficeSystems, Melink Corporation, Honeymoon Paper Products). Following founder Allen Rainey's death in August 2023, Executive Director Kevin Sasson continues to lead operations from the nonprofit's zero-energy headquarters co-located with Melink Corporation's HQ2 facility.

Name

SonLight Power

Legal name

SonLight Power, Inc.

Website

https://sonlightpower.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SonLight Power is a Milford, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2002 that designs and installs solar PV systems, solar water pumping, and solar cooking solutions for schools, orphanages, clinics, and community centers across 14+ developing countries, funded primarily through donations, grants, and volunteer mission trips.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Solar Energy Services

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Electric Power Generation (22111)

SIC

Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991), Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Renewable Distributed Generation (Rooftop/Onsite Solar, Small Wind, Small Hydro) (EUACALAJ), Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB), Resilience & Backup Power Solutions (Critical Facilities, Islanding) (EUAMAJAK)

Keywords

• Solar installation services
• Off-grid solar systems
• Solar training programs
• Energy access solutions
• Volunteer mission programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Milford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The primary revenue stream comes from tax-deductible donations from individuals, churches, and organizations. Donations are solicited via the website (one-time and monthly recurring), check/money order, and stock gifts. The organization is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) and ECFA accredited.
2. End-of-Year and Matched Giving Campaigns: Annual Give Light Challenge campaigns where donor matches (e.g., up to $80,000) amplify giving during specific periods (November–December). These represent concentrated fundraising periods.
3. Grants: SonLight Power receives grants from foundations including The P&G Fund ($47,000 for Mexico), College Hill Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, and others for specific project installations.
4. Mission Trip Fees: Participants on mission trips contribute to trip costs; the website references fundraising tools for supporters joining mission trips, implying a cost-recovery or contribution model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SonLight Power designs and installs off-grid solar PV power systems for schools, orphanages, medical clinics, churches, and community centers in energy-poor regions, deploying volunteer mission teams to deliver 30-year sustainable electricity. Supplemental offerings include Solar School hands-on training workshops, equipping trips for skilled volunteers, and capacity-building programs that train local missionaries to install and maintain their own systems. The organization also distributes solar-powered water pumping systems and GoSun solar cooking technology to off-grid and indigenous communities.

Product overview

SonLight Power is a faith-based non-profit organization offering a portfolio of solar-powered humanitarian services. The core offering consists of volunteer mission trips that install solar power systems at schools, orphanages, medical clinics, and churches in developing countries. Supporting services include Solar School training workshops that teach solar installation skills, Equipping Trips for skilled volunteers on complex projects, and Capacity Building programs that train local partners to install their own systems. The organization also provides solar-powered water pumping solutions and publishes a newsletter to engage supporters. All services integrate solar power technology with Christian ministry to address energy poverty affecting nearly 1.4 billion people worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Volunteer Mission Trips Short-term (typically one-week) volunteer deployment trips where teams of 5-15 people travel to developing countries to install solar PV power systems at schools, orphanages, medical clinics, and churches in remote off-grid communities. The model is open to all skill levels for children's ministry activities, with equipping trips for those with electrical, construction, or solar experience.
• Solar Power Installation Services Custom design and installation of off-grid solar PV systems for schools, orphanages, medical clinics, churches, and community centers in energy-poor regions. Systems include solar panels, battery banks, inverters, and charge controllers engineered for 30+ years of sustainable power generation. Provided pro bono to eligible mission-aligned institutions.
• Solar School Training Workshops Hands-on training workshops teaching solar electric principles, system design, equipment selection, and installation best practices. Hosted at multiple locations including Camp Amakanata (Indiana), Civic Garden Center (Cincinnati), Spanish River Church (Florida), and Bel Fle Missions Hotel (Haiti), targeting missionaries, volunteers, and community groups.
• Equipping Trips Specialized mission trips designed for individuals with electrical, construction, engineering, or solar installation experience. Trips focus on complex projects requiring hands-on assistance with solar installation, electrical wiring, and construction at partner sites.
• Solar Water Pumping Systems Custom-engineered solar-powered water pumping installations for wells and water distribution in communities without reliable clean water access. Systems combine multi-panel solar arrays with Grundfos pumps to deliver thousands of gallons of clean water per day from deep wells (including 300+ foot depths).
• Capacity Building Programs Structured programs to train local missionaries and partner organizations to install and maintain their own solar power systems, enabling sustainable long-term impact and local job-skill development in solar installation within their home regions.

Quantifiable outcome

• ~$3,500 equipment cost per 300-watt, 3-classroom school solar system; installed by volunteers in ~5 hours; 30-year lifespan
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Civic Garden Center of Greater CincinnatiminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 July 2021Co-location partner for the SonLight Power Solar School at the Green Learning Station in Cincinnati. Nearly 4 kilowatts of solar electricity from the Solar School system powers the Civic Garden Center while providing year-round training venues.
• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical GardenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2021Collaborated with SonLight Power and the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund on the Avondale Community Makeover, installing a net-zero greenhouse with solar power at Rockdale Academy.
• Melink CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020Cincinnati-based solar energy company that welcomed SonLight Power to its brand-new, cutting-edge zero-energy second headquarters (Melink HQ2) in Milford, Ohio. Melink employees have participated in SonLight Power mission trips to Honduras. Steve Melink is a long-time ambassador and supporter.
• Back2Back MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2017International Christian nonprofit dedicated to holistic orphan care, headquartered in Mason, Ohio. SonLight Power has installed solar at Back2Back's Jesus' Name children's home in Haiti and Monterrey campus in Mexico, enabling the organization to reallocate resources from utility costs toward direct care.
• OneLife / Vineyard Cincinnati ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2017Marketplace leadership ministry of Vineyard Cincinnati Church that partnered with SonLight Power and Back2Back for the Jesus' Name Haiti solar installation.
• Spanish River Church (Boca Raton, Florida)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 February 2017Long-time SonLight Power partner hosting the Solar School in Boca Raton, Florida. Mission coordinator Craig Kindell leads training sessions for mission teams at this location.
• Matthew 25: Ministries / Bel Fle Missions Hotel (Haiti)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 February 2017Partnership to establish a solar school at the Bel Fle Missions Hotel near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The hotel serves as a residence for missionaries while providing employment and skill development for Haitian workers. Solar school would serve as a demonstration facility and training center.
• Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, Arizona)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Faith-based university with a growing engineering school. SonLight Power is developing a Solar School partnership with GCU to attract the next generation of solar installers motivated to use their talents in mission.
• Pittsburgh Kids FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 201620+ year sponsor of Haitian orphanages. Asked SonLight Power to bring clean, reliable electricity to New Vision Children's Home (Monica's House) on Haiti's north coast, serving 14 children under the direction of Monica and Jean-Claude Compere.
• Haiti Nursing Foundation (HNF) / FSILcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2015Michigan-based nonprofit supporting Haiti's first four-year nursing school. SonLight Power installed a five-panel solar array powering a water pump delivering 4,000 gallons of fresh water daily to the school and Léogâne neighborhood. FSIL graduated 100+ nurses with 95% remaining in Haiti.
• Camp Amakanata (Southeast Indiana)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 September 2015Camp Amakanata served as SonLight Power's original training facility. Founder Allen Rainey drew inspiration from deploying solar power at this remote 40-acre camp. Hosted hands-on solar installation workshops for college students, missionaries, and volunteers.
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) / Cherokee Preservation FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2015Native American tribe partnering with SonLight Power for a solar installation at an off-grid Cabécar indigenous school in Costa Rica. Funded by a Cherokee Preservation Foundation grant ($11,000 project). SonLight Power trained the EBCI team before the trip.
• Technical University of the Jungle (UTSELVA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2012University in southern Mexico with an existing partnership with Enlace. Potential future collaboration to integrate SonLight Power solar projects with the university's curriculum.
• Enlace (Chiapas, Mexico)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2012Faith-based nonprofit with decades of trust-building in indigenous Mayan communities in southern Mexico. Provided access to off-grid Tzeltal and other indigenous communities. Also operates micro-credit services that may finance future solar projects. SonLight Power trained Enlace staff to install their own solar systems, enabling them to serve as an extension of SonLight Power in Mexico.
• Haiti Health MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2012Mission organization operating a large medical clinic serving hundreds of Haitian patients daily, plus staff residence. SonLight Power completed a complex 2.8-kilowatt three-phase solar project providing 24x7 electrical power.
• Touch Global (EFCA Crisis Response Ministry)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2012Crisis response ministry of the Evangelical Free Church of America. SonLight Power fixed wiring issues and installed additional solar panels and inverter at their Gressier, Haiti facility.
• Hope for Haiti FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2012Partner organization; John Brown of Hope for Haiti Foundation served as SonLight Power's in-country contact for future Haiti projects, enhancing continuity and sustainability.
• Amigos for ChristcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2012Faith-based nonprofit working in Nicaragua on rural development. Led solar-powered water well project for 60 families in Rincon de Garcia, delivering over 6,000 gallons of clean water daily. Collaboration included Georgia Tech, Loyola University, and high school students.
• Kwetu Faraja (Mwanza, Tanzania)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2012Christian nonprofit started by Tanzanians who overcame street life to establish a mission for orphaned and abandoned children. SonLight Power installed 24 solar panels on their 35-acre campus, powering the children's home, staff residence, and community center. Executive Director Lorien Knapp is based in Anderson, Indiana.
• Save the Children MexicominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Collaborative partner for the P&G Fund-supported solar installation project in Mexico, targeting six remote schools in Chiapas.
• University of Dayton ETHOS CenterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Service-learning partnership with University of Dayton's ETHOS Center, pairing students with SonLight Power for experiential learning in sustainable energy.
• Vineyard Cincinnati Church / Vida AbundantecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Vineyard Cincinnati Church's marketplace leadership ministry (OneLife) and their Honduran partner church Vida Abundante (Tegucigalpa) serve as long-time partners. Vida Abundante has coordinated school sites and provided local logistics, translators, and children's ministry for Honduras trips.
• Polytechnic University of Engineering (UPI) HondurascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2010Partnership providing real-world training venues for Honduran engineering students while enabling more solar installations to be completed in less time. First joint installation took place in Namasigüe, Choluteca. Joint recipients of the 2010 U.S. Embassy Renewable Energy Development Award.
• Healthy Schools Program / Office of the First Lady of HondurascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Governmental program coordinated with SonLight Power to install solar power in ~400 off-grid rural schools across Honduras. The First Lady's office provided customs fee exoneration, logistics support, and transportation facilitation. Partnership began ~2007 and continued across two administrations.
• Cobblestone Community Church (Oxford, Ohio)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Long-time mission partner that has sent multiple volunteer teams on Honduras mission trips. Church teams have installed solar at multiple schools alongside SonLight Power.
• MissionFOTOminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Long-time partner providing professional photography and video production services for SonLight Power. James Gray of MissionFOTO has documented numerous mission trips and produced a short documentary film.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/SonLightPower
• Facebookfacebook.com/SonLightPowerFans
• Xx.com/sonlightpower

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SonLight Power