The Sol-a-Carte is our own invention, born out of a need for backup power on the farm. We were particularly concerned about powering the well pump to support our animals during a prolonged power outage. We wanted a sustainable, quiet power source that could run indefinitely without fuel. The well is deep and requires a 240-volt (two-phase) power source, so we knew the solar generator needed robust batteries and a powerful inverter. Then we had an idea: what if we mounted it on a trailer to tow wherever power was needed?

After building the original prototype, a friend of the ministry provided two generous donations, enabling us to construct two more prototypes with design improvements each time. The Sol-a-Cartes have become invaluable assets for farm events and projects. They’ve backed up the house during power outages and provided remote power for welding, power tools, and compressors in the field. They’ve also proven to be a powerful outreach tool. Our Sol-a-Cartes have powered three major multi-church events in the county, including a mobile stage with a full band, multiple amplifiers, instruments, and microphones. They’ve also run popcorn machines, snow cone machines, and bounce houses—all without the noise, cost, or fumes of a traditional generator.

We are now preparing to build Sol-a-Carte units for purchase, ideal for farms, homesteads, off-grid cabins, or other applications. If you’re interested in having us build one for your off-grid power needs, please email us at reuben@promiselandpastures.org.