It was less than 24 hours after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on January 12th, 2010, when executives at Sol Inc. gathered employees together to ask, "Who wants to help?"

For the few who don't know who Sol Inc. is, they have manufactured solar powered outdoor lighting solutions for commercial and institutional clients in 61 countries on six continents since 1990. They also have been involved with disaster relief in the past, with examples such as Katrina and the 2007 earthquakes in Peru.

It was these experiences which helped Sol organize so efficiently that within days, they had dispatched a team to Haiti equipped with their custom made solar lights. These lights are designed specifically for disaster situations, running on just a battery that may need to be change in, oh… seven years? These disaster-optimized lights can be placed just about anywhere, with no need to worry that if one goes out, the others would be affected; perfect for the make-shift hospitals that have sprung up around Haiti. The components include a pole, LED light, PV module, PV mount, and battery with controller housed in a durable aluminum battery enclosure. "It's completely self-sustainable... all you have to do is dig a hole and bury it!" Michele McDermott from Sol Inc. tells Boots on the Roof.

Aboard Missionary Flights International, Sol representatives traveled to Haiti with their solar lights tucked safely on board. The only roadblock proved to be getting enough lights to Haiti, quickly. Upon arrival, Sol Inc. staff saw the devastation and how hard it was for rescue and aid volunteers to work at night without lights.

Locals and other volunteers, including the Red Cross and military, rallied to help get the lights placed around Hospitals (such as University Hospital in Port-au-Prince) and airports. Doctors, nurses and other volunteers are grateful for the ability to work around the clock for a community that needs their help and medical expertise. Sol also donated lights to Save the Children who proved just how easy and adaptable these lights are by installing as needed themselves!

Sol remains in Haiti, sending updates via their blog if you'd like to follow their effort. And yes, they are hiring and expanding; currently looking for partners who have opportunities or projects in the solar lighting businesses for commercial institutions.