Solar Project Supports Off-Grid Mission Work

In remote regions where electricity is unreliable, solar power can determine whether a ministry stays connected or goes dark. Through a senior capstone project, Cedarville University students are building a new solar charge controller to help strengthen that reliability. 

Partnership With SonSet Solutions Advances Mission-Focused Engineering 

The work is part of a senior capstone project with SonSet Solutions, a nonprofit organization that provides technology-based tools for global Christian missions. By designing, manufacturing and distributing tools, including solar-powered radios, water pump monitors and radio station equipment, SonSet Solutions equips ministries in off-the-grid regions with essential infrastructure.  

Cedarville Engineering Students Redesign Solar Charge Controllers for Remote Use 

Cedarville engineering students are helping redesign SonSet Solution’s solar-powered controllers, devices that regulate and store solar energy to support consistent performance. The project aims to improve durability, efficiency and long-term reliability while strengthening sustainable power solutions for churches and ministries worldwide.  For ministries serving in remote areas, dependable solar technology can mean the difference between limited outreach and continuous service. 

The four engineering seniors participating in the project — Noah Karg, a computer engineering major from Murdo, South Dakota; Benjamin Panneck, an electrical engineering major from Herndon, Virginia; Joshua Wassei, an electrical engineering major from Newberg, Oregon; and Korbin Welker, a computer engineering major from Omaha, Nebraska — have designed and prototyped updated controllers over two semesters, building on the work from previous Cedarville design teams and incorporating feedback from SonSet Solutions engineers. Their efforts have focused on improving heat management and expanding power capacity to strengthen long-term performance in demanding environments. 

Student Leader Says Engineering Project Supports Missionaries and Pastors 

Karg, a former SonSet Solutions intern and student lead for the project, sees the larger impact of the redesigned controllers. 

“This project helps missionaries and pastors serve more effectively, and we get to play a small part in that,” said Karg. “I’m learning that engineering is so much more than solving technical problems. It’s serving people in real and meaningful ways.”  

Long-Term Solar Technology Development May Continue Beyond Graduation 

Karg sees the project as bigger than a single academic assignment. By continuing work started by earlier Cedarville teams, the students are contributing to a long-term engineering effort. Future Cedarville design teams may build on the prototype, or SonSet Solutions may carry development forward independently. Either path reflects a long-term investment in engineering solutions designed to serve communities worldwide. 

By the end of the year, the team will deliver a functional prototype that SonSet Solutions can continue testing and adapting to meet field needs. 

About Cedarville University 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.