About Us
Established in 2018, Solarrolla is a family-owned business located just south of the great Lake Superior in the northwoods of Wisconsin. The first name in solar electric powered vehicles, our team of engineers have over 30 years experience in the fields of mechanical engineering, CAD design and have worked for some of the most prestigious auto makers in the world.
At Solarrolla we specialize in building vehicles that are 100% electric drive and are powered by the sun. Our vehicles are charged using solar panel arrays that are mounted to the vehicle so you always have your charging station with you. Whether it’s a full electrical conversion such as the VW Bus, or outfitting an existing electric vehicle with solar, our business is here to help you make a difference.
Brett Belan
Co-Founder, CEO & Lead Engineer
Brett was born in Duluth, Minnesota with a wrench in his hand. Building vehicles was instant thanks to his antique and classic vehicle enthusiast father. Before he could drive Brett built cars and bikes for others. During his teenage years, he spent much of his time hot-rodding Camaros, Chevelles and a 1932 Chevrolet.
Brett received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering along with a second-degree black belt from Michigan Technological University. With a stint at Ford Motor Company and some time teaching CAD at Jaguar in England, he was ready to do his own thing.
​​Back in the states, Brett started a band and grew his hair long, far removing himself from the corporate automotive world. After that, he spent about 10 years living off-grid in California before moving to Ashland, Oregon with his wife and two children. He spent his free time building solar-powered vehicles including a Volkswagen bus. He removed the old gas engine, installed the new electric motor, built the battery box, and solar array rack. Then, he and his wife, Kira, custom made the pop-up tent and camper features. During Summer 2016, Brett and Kira and their two kids traveled 1,400 miles, camping along the Oregon and California coasts. In 2018, he made his passion his job and he and his wife Kira started their solar-vehicle company, Solarrolla Inc.
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Kira Belan
Co-Founder, CFO, Lead Designer
Kira grew up near Monterey, California where she was home-schooled and encouraged to learn hands on. She developed a love for cooking, gardening, and sewing as well as doing woodwork, building, and using power tools. At age 16 she started attending a community college and got her associate degree in Fashion Costuming. She studied Aromatherapy and worked doing hair and makeup in local theater. She attended an Aveda institute in Arizona and got her training for Cosmetology and Aesthetics and then went on to study massage. After her children were born she started a business making organic body care products called Kira Bodylove.
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When Kira met Brett she was introduced to a whole new world of off-grid living. They converted their VW Bus and she built the kitchen, sewed the tent for the popup and put in the floor, turning it into a camper and making it feel like a home. She continues to design and build the interiors for their business Solarrolla as well as doing the videography, social media and accounting. Brett and Kira have two children, Lyric and Brook, who love to explore nature while traveling and camping in the van.​
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Tony Kahnke
CAD Engineer
Tony grew up in Appleton, WI. As a child, he was a big fan of Mr. Wizard - the creator and host of Mr. Wizard's World, an educational television programs for children devoted to science and technology. When not riding his unicycle or blasting his electric guitar, he was always building some sort of unusual project to learn about science and engineering.
Also a Michigan Tech grad, Tony often teamed up with Brett for mechanical engineering classes, martial arts and playing music. Tony earned his Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a black belt in 1998. Professionally, he's taught solid modeling, provided consulting services at Ford and worked in civil engineering as a CAD designer.
At Solarrolla, Tony gets the opportunity to design and build cutting edge products - Mr.Wizard style.
Lisa Belan Moss
Sales & Marketing
Born and raised in northern Minnesota, Lisa grew up "playing outside" - building forts, riding her horse and appreciating the beauty around her. After obtaining her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, she relocated to central Florida but home kept calling and she returned to MN. With over 30 years experience in sales, marketing and business networking, she's excited to join the team at Solarrolla where she gets to watch her brother and sister-in-law create and develop never-before-seen vehicles and products.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling, hosting family and friends, watching Sci-Fi movies and hiking with her children and dog, Willow.
