Power cuts in Bamenda push homes to solarCEFR B2
7 Mar 2026
Adapted from Cynthia Ebot Takang, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Sandra Parra, Unsplash
Bamenda’s Mile Four has faced prolonged, unpredictable power disruptions linked to reduced generation and grid rationing. In January 2025 the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy said reduced output at Songloulou, Edea and Memve’ele, together with the shutdown of some thermal plants, contributed to the diminished supply. Rationing and frequent outages followed across the Southern Interconnected Grid, which serves the northwest and southwest regions.
Frustrated residents pooled funds to buy a community transformer in mid-January 2026, and many households turned to decentralized solar systems. Resident Godwin Benyella has used solar since 2020: his six‑panel, two‑battery system cost CFA francs 1.5 million (USD 2,705) and his technician charged CFA 75,000. He says the system powers a television, a refrigerator (barely) and a blender, but cannot run heavy appliances without additional equipment.
Market vendors report falling panel prices and increased demand; one vendor said a 100 Watt panel that once cost much more can now be found at far lower prices, and many buyers travel to Douala to purchase from manufacturers, squeezing small retailers. Technicians note that panels, inverters and batteries must work together and that Bamenda’s intense sunlight suits solar systems.
Engineer Kigha Paul Tabo, CTO of Solar Bright Future Company, says awareness campaigns and lower prices have expanded access over the last five to seven years as grid reach declined because of infrastructure damage and maintenance problems. He warns about high upfront costs, few licensed vendors and skill gaps among informal installers, and urges buyers to seek warranties. Students and services feel the effects of outages, and organisations such as the Luc Menora Rehabilitation Foundation are exploring a switch to a solar grid. Basic solar setups do not fully replace grid power, but their spread has created decentralized access amid ongoing grid instability.
Difficult words
- disruption — a break or interruption in normal servicedisruptions
- rationing — controlled, limited distribution of available resources
- decentralized — spread across many locations, not centrally controlled
- transformer — electrical device that changes voltage for power supply
- inverter — device converting direct current into alternating currentinverters
- warranty — a guarantee from seller for repair or replacementwarranties
- infrastructure — basic systems and structures needed for services
- outage — a period when power or service is not availableoutages
- vendor — a person or company that sells goods or servicesvendors
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are the main benefits and limits of basic household solar systems described in the article? Give examples from the text.
- Compare the community transformer bought by residents with individual solar systems. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option here?
- What actions could local authorities or organisations take to reduce risks from informal solar installers and improve access to reliable systems?
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