Power cuts in Bamenda push homes to solarCEFR B1
7 Mar 2026
Adapted from Cynthia Ebot Takang, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Sandra Parra, Unsplash
Residents of Mile Four in Bamenda have endured inconsistent or absent electricity for about two years. Officials attribute the problems to technical faults and lower water flows at major hydroelectric stations, which reduced generation and forced rationing across the Southern Interconnected Grid that serves the northwest and southwest regions.
Frustrated by slow restoration, people pooled funds to buy a community transformer in mid-January 2026. Many households have also installed decentralized solar systems. One resident, Godwin Benyella, has used solar since 2020; his system of six panels and two batteries cost CFA francs 1.5 million (USD 2,705) and his technician charged CFA 75,000. The setup runs a television, a refrigerator (barely) and a blender but cannot power heavy appliances without more equipment.
Local markets show rising demand for panels and other parts, and some customers travel to Douala to buy directly from manufacturers. Technicians explain how panels, inverters and batteries work together, while engineers warn about high upfront costs and limited licensed vendors.
Difficult words
- inconsistent — not regular or steady over time
- hydroelectric — energy made from water movement
- generation — the production or creation of electricity
- rationing — limiting supply to share available resources
- decentralized — not controlled by one central organization
- transformer — electric device that changes voltage levels
- technician — person who installs or repairs equipment
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of a community buying one transformer?
- Would you consider buying a home solar system? Why or why not?
- How might limited licensed vendors affect people who want solar panels?
