Zambian Family Leads Energy Revolution With Total Grid Independence
The family's experience suggests that properly installed, quality systems require little ongoing investment.
LUSAKA, Zambia— In a region battling persistent power shortages and climate change impacts, one Zambian family's seven-year experiment with complete renewable energy independence offers a compelling blueprint for sustainable living in southern Africa, writes Juliet Makwama.
Felix Chisha, an environmentalist and eco-champion, made the decisive switch to 100% renewable energy when his family relocated to a farm west of Lusaka, combining solar power and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to create a fully functional, grid-independent household that's withstood the test of time.
"I was using ZESCO when I was in the city before I came to the farm," Chisha said, referring to Zambia's national power utility.
"So now at the farm, I use 100 percent renewable energy that is LPG for cooking and solar for lighting, fridge and TV. When we moved here, there weren't any nearby ZESCO sources. But even if it could have been there, I never planned for it because I believe in alternative renewable energy."
The timing of Chisha's transition appears prescient as southern Africa faces mounting energy security challenges.
The region's heavy reliance on hydroelectric power has become increasingly problematic amid recurring droughts and extreme weather events, leading to widespread power shortages that threaten economic stability.
Chisha's system powers all modern conveniences, from refrigeration to entertainment devices, demonstrating that renewable energy can fully support contemporary lifestyles.
"The family loves this 100 percent alternative renewable energy arrangement because power is readily available whenever needed. The TV can go on anytime,, and they can charge their laptops and phones on the USB. Everything works, including the fridge, and we still drink cold water; we store our food there," he explained.
One common concern about solar power—its reliability during cloudy weather—has been addressed by technological advances, according to Chisha.
"You see the way technology has advanced. For today's panels, even if it is cloudy, for as long as there is the sun behind those clouds, they are able to charge. So with these new technologies, there is no need to have doubts about having power throughout with solar panels because power is always there for you to use."
The economic aspects of the transition present a mixed picture.
While the initial investment in solar infrastructure is substantial, Chisha reports minimal maintenance costs over seven years of operation.
The original batteries and inverters are only now showing signs of needed replacement, suggesting a robust return on investment.
"The initial investment for solar energy might seem expensive, but it is very cheap in the long run," Chisha said.
"In the long run, your initial investment, which seemed expensive, becomes a drop in the ocean, and you will enjoy power without disturbance."
However, Chisha identified two significant challenges that could hamper the wider adoption of renewable energy systems.
First, the cost of LPG remains prohibitively high for many households.
"LPG is currently a bit on the higher side, and there is a need for the government to work on ensuring costs are lowered to encourage more people to use gas for cooking," he noted.
Second, the solar equipment market lacks proper regulation, leading to an influx of substandard products.
"Government needs to come in and scrutinise what is on the market because right now anyone can bring whatever they think is working, so we need proper scrutiny and testing at the point of entry, or else people will be discouraged from adopting solar power due to substandard products," Chisha warned.
This quality control issue could have far-reaching implications as Zambia's population grows and energy demands increase.
Chisha emphasised that failed experiences with low-quality solar products might discourage others from making the switch, ultimately maintaining pressure on the national grid.
The maintenance requirements for solar systems have proved minimal, according to Chisha.
"Costs are very minimal and insignificant and usually done on connections, adding that this is something that one can do on their own without paying anyone," he said.
The family's experience suggests that properly installed, quality systems require little ongoing investment.
Looking ahead, Chisha sees renewable energy adoption as crucial for addressing both individual energy security and broader environmental challenges.
"As the world continues to grapple with the climate change crisis and environmental challenges, there is a need to embrace alternative renewable energy to take the load off hydropower," he said.
His experience challenges common misconceptions about solar power's limitations.
"People need to move away from the notion that they will not get energy from solar, because even a panel that is in a shadow will generate power as long as it is during the day," Chisha explained.
The family's successful transition comes at a critical time for southern Africa's energy sector.
With climate change increasingly threatening the reliability of hydroelectric power—the region's primary electricity source—Chisha's model offers a proven alternative for households seeking energy independence.
While policy changes regarding LPG costs and solar equipment quality control may be necessary for widespread adoption, Chisha's experience demonstrates that complete renewable energy independence is not only possible but practical for modern African households.
As the region continues to face power challenges, his family's seven-year experiment provides valuable insights for both policymakers and households considering the switch to renewable energy.