October 9, 2025 8:00 am
Camas, Environment, Washougal 
Randal Friedman stands near the solar canopy being constructed in the front yard of his Camas home on Nov. 18, 2019. (The Columbian files)
The residents of Bompaso, Ghana, live without any access to electricity or grid connectivity and rely on kerosene and wood for energy, according to Twende Solar, a Portland-based nonprofit organization. (Twende Solar)
Twende Solar will install a solar system with battery storage, which will electrify the newly built Bompaso Community Center (above), transforming it into a hub for community electricity access for education, community gathering, health care and micro-enterprises, according to the Portland-based nonprofit organization. (Twende Solar)
The Camas residence owned by Randal Friedman and Deborah Nagano hosts a wedding in an undated photo. (Randal Friedman)
Anna Cruz of Ballet Folklorical performs at a community art gathering at the Camas residence of Randal Friedman and Deborah Nagano in an undated photo. (Randal Friedman)
Deborah Nagano and her dog Benny stand near the railing next to the solar canopy at her Camas residence in an undated photo. (Randal Friedman)
Randal Friedman and Deborah Nagano were offered a $400 refund by Elemental Energy earlier this year after the Portland-based company confirmed that one of the solar panels at their Camas residence had died.
But Friedman wasn’t interested in taking the money for himself. Instead, he found a way to turn his minor setback into a major victory for a small village on the other side of the world.
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