Cubans are increasingly turning to solar energy on homes, shops, and even vehicles to cope with prolonged blackouts caused by severe fuel shortages. U.S. sanctions and a long-running economic crisis have left the Cuban government unable to secure sufficient oil, while recent reductions in shipments from Venezuela and Mexico have intensified electricity shortfalls across the island.
The Cuban government, aided by Chinese financing and equipment donations, has installed over 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity in the past year and aims to double this in the coming years. Meanwhile, private citizens have begun installing panels themselves to maintain basic services such as internet, phone charging, and household electricity during frequent outages. Solar installations, though costly, have become essential for many business owners and families receiving remittances from abroad.
Demand for solar has surged as diesel and gasoline for generators become scarce. Entrepreneurs view panels as a cleaner, more reliable alternative that reduces operating costs, while some individuals have installed panels on vehicles like tricycle taxis to extend travel without fuel. The government recently introduced tax incentives for private renewable energy projects, offering up to eight years of exemptions for business owners investing in solar infrastructure.
Despite these measures, solar remains out of reach for much of the population. The United Nations has warned that Cuba’s energy crisis could deepen an already severe humanitarian situation marked by shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. Russia is reportedly preparing to send crude oil to the island, but no timetable has been set, leaving many Cubans dependent on solar power to keep daily life running.
