Cubans adopt solar energy as blackouts and fuel shortages deepen crisis

Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses operating and basic household appliances running during prolonged electricity cuts, as fuel shortages make diesel generators and other temporary solutions more difficult and costly to maintain.

In Havana, workers installed photovoltaic panels on the roof of a café on Wednesday (18 February). The business relies on digital screens and electronic ordering systems, which are vulnerable to outages. Owner Dariem Soto-Navarro said they initially depended on a portable generator. but diesel supplies became unreliable and expensive.

Solar installer Raydel Cano said demand has risen sharply as blackouts intensify and private businesses try to stay within government electricity consumption limits. He explained that businesses and households are both increasingly installing panels to cope with outages and reduce grid dependence.

Across the city, solar panels are appearing in unexpected places, including on a hybrid rickshaw driven by Alejandro Arritola. After upgrading from an older model, he fitted a solar panel to the roof of his vehicle several months ago. The addition extends his driving range and reduces fuel use. During power cuts, he parks the rickshaw outside his home to recharge.

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For residents such as Roberto Sarriga, rooftop panels provide enough electricity to cover essential needs, including powering a television, maintaining internet access and charging mobile phones.

Cuba imports roughly two-thirds of the fuel it consumes, leaving it exposed to supply disruptions. The country has struggled with worsening power shortages and long queues at petrol stations, particularly as shipments from Venezuela - a key supplier - have faltered in recent months following U.S. measures affecting Venezuelan exports.

The fuel crisis adds to broader economic pressures on the island, where rolling blackouts, shortages of basic goods and stagnation have increasingly shaped daily life.

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News Cuba Fuel U.S. Venezuela Havana power outage solar power