Cubans Turn to Solar Power Amid Power Outages and Fuel Shortages

2026-02-21 - 00:24

CUBA – Cubans are increasingly turning to solar power to keep businesses running and basic household appliances on during long electricity outages, as fuel shortages make diesel generators and other stopgap options harder and more expensive to use. Workers hoisted and bolted photovoltaic panels to the roof of a cafe on Wednesday (February 18), a business that relies on screens and digital ordering to serve its customers. The owner of the cafe, Dariem Soto-Navarro, said the business first tried using a portable generator, but diesel became increasingly difficult to obtain. Solar installer Raydel Cano said demand has surged as blackouts intensify and private businesses seek to avoid exceeding government power-consumption limits. “Customer requests have been growing,” Cano said, adding that both businesses and households are “forced to install this type of equipment” to cope with outages and curb electricity use. Across Havana, solar is also appearing in more unexpected places — including atop a hybrid rickshaw. Alejandro Arritola installed a solar panel on his rickshaw months ago after trading in an older version. “It extends my range, and I don’t have to use gasoline. When the power goes out, I put it in front of the house and charge it,” Arritola told Reuters. For residents like Roberto Sarriga, rooftop panels are a way to cover the essentials — powering his TV, keeping his internet service running, and ensuring his phone stays charged. Cuba needs to import fuel for two-thirds of its energy needs, and is struggling with worsening power outages and long lines at gas stations. The country has long relied on Venezuela for much of its jet fuel, but it has not received crude or refined products from its closest ally since mid-December, when Washington moved to block Venezuelan exports. Cuba’s fuel shortage marks the latest challenge for an island that has faced rolling blackouts, food scarcity and economic stagnation in recent years. The country imports most of its fuel, leaving it vulnerable to supply disruptions. Many Cubans report daily outages lasting much of the day, and even Havana — once relatively shielded — now faces regular extended cuts.