Cuba Blackouts Spur Solar Purchases and Charcoal Use

Camilo Merejon, a 61-year-old taxi driver, examined photovoltaic systems in an electronics store in central Havana after his neighbourhood of Regla had been without power for 26 hours. A three-kilowatt solar system costs $3,678 in the store, while a 10-kilowatt installation exceeds $10,000. "My Italian friends want to help me buy one, but it's extremely expensive," he said.

Cuba has faced one of its worst energy crises in recent history since the beginning of 2026. The island long depended on Venezuelan oil and now struggles with fuel shortages and an ageing electrical grid weakened by decades of underinvestment. Blackouts last more than 12 hours a day across much of the country.

Amora Rodriguez sells charcoal seven days a week on the side of a dusty road in Cotorro on the outskirts of Havana. A bag costs around 2,500 Cuban pesos, roughly $4 at the informal exchange rate and nearly half an average monthly salary. "More and more people are buying it because of the power outages," she said.

Cari and Idalberto Espinoza prepare lunch on a charcoal stove in their home in Cotorro. Cari stated the couple began using charcoal a few months ago because they have very little gas. "It takes longer and produces a lot of smoke," she said.

Workers installed photovoltaic panels on the roof of the Fuego Lento restaurant on Havana's Malecón waterfront. A 615-watt solar panel costs about $160 before transport and installation. Owner Aris Lopez Torres stated she spent years searching for ways to keep the business afloat, first with a generator then lithium batteries.

"It was either this or close the restaurant," she said. " Josecal Duarte, a technician at the restaurant, stated more people are importing solar panels and batteries for businesses and homes. Mario Perdomo of MIDICAS stated demand for solar systems keeps growing.