A young Cuban woman has taken to TikTok to reveal how she managed to "say goodbye to blackouts" by utilizing a solar panel system installed by her father at their home. As Cuba's electric grid continues to crumble, more families are turning to this alternative solution.
The video, shared by user @cuba.9998, opens with her gratitude: “Thanks to God and my dad, I can now say goodbye to blackouts in Cuba.” She goes on to describe how these power outages disrupt not only daily activities and rest but also the emotional well-being of those living on the island.
“We all know what blackouts mean: no light, no fan, no ability to work or rest… Having this setup doesn’t make me forget reality, because even though my house is lit, the blackouts continue and nothing will change that,” she asserted.
Her home features a system consisting of three solar panels, a 150-amp battery, and an inverter to manage household energy consumption. “It powers everything during the day, and at night, we keep the freezer, fans, lights, and TV running,” she explained.
Although she emphasized that she wasn’t trying to brag, she wanted to share her experience to showcase viable solutions amid the energy crisis. “These panels aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity,” she stated proudly, while acknowledging that not all Cubans can afford such a system.
The video quickly went viral on social media, with many users congratulating her for finding a way to circumvent the frequent power cuts. Meanwhile, others expressed frustration over the population's need to resort to private solutions due to the regime's inability to provide a stable service.
In recent months, blackouts have become more frequent across Cuba, driven by fuel shortages, the deterioration of thermoelectric plants, and mismanagement of the state-run energy system, leaving millions in the dark for extended periods each day.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why are blackouts so common in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are frequent due to a combination of fuel shortages, aging thermoelectric plants, and poor management of the state-controlled energy system.
How do solar panels help during blackouts?
Solar panels provide an independent source of electricity by capturing and converting sunlight into energy, allowing homes to maintain power for essential appliances even during blackouts.
Can all Cuban families afford solar panel systems?
Unfortunately, not all Cuban families can afford solar panel systems due to their high cost, despite their growing necessity amid frequent blackouts.