A Cuban woman, known as Gley09 on TikTok, was moved to tears this past Monday while watching solar panels being installed at her family home in Cuba. The video captures the everyday struggle of countless Cubans grappling with the most severe electrical crisis the island has faced in recent memory.
In the video's description, Gley09 expressed her gratitude, stating, "Today I can only say thank you God for this, and I don't care what others say because I know how much it cost." She revealed in the comments that the installation set her back $3,500.
While this amount might seem reasonable for a residential solar system in another context, in Cuba, it's extraordinarily expensive. The average monthly salary in Cuba is roughly $13 when exchanged informally, which means this woman's investment equals more than 22 years of the average Cuban's earnings.
The Power of Hope in a Song
The 59-second video features an inspirational song that seems perfectly suited for the occasion: "I am the proof, I am the echo of those who never gave up, I am the voice of hope that quietly awoke. I am the fruit of struggle, effort, and vision; don't say it can't be done, look at how it was achieved."
Gley09's reaction is not an isolated case. Since 2024, Cuba has been experiencing an unprecedented electrical crisis, with blackouts lasting over 22 hours a day in Havana by May 2026. The Energy and Mines Minister, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged this harsh reality on May 14. That day, the electrical deficit reached 2,174 MW, leaving nearly 70% of the island in the dark simultaneously.
Private Solar Solutions: A Growing Necessity
The National Electric System has suffered at least seven total collapses in about a year and a half, including two nationwide disconnections in a single week in March 2026. With the government's failure to ensure electricity, more Cubans are turning to private solar solutions as the only viable option. However, the costs are exorbitant: government-sold solar panels via the Cuban Electric Union are priced at 75,200 Cuban pesos for an 800W module, exceeding twenty average monthly salaries. Correos de Cuba offers systems between five and 12 kW, priced from 2,530,000 to 4,895,000 pesos, excluding installation.
In the informal market, a solar panel can range from $990 to $1,000, and complete residential kits with shipping to Cuba are offered between $3,600 and $4,500. In April, the government eased the requirements for installing solar panels, removing the need for permits except in historic centers or multifamily buildings.
Social Media: A Platform for Solar Success Stories
Since 2025, the trend of Cubans showcasing their solar installations on social media has gained momentum, with videos accumulating hundreds of thousands of views. These posts reflect both the desperation caused by power outages and the pride in affording a solution that the state fails to provide.
The song in Gley09's video captures this sentiment with unintended precision: "Faith is not appearance, it's knowing what you carry, it's moving forward without guarantees and still breaking barriers."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Solar Solutions
Why is the cost of solar panels so high in Cuba?
The high cost of solar panels in Cuba is due to limited supply and high demand amid the country's severe electrical crisis. Additionally, government and informal market prices reflect the economic challenges faced by the island.
What is the average monthly salary in Cuba?
The average monthly salary in Cuba is approximately $13 when exchanged at informal rates, highlighting the significant economic challenges faced by the population.
How have Cubans responded to the electrical crisis?
In response to the ongoing electrical crisis, many Cubans are turning to private solar solutions despite the high costs, as the government struggles to provide consistent electricity.