In an effort to address the relentless power outages plaguing the island due to a severe fuel shortage, the Cuban regime has initiated the construction of around twenty community charging centers in the city of Guantánamo, powered by solar panels.
This plan includes the establishment of two centers within each Popular Council of the Guantánamo city, with intentions for a gradual rollout to other municipalities in the province, as reported by the Cuban News Agency.
Each facility will be equipped with solar panel systems generating roughly 30 kW and backed by a 60 kW storage capacity. This setup is designed to provide power for charging cell phones, portable stations like Ecoflow, electric scooters, and tricycles, as well as cooking with up to ten rice cookers and ten multipurpose pots, and offering television services.
The regime has unsurprisingly touted this "solution" with much fanfare. Yusiff Borot Jiménez, director of the Integral Construction Company of Guantánamo (Guanco) and delegate of the Ministry of Construction in the province, stated that "the total investment is estimated at approximately 25 million pesos, and the service will be offered to the public at affordable prices."
The investment is a joint effort between state-owned companies and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a model that has gained traction as a supplier of photovoltaic technology amid the crisis.
José Humberto Matos, who is overseeing the center being built in the Caribe Popular Council, acknowledged that the 15 workers in the brigade are "trying to progress as quickly as possible, despite material and fuel constraints."
The construction, taking place in the brigade's parking area, began with demolishing the existing structure to accommodate six electric scooters, while outside space is being prepared for three or four electric tricycles.
In the municipality of Imías, outside the provincial capital, preparations for the first of these centers have already begun, signaling the program's expansion.
Joaquín Catillo, head of the Electric Company of Guantánamo, also announced the installation of solar stations—known as solineras—for charging electric transportation. Two of these stations are planned for the entrance to the capital city, offering an alternative to the current challenging situation.
This model is not new to Cuba; on April 5, the first solinera in Villa Clara was inaugurated in Santa Clara, featuring 56 solar panels, 30 kW of photovoltaic power, and 60 kW of battery storage, operating independently from the National Electroenergy System.
The regime presents these initiatives as a response to the fuel embargo imposed by Washington. However, the crisis largely stems from decades of underinvestment and the structural deterioration of Cuba's electrical system.
The Minister of Energy and Mines acknowledged on May 14 that Cuba remains without fuel reserves, with an available capacity of only 1,230 MW against a demand of 3,250 MW and a projected nighttime deficit of 2,204 MW, while some areas endure blackouts lasting between 20 to 22 hours daily.
In December 2025, the Cuban government itself admitted that the power outages would not end by 2026, although they might be "slightly" reduced thanks to repairs and increased solar capacity.
Understanding Cuba's Solar Energy Strategy
What are the main goals of Cuba's new solar centers?
The primary objectives are to mitigate the effects of prolonged power outages by providing power for essential services and electronic devices, while gradually expanding solar energy capabilities across the province.
How are these solar centers funded?
The funding is a collaboration between state-owned companies and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), focusing on developing and supplying photovoltaic technology.
What challenges do these projects face?
The projects encounter obstacles such as material shortages and fuel constraints, which can delay construction and implementation.