Recent images shared on social media depict the Calabazar de Sagua solar park in Villa Clara, overtaken by weeds and dry vegetation merely a year after its inauguration, sparking widespread criticism from the public.
Enrique Pérez Ruiz, a resident of the central province, posted the photos on Facebook with a sardonic comment: "It seems the energy source for these panels is the vegetation itself."
In his post, Pérez directly criticized local leaders for the lack of maintenance and absence of ownership toward such a significant facility.
The solar park, located in the area known as Dos Hermanas in the Encrucijada municipality, was inaugurated on July 20, 2025, as the second photovoltaic plant in Villa Clara.
This facility was rapidly constructed with over 500 workers as part of a cooperative project with the Chinese government. It boasts 42,588 solar modules arranged on 1,638 structures, with an installed capacity of 21.8 MW.
The photos reveal metal structures surrounded by yellowish-brown grass, with thick vegetation covering the ground between the panels.
The neglected state of the park starkly contrasts with the substantial investment made for its construction.
Comments from users on the post express frustration and anger. One user highlighted the root issue: "The solar parks were set up on land previously covered with marabú, cleared by bulldozers. Marabú grows rapidly anywhere, and in Cuba, anything requiring maintenance is doomed to fail."
Another citizen pointed out the obvious contradiction: "All solar panel fields have workers tasked with clearing maintenance, so why is this one overrun with weeds?"
Public indignation is intensified by the energy crisis affecting the province, which, like other Cuban regions, experiences power outages lasting over 20 hours daily.
In this context, many questioned why the panels remain neglected while thousands of families go without electricity.
One user exclaimed, "So many people need at least one panel. If they don't want them, give them away." Another was more straightforward: "As always, thousands of dollars wasted, and then they blame the embargo."
Pérez summarized a sentiment shared by many Cubans: "What is free is not valued, and what doesn't affect me is not of interest," he wrote at the start of his post, encapsulating the perceived logic behind state management.
The situation at Calabazar de Sagua park contrasts with another issue plaguing similar facilities in the country: theft.
In Ciego de Ávila, guards and thieves have clashed at the Las Nereidas park. In May, four individuals assaulted and tied up a guard at a pumping station in Holguín to steal 32 solar panels.
While the government imposes penalties of up to 30 years for stealing panels, the infrastructure intended to alleviate the energy crisis deteriorates due to institutional neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Clara's Solar Park
Why is the Calabazar de Sagua solar park overrun with weeds?
The solar park has been neglected, with a lack of maintenance by local authorities leading to overgrowth of weeds and dry vegetation.
What impact does the neglect of the solar park have on the local energy crisis?
The neglect exacerbates the local energy crisis by failing to utilize the park's potential to alleviate power outages that last over 20 hours daily.
What actions are being taken against solar panel theft in Cuba?
The Cuban government is imposing severe penalties, up to 30 years of imprisonment, for individuals caught stealing solar panels.