The city of Santa Clara is set to launch its third solar-powered charging station, known locally as a "solinera," in the Reparto Sandino area. This new facility will provide free services such as food cooking and device charging to over 100 families who have been enduring power outages lasting up to five days.
The grand opening is scheduled for July 24, just ahead of the July 26 celebrations, as announced by the provincial broadcaster CMHW last Friday.
Leading the initiative is Leandro Prada Santana, who manages the private microenterprise Leos. The station will feature 18 solar panels, with an installed capacity of 12 kW and an additional 20 kW of battery backup.
"Our aim is to have it ready by the 24th and inaugurate it in honor of July 26, a date of significance for our province," Prada emphasized.
Operating from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., the facility will not charge for food preparation, mobile phone charging, or the use of fans. This stands in contrast to other solar stations across the country that do impose fees.
Community Impact and Future Plans
The Reparto Sandino community is one of the hardest hit by the ongoing electrical crisis in Villa Clara. Residents have faced over 112 consecutive hours without electricity, which has also disrupted water supply as the pumping relies on electric turbines.
The architect Osmel Pino Núñez, who is overseeing the design and execution, revealed that the site will offer more than just energy solutions.
"Our ultimate goal is to provide a service to the community. We plan to establish a café, along with spaces featuring seating, lighting, gardens, leisure zones, and sports courts for children. The intention is to transform the environment, hoping the community will embrace and support it," Pino stated.
The project is progressing with the help of the Leos workforce, local residents, and regional businesses. The area has been cleared of debris, and new soccer and basketball courts have already been utilized by local children.
"I'm very pleased and grateful to the neighbors, who have supported this project knowing it will benefit everyone," Prada concluded.
This will mark the third "solinera" in Santa Clara, a city that took the lead in this initiative by opening the nation's first such station in April 2026 in the Virginia community, constructed in just nine days from the ground up.
Expanding the Solar Solution Island-Wide
The concept has rapidly spread island-wide. Official reports indicate that Matanzas plans to establish nine such sites, while Havana is setting up one in the heart of Vedado.
In June, Holguín launched "El Girasol," a pioneering solar charging station in eastern Cuba, although it sparked controversy due to its fees ranging from 50 to 500 CUP per hour, compared to an average state salary of 6,930 CUP per month.
The surge in "solineras" underscores the collapse of the National Electric System, which has suffered eight total blackouts in 18 months. As of July, there's a generation shortfall of 2,130 MW against a demand of 3,150 MW. This situation has worsened since January when Venezuela halted its oil shipments and Mexico cut its petroleum exports in response to sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
Understanding the Solar-Powered "Solinera" Initiative in Cuba
What are the main benefits of the new solar-powered station in Reparto Sandino?
The new station will provide free services such as cooking and device charging to over 100 families affected by prolonged power outages, helping to alleviate the impact of the electrical crisis in the area.
How does the Reparto Sandino station differ from other solar-powered stations in Cuba?
Unlike other solar stations in Cuba that charge fees, the Reparto Sandino facility will offer its services free of charge to the community, making it more accessible to local residents.
What additional features will the Reparto Sandino station offer?
Beyond energy services, the station will include a café, seating areas, lighting, gardens, leisure spaces, and sports courts, aiming to enhance the community environment.