Authorities have detained at least two individuals in connection with the alleged theft of ten solar panels from a farmer in Niceto Pérez, Guantánamo. This information was reported by "Guantánamo y su Verdad," a pro-government Facebook page associated with the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), which often shares updates on police operations in the region.
The stolen panels were intended to enhance the irrigation system for animal feed production linked to the local Iván Rodríguez company, as per the source.
Community members played a crucial role, enabling authorities to recover nine out of the ten missing panels. The whereabouts of one panel remain unknown as of the latest report.
The official page stated, "Investigations are ongoing to fully clarify the incident and assign the necessary responsibilities," though they did not reveal the names of the suspects or the precise timing of the theft or arrests.
Images accompanying the report depict officers from the National Revolutionary Police alongside the retrieved panels, the empty metal support structure at the crime scene, and a man handcuffed next to a uniformed officer.
It's important to note that all criminal charges are considered allegations at this stage, as no court has issued a verdict, and investigations remain active.
Guantánamo's Crime Wave in Rural Areas
This case is part of a broader surge in solar panel thefts across Cuba in 2026, driven by an energy crisis causing blackouts exceeding twenty hours a day in some areas, boosting the panels' value on the black market.
Rural property crimes have been notably rampant in Guantánamo this year. Earlier in September, authorities arrested 13 individuals involved in violent assaults and thefts on farms across several municipalities in the province.
In June, eight young men were apprehended for stealing solar lamps from public lighting, with over twenty units recovered.
The Niceto Pérez area also witnessed the disbandment of a bank fraud network in mid-September, which operated between Holguín and Guantánamo, with approximately 400,000 pesos reclaimed and returned to rightful owners.
Solar Panel Thefts Extend Beyond Guantánamo
The pattern of theft extends to other provinces as well. In Santiago de Cuba, two panels from a telecommunications cabinet's solar system were stolen overnight, disrupting power for nearly 900 users. In Jovellanos, Matanzas, a man was detained after stealing a solar panel from a house's roof.
In May 2025, the legal framework for these crimes was tightened with Supreme Court Ruling 475, categorizing the theft of solar installation components as sabotage under Article 125 of the Penal Code. Consequences range from seven to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or the death penalty for the most egregious cases.
Despite these stringent laws, Cuban authorities reported over 460 criminal investigations related to the electrical system from 2025 to the first half of 2026, indicating that harsh penalties have not curbed the trend.
Understanding the Surge in Solar Panel Thefts in Cuba
What is fueling the increase in solar panel thefts in Cuba?
The rising theft of solar panels in Cuba is largely driven by the ongoing energy crisis, which causes prolonged blackouts and elevates the value of these panels in the black market.
How have the authorities responded to these thefts?
Authorities have tightened legal measures, introducing severe penalties for the theft of solar components, and have conducted numerous investigations, though the issue persists.
What challenges do law enforcement face in curbing these crimes?
Despite rigorous legal frameworks, the persistence of energy shortages and the high demand for solar panels in the informal market pose significant challenges to law enforcement efforts.