Cuba is turning increasingly to solar energy as a worsening fuel crisis and widespread power cuts continue to disrupt daily life across the island. Amid growing energy shortages, solar equipment exported from the United States is helping some households and businesses keep their lights on.
According to figures reported by Bloomberg Línea, US exports of solar cells and panels to Cuba reached $6.3 million in the first seven months of 2026, representing a dramatic increase compared with the $538,000 recorded for the whole of 2025. The shipments offer a potential lifeline as Cuba struggles to secure sufficient fuel for electricity generation.
The island’s energy crisis has been worsened by restrictions on oil supplies, an ageing electricity grid and limited access to essential resources. Frequent blackouts have affected homes, businesses, transport and public services, placing additional pressure on an already struggling economy.
Solar panels and battery-storage systems are becoming increasingly important, allowing some Cubans to generate electricity and keep essential appliances running during power cuts. However, the technology is not yet available to everyone, and limited battery storage means solar power cannot fully resolve the country’s energy problems.
Although US solar exports are rising sharply, China remains a much larger supplier of solar equipment to Cuba. The growing American contribution comes amid strained relations between Washington and Havana, with the two governments continuing to disagree over sanctions and the causes of Cuba’s economic difficulties.
As the crisis continues, expanding renewable energy could help Cuba reduce its dependence on imported fuel. For many residents, however, reliable electricity remains an urgent challenge, and a lasting solution will require broader investment in the country’s energy infrastructure.
Main image: The Borgen Project
