From Solar to Charcoal: Cubans Forge Energy Workarounds as Grid Fails

TL;DR: Cuba's unreliable grid pushes residents to adopt solar panels and charcoal for power and cooking. Government aims for 15% renewable share by year-end, up from 10% now.

Frequent blackouts forced him to buy a gasoline generator in 2024, but fuel shortages made it unreliable.

He then invested almost $5,000 in a solar panel system with his family, allowing the gym to stay open during daylight outages.

Sánchez says the panels have let him keep a steady class schedule despite city-wide power cuts.

For many Cubans, that price is out of reach without overseas remittances or business income.

In contrast, a bag of charcoal costs roughly $1, making it a cheap but labor-intensive alternative for cooking.

Audiovisual producer Lisbet Reyes described how she switches to a charcoal grill when the grid fails, noting that a meal that normally takes 15 minutes can stretch to an hour.

Reyes also said the smoke fills her apartment, aggravating her respiratory condition and prompting antibiotic use, which is also scarce on the island.

Cuban officials project renewables will supply 15% of the country's energy demand by the end of this year, up from 10% currently and 3% in 2024.

Solar systems provide silent, emission-free electricity but remain affordable mainly for those with supplemental income streams.

Charcoal, while inexpensive per bag, requires constant purchase and creates indoor air pollution that harms health, especially in poorly ventilated homes.

The government's renewable target seeks to cut dependence on fossil fuels, yet analysts doubt the aging infrastructure and limited financing can support a full transition by 2050.

Watch for upcoming reports on Cuba's solar park expansion and any policy shifts that could lower the cost of home solar systems or improve charcoal alternatives.