Cubans turn to solar power amid blackouts and US oil restrictions

Cubans are installing solar panels on homes, businesses and vehicles as the country endures extended blackouts that reporting and officials attribute in part to US measures to block oil shipments; the government and private buyers have expanded solar capacity while a reported Russian crude shipment has no set date.

Cubans are increasingly installing solar panels on houses, businesses and even vehicles to cope with prolonged electricity outages. Reporting and officials link recent fuel shortfalls to efforts by the United States to block oil shipments, compounding longer-term economic and supply problems. The Cuban state, with Chinese-financed projects and equipment, has added more than 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity in the past year and pledged further expansion. Many private buyers who can afford panels, often priced in dollars, and small businesses are adopting rooftop systems as generators and fuel become harder to obtain. What is known: - The island is experiencing severe, extended blackouts and shortages of fuel and other essentials. - Reports and officials attribute a recent drop in oil shipments in part to US measures aimed at limiting supplies. - The Cuban government says it installed over 1,000 megawatts of solar last year and has announced plans to expand capacity further. - Solar panels are being bought by private businesses and some households, but imports are sold in dollars and remain costly for many. - The government announced tax waivers of up to eight years for businesspeople who invest in renewable energy projects. - Russian media reported that Russia is preparing a crude shipment to Cuba, but no delivery date was provided. Summary: Widespread power outages have prompted both state-led and private increases in solar generation, while reporting and international agencies warn that fuel and supply shortfalls risk serious humanitarian impacts. A reported Russian crude shipment and new Cuban policy incentives for renewables have been announced, but the timing and wider effects of additional fuel deliveries are undetermined at this time.