A Cuban living in Matanzas shared on TikTok how she partially gained independence from the state electrical system after installing a solar panel in her home, an alternative that is increasingly gaining popularity among Cubans amid the energy crisis facing the country.
"After many nights without power, we finally have electricity thanks to the solar panel and the battery," the young woman explained in her video, which has garnered thousands of views on social media.
The woman detailed that she acquired the system in the city of Matanzas. “The EcoFlow cost me about 800 dollars, and the solar panel was 190. In the United States, they are much cheaper, but here you have to pay a high price and in parts,” she commented.
According to the account, he hired an electrician to carry out the installation, separating the current from the panel and the battery from the state grid to prevent damage to the equipment. “It’s very important to use the right blades and cables, because many EcoFlow units have been damaged due to poor installations,” he warned.
The video shows the process of connecting the solar panel located on the roof, the battery, and the electrical system of the house. "With 400 watts, I can do laundry, keep the lights on, use the computer, and charge the phones. I can even connect the refrigerator," the Cuban explained with satisfaction.
In light of the increasingly prolonged blackouts in Cuba, many citizens are turning to similar solutions, although their high cost makes them inaccessible for most.
In the Cuban informal market, a solar energy system can easily surpass one thousand dollars, which is equivalent to more than two years of the average salary on the island.
The testimony of the young woman from Matanzas reflects the creativity and effort of Cubans to survive the electrical crisis impacting the country, while the regime fails to provide effective solutions to ensure a stable and affordable service.
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