Harnessing Cuba’s Solar Potential for National Development

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Cuba

Capital: Havana

Total Population: Approximately 11.3 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, south of Florida and east of the Yucatan Peninsula. Known for its tropical climate, diverse ecosystems, and historical significance, Cuba also has an abundant sunshine resource suitable for solar energy development.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Solar Irradiation Data in Cuba

Cuba enjoys excellent solar irradiation throughout most of the year, making it a prime location for the widespread adoption of solar energy systems.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

Annual Solar Irradiation: Typically ranges from 5.0 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day
High Irradiation Regions: The western and central regions of Cuba, including areas like Pinar del Río, Havana, and Cienfuegos
Peak Irradiation: Up to 6.0–6.5 kWh/m²/day during the dry season (November to April)

This steady and high solar radiation makes Cuba well-suited for both residential solar and large-scale utility solar projects.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Cuba, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Cuba

Average Annual Temperature: Typically ranges from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) year-round
Impact on Solar Panels: While high temperatures can lead to slightly reduced panel efficiency, Cuba’s consistent sunlight and cooling trade winds help mitigate performance losses

Recommendation: Use high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels, optimized for tropical conditions and designed to handle the warm temperatures with better heat management.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Cuba

National Energy Demand: Cuba’s energy demand is primarily driven by residential cooling, tourism, and agriculture
Electricity Supply: Historically, the country has relied on fossil fuels and hydropower for electricity generation, but solar energy is becoming a growing focus as part of the Cuban Government’s renewable energy plan
Electricity Costs: Cuba’s electricity costs are relatively low, but the government has begun promoting solar to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve energy security
Grid Infrastructure: The grid infrastructure is reliable in urban areas like Havana, but rural regions still face challenges with reliable electricity access, which makes solar systems a viable solution for improving resilience

Preferred System Type in Cuba

Grid-Connected Systems: Ideal for urban areas and businesses like hotels, government offices, and commercial establishments
Off-Grid Systems: Suited for rural communities, eco-tourism sites, and agricultural operations where electricity access is limited
Hybrid Systems: Combining solar PV, battery storage, and backup generators is ideal for critical infrastructure, especially for use during periods of grid instability

Dust and Sand Factor in Cuba

Dust Impact: Low to moderate dust levels due to frequent rainfall and oceanic proximity

Recommendation: Routine panel cleaning every few months should be sufficient, with increased cleaning after dry spells or tropical storms that can bring dust from nearby regions

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Cuba

Humidity Levels: High, particularly in the wet season (May to October), with humidity levels between 75% and 85%
Rainfall: The wet season brings heavy rainfall, especially along the coastal regions, though droughts can also occur
Impact on Solar Panels: The humidity and frequent rains can cause corrosion over time if systems are not adequately sealed

Recommendation: Use corrosion-resistant materials, weather-sealed connections, and IP-rated enclosures to ensure long-term durability.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Cuba

Saltwater Corrosion: Being a coastal island, Cuba is exposed to salt-laden air, especially in coastal and beach areas

Recommendation: Use marine-grade materials for frames and stainless steel fasteners to combat the risk of corrosion due to salt exposure

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Cuba

Cuba has begun a push toward increasing renewable energy sources:

Renewable Energy Plan: The Cuban government has set a target to produce 24% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, with solar energy playing a central role in this transition
Net Metering and Support: Incentives for small-scale solar systems and net metering programs are being implemented to encourage residential and commercial solar adoption
International Partnerships: Cuba has engaged in collaborations with international organizations like UNDP and the World Bank to promote renewable energy, including solar, and improve energy access for rural and off-grid communities

ROI on Solar Systems in Cuba

ROI Period: Solar systems in Cuba typically achieve ROI within 5 to 7 years, driven by the country’s solar irradiance, incentive programs, and the financial savings from reducing reliance on fossil fuels
Long-Term Savings: Users can expect to save 50–75% on electricity bills, especially when adopting solar systems with battery storage for resilience during power interruptions

Conclusion on Solar Power in Cuba

Cuba’s combination of strong solar irradiation, government-backed renewable energy policies, and growing energy needs make solar power a perfect solution for the island nation. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported fuels and improve energy security, solar energy offers a pathway to sustainable growth.

Solarvance is well-positioned to help Cuba transition to clean energy. Our durable, high-efficiency solar systems are designed to perform in humid, coastal environments, offering long-term resilience and energy independence for homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Let’s work together to bring solar energy to Cuba’s future. Contact us today to learn more about our solar solutions and how we can help your community thrive.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.