Cuba seeks to regulate solar panel surge on Havana rooftops

Cuban authorities are seeking to regulate the rapid increase of solar panel installations on rooftops in Havana. Armando Rodríguez Batista, Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment (Citma), described the surge as a “historic opportunity” but emphasized the need for monitoring and safety standards to prevent structural issues.

Dania González Couret, an architect and founder of Cuba Solar, noted that urban rooftop installations can provide dual benefits by generating electricity and reducing thermal loads on buildings. However, she warned that many installations lack technical expertise, posing risks to building integrity, particularly in historic zones or multi-family buildings.

While the government stated there will be no sanctions for existing systems, officials are working to unify technical criteria across municipalities. To encourage integration, the Ministry of Finance and Prices has approved Resolution 114, which sets a payment of 90 pesos for each kilowatt injected into the national electrical system and exempts these earnings from service taxes.