<span>STORY: These workers in Havana, Cuba are hoisting solar panels onto rooftops under the hot sun.</span><span>Demand for alternative energy like solar has increased as the country grapples with a worsening fuel crisis.</span><span>That’s since the U.S. moved to restrict oil shipments to Cuba, including from key supplier Venezuela. </span><span>Installer Raydel Cano said both homes and businesses have been adopting solar to deal with power outages.</span><span>“Demand has increased, customer requests have been growing, and because of the increase in demand for electricity due to power outages in Cuba and all that, and in private businesses due to the power consumption plans they have to comply with, they have been forced to install panels so as to not exceed those plans and to save a little electricity. And in homes, individuals have been forced to install this type of equipment.”</span><span>The panels supply power to a cafe.</span><span>Owner Dariem Soto-Navarro said they initially used a portable generator, but found it increasingly difficult to obtain diesel. </span><span>Other Cubans have gotten creative with their placement of solar panels.</span><span>Before starting his journey, rickshaw driver Alejandro Arritola wipes down the one mounted on top of his vehicle.</span><span>He says it helps to extend his mileage.</span><span>“I’ve been preparing for this for a long time. In this country, it’s true that the electricity situation has always been difficult. I used to have an old rickshaw. I put two panels on it, but it wasn’t enough. I managed to trade it in for this hybrid one and put this panel on it about 8 or 10 months ago. It helps me a lot. It extends my range, and I don’t have to use gasoline. When the power goes out, I put it in front of the house and charge it.</span><span>“It has also helped a lot that people, after seeing me, are doing this too. They are inspired and are also trying to put panels on their houses and rickshaws.”</span>
