In a brazen act of theft, four attackers assaulted and restrained the security guard at the water pumping station in the Oscar Lucero district of Holguín, making off with 32 solar panels that powered the facility, according to official reports.
The incident took place early Monday morning, around 3:00 a.m. The thieves overpowered the guard and removed all the photovoltaic panels, as reported by Realidades desde Holguín, a Facebook page connected to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint).
Following the robbery, the Department of Technical Investigations (DTI), along with the Investigation and Criminalistics units, launched a coordinated search and recovery operation the same day.
By midday, authorities had managed to recover 29 of the 32 stolen panels, and by 5:00 p.m., they had apprehended the four suspects believed to be responsible, according to the source.
The report did not disclose the identities of the suspects nor the current condition of the assaulted security guard. Additionally, there was no update on the search for the remaining three solar panels.
The recovered panels were returned to the community in a public ceremony orchestrated by the authorities, a typical move by the regime to amplify routine police operations as significant institutional victories. The event emphasized the community's "gratitude to the officers for their swift and effective response."
This is not the first time the station has been targeted. Earlier in March, a theft of 180 meters of cable from the solar system left the pumping station inactive for over two months, depriving parts of the community of water.
Such incidents are not isolated. In March, two individuals received prison sentences of nine and seven years for stealing around 50,000 screws meant for solar park structures in Ciego de Ávila, causing an economic loss exceeding 620,000 Cuban pesos.
In January 2025, the Pedernales pumping station in Holguín experienced two separate thefts of its solar panels. Meanwhile, in 2024, Las Tunas province recorded eight solar panel thefts from pumping stations in less than six months, impacting municipalities like Puerto Padre, Colombia, Jobabo, and Majibacoa.
The Cuban government has been implementing a national program since 2023, involving 1,312 solar pumping systems of 10 kW each, designed to replace diesel usage and ensure potable water supply. However, the high market value of these systems makes them a frequent target for thieves.
In response to the increasing thefts, the Supreme People's Court issued Ruling 475 in May 2025, classifying the damage and theft of solar panels and energy systems as sabotage, with penalties ranging from seven to 30 years in prison. Nevertheless, the thefts persist, highlighting the breakdown of security measures and the desperation of a population suffering from prolonged economic and energy crises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Panel Theft in Cuba
What happened during the solar panel theft in Holguín?
Four individuals assaulted and tied up a security guard at a water pumping station to steal 32 solar panels.
How many solar panels were recovered after the theft?
Authorities managed to recover 29 out of the 32 stolen solar panels.
What measures has the Cuban government taken against solar panel thefts?
The Supreme People's Court issued Ruling 475, classifying such acts as sabotage, with penalties ranging from seven to 30 years of imprisonment.
Why are solar panels frequently targeted by thieves in Cuba?
Solar panels have a high market value, making them attractive targets for theft on the informal market.