A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as Danara (@_danafonseca95), has unveiled a portable solar stove as her innovative response to the relentless power outages plaguing the island. In a video posted last Monday, which quickly garnered over 35,600 views, she showcases this unique solution.
The device is a solar heater designed for barbecuing, camping, and outdoor activities, relying solely on concentrated sunlight without the need for electricity, gas, or any other fuel.
"This is the answer to power outages. Look at this beauty," Danara exclaims at the beginning of her video, as she demonstrates her family cooking with the solar stove.
Danara explains that she received the solar cooker from a subscriber on her YouTube channel. "I know it's a bit expensive, but I'm grateful, and so is my entire family," she admits, without disclosing the exact price of the equipment.
The Reality of Cuban BlackoutsThe backdrop of the video highlights the harsh reality millions of Cubans face: with power cuts reaching up to 20 to 22 hours daily in some provinces as of June 2026, cooking has become a daily challenge.
Traditional alternatives are becoming less accessible. Danara crisply summarizes the situation: "Charcoal costs four thousand pesos, folks, which is a Cuban's salary." In Cuba's informal market, a sack of charcoal ranges from 2,800 to 5,000 CUP, a figure close to or exceeding the average monthly salary of 6,930 CUP.
As for firewood, another common option, the TikToker is blunt: "It's bad for your health, but we know there are many people here in Cuba cooking with it."
Features of the Solar StoveThe solar stove Danara showcases is part of a category of portable parabolic cookers sold worldwide, capable of up to 2,000 W with a weight of about 15 kg. Its primary limitation is its reliance on direct sunlight, leading to longer cooking times: chopped vegetables may take 45 to 90 minutes, while rice or legumes can take 90 to 150 minutes.
Growing Trend of Solar CookingThis isn't an isolated case. Since early 2026, more Cubans have turned to solar cookers to survive blackouts. In May, a private shop in Central Havana sold a parabolic solar cooker for $135. In February, a woman in Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, revived a solar oven from the Special Period of the 1990s, still operational after 36 years. By June, reports surfaced of handmade solar cookers being crafted in Spain for Cuba, made from cardboard, aluminum foil, and a dark pot.
The energy crisis prompting such solutions stems from systemic issues: the National Electric System operates with deficits up to 2,040 MW due to the deterioration of thermoelectric plants. The Ministry of Energy and Mines acknowledged in May that the installed solar photovoltaic generation — over 1,300 MW — cannot resolve blackouts without large-scale storage batteries.
Danara concludes her video with a direct appeal to those who can afford it: "If you want to help your family, you know how: with a solar stove."
Understanding Solar Cooking in Cuba
How does the solar stove work?
The solar stove operates by concentrating sunlight into a specific area, generating heat without the need for electricity or gas. This makes it an efficient and eco-friendly alternative for cooking.
What are the limitations of using a solar stove in Cuba?
The main limitation is its dependency on direct sunlight, which can extend cooking times. This means that on cloudy or rainy days, the stove may not function as efficiently.
Why are solar cooking solutions gaining popularity in Cuba?
With frequent power outages and the high cost of traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood, solar cooking provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for many Cubans.