In an altercation reminiscent of a wild west showdown, three would-be thieves attempted to raid the Las Nereidas Solar Park located on the road from Ciro Redondo to Morón in Ciego de Ávila. The confrontation escalated into a stone-throwing battle with the site's security personnel, as reported by the state-run newspaper Invasor.
Shortly after midnight on Sunday, June 21, security operator Kevin Ley Pérez López and shift leader Irán González noticed suspicious activity within the fenced area during their routine patrol along the southwestern perimeter.
Upon approaching and confronting the intruders—two inside the fence and a third standing outside—the trespassers retaliated by hurling stones at the guards.
Refusing to back down, the security team responded in kind. Eliersy Verao Villegas, another security operator, soon joined the fray.
Eventually, the assailants made their escape through the same breach they had created in the welded wire fence.
Subsequent inspection confirmed that the solar modules, technological equipment, and lighting systems remained unscathed. Despite the clear intent to harm, none of the guards were injured by the stone barrage.
Signs of a Coordinated Assault
The post-incident assessment revealed that the attack was far from spontaneous. Marks in the shape of Xs were found, marking areas distant from guard posts—indicating perceived weak spots in the fence. Evidence of at least two animal-driven vehicles and strategically piled stones near the perimeter further pointed to a premeditated strike.
The report emphasizes, "This was a calculated operation, not an impulsive attempt."
This incident marks the second recorded attack on Las Nereidas.
The first occurred in the early hours of May 20, when two intruders were caught attempting to dismantle panels in the southwest section, ultimately fleeing empty-handed.
Security Measures Fall Short
In response to the initial breach, cold welding was applied to secure the panels to their frames, nighttime patrols were coordinated with the police, and the perimeter fencing was reinforced. However, these measures proved insufficient to deter a second assault.
Concerns were raised about the natural cover provided by the surrounding fields and the significant distances between guard posts. These vulnerabilities were not addressed between the first and second incidents.
A growing worry is the potential for increased aggression: some guards have expressed fears that continued threats could force them to abandon their posts to avoid physical harm.
The state-controlled media warns, "If fear drives workers from their positions, the criminals will have succeeded in achieving what they couldn't by breaking in."
A National Trend of Solar Infrastructure Thefts
The attacks on Las Nereidas are part of a nationwide surge in thefts targeting solar facilities.
In May, four individuals assaulted and restrained the guard of a pumping station in Holguín to steal 32 solar panels. In Guanabacoa, a shift leader was arrested for stealing over 40 meters of cable from his own facility. In Granma, more than 50 panels vanished from the Juan Pérez II Park.
Ciego de Ávila boasts nine solar parks with a combined capacity of 108 MW, against a daily demand of approximately 130 MW. With power outages exceeding 20 hours daily, each panel becomes a highly coveted commodity on the black market.
The regime has responded to this trend with Supreme People's Court Decree 475, classifying the theft or damage of solar panels as sabotage, punishable by seven to thirty years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in severe cases.
In March, a provincial court sentenced two men to nine and seven years in prison for stealing about 50,000 screws intended for solar park structures. Nevertheless, the thefts persist.
Invasor's article concludes with a stark warning: "Waiting for a third attempt is a luxury the electrical system cannot afford."
Understanding the Threat to Cuban Solar Parks
What measures have been taken to protect the Las Nereidas Solar Park?
After the first attack, cold welding was used to secure panels, night patrols were coordinated with the police, and perimeter fencing was reinforced. However, these measures have not fully prevented further incursions.
Why are solar panels in Cuba targeted by thieves?
With daily power outages exceeding 20 hours, solar panels are in high demand on the black market, making them valuable targets for thieves.
How has the Cuban government responded to solar panel thefts?
The government enacted Supreme People's Court Decree 475, which classifies the theft or damage of solar panels as sabotage, with severe penalties ranging from long prison sentences to potentially life imprisonment or the death penalty in aggravated cases.