The Coppelia ice cream parlor "Fresa y Chocolate" in Trinidad, located in the province of Sancti Spíritus, has reopened its doors, powered by a photovoltaic energy system funded through private sector partnerships, as reported by the state-run Centrovisión.
Ana Martha Panadés, the journalist behind the report, details how this state-run venue resumed operations through "linkages with non-state management forms." Essentially, private micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) contributed solar technology to keep the freezers operational during the frequent blackouts affecting the island.
Customers can now enjoy ice cream scoops priced at 80 Cuban pesos, mango juices for 30 pesos, and soft drinks like orange and pineapple for 20 pesos each.
Rising Trend: Private Investment in State Facilities
The situation in Trinidad is part of a broader pattern across various Cuban provinces, where iconic state-owned establishments are being revived through private investment and solar energy. This shift comes amid the collapse of the national electrical system and ongoing shortages of essential supplies.
In the provincial capital of Sancti Spíritus, the local Coppelia reopened on June 3, 2026, after years of near dormancy. This was made possible through a collaboration between a Ciego de Ávila MSME and the UEB Mar y Cielo Complex, utilizing solar panels and refrigeration batteries.
Challenges and Criticisms
However, the reopening was not without criticism. Customers complained about crystallized ice cream, small portions, and prices deemed exorbitant: 125 pesos for a single scoop and 250 pesos for two.
"I felt like I wasted 250 Cuban pesos," lamented one patron of the Sancti Spíritus Coppelia shortly after its reopening.
Since its inception in 1966, the Coppelia ice cream chain has been a cultural icon in Cuba. Nevertheless, it has suffered significant deterioration across the island due to the ongoing economic crisis, power outages, and shortages of milk, sugar, and other basic supplies.
Havana's flagship Coppelia location reopened in February 2025, albeit with reduced capacity following multiple closures due to leaks and electrical issues, while the Santa Clara branch remains under restoration efforts.
Incentives for Renewable Energy Investment
In 2026, the Cuban government introduced incentives to attract private investment in renewable energy, offering tariff exemptions for importing panels, batteries, and inverters, along with up to eight years of tax exemption for those installing photovoltaic systems. Furthermore, Decree 107 allows MSMEs to sell energy to the national grid.
Despite these measures, outcomes in Trinidad have been inconsistent. According to a June 2026 report, the promised solar panels for ecomobiles and the Taxi Cuba charging station in the city have yet to materialize, highlighting the uneven progress of this energy transition.
Exploring the Role of Private Investment in Cuba's Energy Transition
What role do MSMEs play in the reopening of Trinidad's Coppelia?
MSMEs provided the solar technology necessary to keep the ice cream parlor's freezers operational, thereby enabling its reopening despite frequent power outages.
How has the Cuban government incentivized renewable energy investment?
The government has offered tariff exemptions for imports of renewable energy technology and up to eight years of tax exemption for those installing photovoltaic systems.
Why was the reopening of the Sancti Spíritus Coppelia criticized?
Customers complained about the poor quality of the ice cream, small portion sizes, and high prices that were considered excessive.