In late October 2025, Hurricane Melissa swept across eastern Cuba. In its wake, the Caribbean island nation plunged into days of widespread power outages. Neighbourhoods plunged into darkness, communications severed, food spoiled, and drinking water supplies dwindled – this sudden energy crisis once again sounded the alarm on the imperative of ‘energy independence’.

Many might assume power outages are merely temporary inconveniences, yet for a nation reliant on traditional fossil fuels and lacking reserve electricity capacity, such disruptions nearly paralysed societal functioning. In truth, this incident was not solely a consequence of natural disaster but a microcosm of an energy structure’s inherent fragility.

1. The Cuban Blackout Crisis: Exposing the Risks of Single-Source Energy Dependency

According to data released by Unión Eléctrica, Cuba’s national power company, the peak generation shortfall reached 1,063 MW, resulting in nationwide blackouts lasting over 24 hours. Multiple thermal power units failed or were taken offline for maintenance, compounded by fuel shortages, ultimately causing the system to collapse entirely.

In Las Tunas, Holguín, Bayamo and other regions, rescue operations were hampered by power interruptions, with food refrigeration, medical services and communication systems all paralysed.

‘Darkness and uncertainty are the worst.’ — —A Bayamo resident captured this sentiment on social media, echoing widespread feelings.

This crisis once again demonstrated to the world:

When an energy system relies excessively on fossil fuels, any disruption in the chain leaves the entire nation vulnerable.

1. Generating Power Is Not the Challenge; Storing It Is

Across central and western Cuba, 21 photovoltaic power stations generated 1,770 MWh of electricity during daylight hours, with a peak output of 354 MW.

These plants alleviated pressure on the grid in certain areas, demonstrating renewable energy’s potential.

The challenge, however, is that solar power only operates when sunlight is available. Without adequate storage systems, the issue becomes one of ‘generating electricity but being unable to retain it.’

As dusk falls, night descends, or adverse weather sets in, solar plants cease operation. Without effective storage equipment, the clean energy generated during daylight hours cannot be preserved for emergency night-time supply.

Possessing photovoltaic capacity yet lacking complementary ‘energy storage’ infrastructure represents one core challenge in Cuba’s electricity crisis.

III. Photovoltaic Energy Storage Systems: Making Energy ‘Controllable, Storable, Sustainable’

Hui Jue Technology Group’s photovoltaic energy storage system, in essence, combines ‘power generation with electricity storage’.

Comprising solar panels, inverters, and energy storage batteries, it absorbs sunlight to generate electricity during daylight hours while storing surplus power in the batteries. This stored energy is then released during night-time or power outages.

The system’s greatest value lies in enabling users to break free from complete dependence on the grid, achieving energy independence and self-regulation.

✔ During power outages – households maintain uninterrupted lighting and electricity supply;

✔ Against high electricity tariffs – store power during off-peak rates for use during peak hours, reducing bills;

✔ Amid extreme weather – the system automatically switches to ensure essential power supply.

In an era of tight energy supplies and frequent climate events, such systems are no longer a ‘luxury feature’ but a safeguard for energy security.

1. Energy Independence Emerges as a Global Household Trend

Worldwide, ‘energy independence’ has become a pivotal direction in the energy transition.

An increasing number of nations are promoting distributed PV + energy storage systems. For instance:

European households: Commonly install rooftop PV and wall-mounted storage batteries to counter high electricity prices;

Australia and the United States: Household PV system adoption rates continue to rise, with storage configuration proportions increasing annually;

Southeast Asia and the Caribbean: In regions with weak power infrastructure, off-grid PV-storage systems have become essential for daily life.

As Cuba’s recent blackout revealed, a PV system without storage is like a dam without a reservoir—no matter how much energy is generated by day, it cannot withstand the darkness of night.

1. PV-Storage: Unlocking Greater Potential for Homes and Society

For households, installing a PV storage system means:

More stable living: No longer worrying about sudden power cuts;

Lower electricity bills: Fully utilising solar energy for self-generation and self-consumption;

A greener choice: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and easing the burden on the environment.

For businesses and governments, storage systems can also alleviate peak grid loads, balance supply and demand, and enhance the resilience of power systems.

Particularly during disasters or emergencies, energy storage systems often serve as the ‘last line of defence’.

1. Taking Control of Energy Rather Than Passively Awaiting Light

Cuba’s power outages have reminded the world that energy independence is the true foundation of security.

Possessing a stable, intelligent photovoltaic energy storage system is no longer a technical ‘option’ but a ‘standard feature’ for the stable operation of households and society.

As an enterprise deeply rooted in the new energy sector, Highjoule(HJ Group) has long specialised in the research, development, and application of photovoltaic energy storage solutions.

Whether it be wall-mounted home energy storage batteries or commercial-grade integrated energy storage systems, we are committed to helping users achieve self-generation and self-consumption of clean energy alongside secure reserves.

Interested in learning more about photovoltaic energy storage products?

We invite you to explore our energy storage system solutions for comprehensive application references.