Solar in Cuba

Solar Energy in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is located at 22.6°N, 80.2°W in Cuba. Here's what solar energy looks like for homeowners in this area.

Annual Irradiance

1,914

kWh/m²

Peak Sun Hours

4.5

hrs/day

3.5 kWp Output

5,761

kWh/year

Solar Score

30

/ 100

What does this mean for your roof?

Santo Domingo receives approximately 1,914 kWh/m² of solar irradiance per year, which translates to 4.5 peak sun hours per day. This is moderate for residential solar energy production.

With a solar score of 30/100, Santo Domingo ranks #59 of 167 cities in Cuba for solar potential in our atlas.

A typical 3.5 kWp residential solar system (8 panels) in Santo Domingo would produce approximately 5,761 kWh per year, sized for the average household in Cuba.

The best months for solar production in Santo Domingo are May – August, while the lowest production occurs during November – January. Being in the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs capture the most annual sunlight.

Solar economics in Santo Domingo

At current electricity prices in Cuba ($0.36/kWh), residential solar may not pay for itself within the typical 25-year panel lifespan without local incentives. Rising electricity costs or government subsidies could change this outlook.

System Cost

$143,000

3.5 kWp, before incentives

Annual Savings

~$2,060

At $0.36/kWh

Payback Period

25+ years

Exceeds panel lifespan

25-Year Net Result

−$76,700

Cost exceeds savings

These are approximate figures based on a standardized household consumption of 5,000 kWh/year and an estimated electricity rate of $0.36/kWh in Cuba. Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost — check current subsidy, tax-credit, or VAT programs in Cuba, as these can meaningfully shorten the payback period.

Figures are estimates based on typical system assumptions and the latest available electricity-price and billing data for Cuba. Actual costs, tariffs, net-metering rules, and incentives vary by utility and change over time — confirm with a local installer or energy authority before making decisions.

How solar billing works in Cuba

Net metering

Exported energy spins your meter back, offsetting what you draw later.

In Cuba, rooftop solar is often compensated through an arrangement that resembles net metering, where the electricity you send to the grid is typically credited against the electricity you draw from it. In many areas only the net difference at the end of a billing period is charged, so surplus generation in sunny months may help cover quieter ones. The exact crediting rules, billing windows, and any caps vary by region and utility and should be confirmed locally.

Get your exact numbers

Our calculator uses NASA satellite data for your precise location — not city-level estimates. Free, instant, no signup.

Solar tips for Santo Domingo homeowners

Face panels south

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels capture the most annual sunlight. East-west split systems also work well.

Optimal tilt angle

For Santo Domingo, the energy-optimal panel tilt is about 22° from horizontal.

Size your system right

For the average household in Cuba, a 3.5 kWp system (8 panels) covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

Check local incentives

Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost of residential solar — check current subsidy, tax-credit, and VAT programs with your energy authority in Cuba.

Gear to prepare for solar

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Solar in other Cuba cities

Frequently asked questions about solar in Santo Domingo

How much do solar panels cost in Santo Domingo?

A typical 3.5 kWp residential solar system in Santo Domingo, Cuba costs approximately $143,000 before incentives — this is an estimate based on typical regional pricing. Local incentives such as subsidies, tax credits, or VAT exemptions may reduce the upfront cost; check current programs in Cuba.

How is exported solar energy credited under net metering in Cuba?

Under a net-metering-style arrangement, the energy your system exports to the grid in Cuba is typically credited against the energy you import, so you are often billed mainly on the net amount. How those credits are valued, whether they roll over, and how long they last can vary by region and utility, so it is best to confirm the current terms with a local installer or your energy provider.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Santo Domingo?

A 3.5 kWp solar system in Santo Domingo produces approximately 5,761 kWh per year, based on 4.5 peak sun hours per day and 1,914 kWh/m² annual irradiance.

What is the solar panel payback period in Santo Domingo?

At Cuba's current electricity rate of $0.36/kWh, a solar system in Santo Domingo is unlikely to pay for itself within the typical 25-year panel lifespan without subsidies or incentives. However, rising electricity prices or local incentive programs could improve the economics significantly.

Which direction should solar panels face in Santo Domingo?

In Santo Domingo, panels should ideally face south since it's in the northern hemisphere. The optimal tilt angle is about 22° from horizontal.

How many solar panels do I need for my home in Santo Domingo?

A typical household in Cuba uses the equivalent of a 3.5 kWp system (8 panels). With 4.5 peak sun hours per day in Santo Domingo, this covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.

Learn more about solar energy