Cabaiguán Solar Park confirms its efficiency
Just over a year after being synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN), the Cabaiguán Solar Park—the first of its kind in Sancti Spíritus province, with a generating capacity of 21.8 MW—has proven its effectiveness in forming microgrids during total SEN outages.
According to Eladio Orestes Díaz Espinosa, director of the local electric utility, although these parks operate almost autonomously, the contribution of the staff is crucial; they are responsible for monitoring technical parameters and ensuring the care and protection of the facility.
“So far, the park is operating satisfactorily and without major issues. It functions practically automatically—even though we do have a team of operators on-site. It is an innovative setup that has allowed the photovoltaic solar park—working in conjunction with the engines running at the Cabaiguán Diesel Power Plant—to supply energy to the microgrid, or the ‘island’ created within the municipality. At the same time, it can link up via the Tunucú substation to provide service to the Sancti Spíritus municipal seat, specifically to protected circuits—those with a certain priority level—such as the circuit serving the Sancti Spíritus Pediatric Hospital, and similar cases.”
Díaz Espinosa acknowledged the role of the young people working at the Cabaiguán photovoltaic park, a place they consider their second home.
“The workforce at our solar farm consists mainly of young people; this is a trend that has taken hold among the youth of Cabaiguán and even Sancti Spíritus. We have workers from Sancti Spíritus at our photovoltaic solar farm, and the average age remains under 35. There is a high level of satisfaction and a strong sense of belonging—they truly view it as a second home. The team there is deeply dedicated to the work they do.”
The director of the Cabaiguán Electric Company confirmed that, although solar farm output is regulated, it makes a significant contribution to the national strategy of diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“Like any power plant, the farm has its moments—maintenance needs or occasional system trips—but nothing major that would compromise its operational lifespan. Right now, the farm’s output is regulated based on the country’s available generation capacity. Solar farms are regulated to prevent fluctuations, voltage variations, or oscillations in primary line voltages that could trigger a disconnection at a substation or within the system.”
Sancti Spíritus province currently has three photovoltaic farms with a combined generation capacity of 21.8 MW, reinforcing the use of renewable sources within a national context committed to sustainable solutions for energy challenges.
