Venezuela is a nation overwhelmed by relentless blackouts and is seeking energy alternatives in the middle of a long-lasting energy crisis. In Maracaibo, the second largest city in the country, solar energy has emerged as a practical and eco-friendly solution.

Power outages have become frequent across Venezuela over the last decade, especially in Maracaibo. An aging electrical grid, underinvestment, and corruption are among the main causes of power failures, according to experts. In 2019, a nationwide blackout left most Venezuelan cities in the dark for an entire week.

More than 200,000 power outages affected the country in 2022 alone, an increase of 22 percent in comparison to the previous year. The Committee of People Affected by Blackouts, an independent activist group, keeps track of the number of failures each year.After living for many years amid power cuts, Maracaibo and Zulia State residents have found ways to prepare for recurring electricity cuts.

At Marilyn Gonzalez’s home, the most common routine is to turn off all kitchen appliances once the lights go out. Sudden blackouts have damaged several of her electronic devices such as air conditioners and refrigerators.

"We don’t know if it is going to last two or three hours, or four," says González. "Over the last few weeks, power cuts have lasted between three and four hours." The crisis has pushed many people to look for solutions and they are turning their eyes to other sources of energy. Some are looking up and finding an answer in the sun.

Entrepreneur and former race car driver, Augusto Pradelli has combined his knowledge and creativity to fight the scarcity of gasoline and electricity affecting his country.

Three years ago, the 63-year-old inventor came up with the idea of solar and electric-powered cars. So far, he has developed seven prototypes transforming old golf cars and using recycled materials.

"We are an oil-producing country and we have a scarcity of gasoline. So, there's nothing more contrasting than going the other way around, going in the opposite direction," explains Pradelli. "And what is the other element that we have as a gift that costs us nothing, the sun, the solar energy."

Pradelli's cars can reach speeds of up to forty kilometers per hour. Some of his models use two photovoltaic panels. It takes 24 hours to charge them and they can run up to eight hours or as long as there is solar radiation available.They serve as an energy-efficient mode of transportation.Maracaibo is commonly known as the "Beloved Land of the Sun." 

Like in many South American countries, the city has great solar energy potential. It's an area where there are large concentrations of bright sunshine all day long. Luis Cabrera is a mechanical engineer living in Maracaibo and has developed several projects using solar energy mostly in public hospitals and rural areas.

"In Zulia State, we have a constant radiation of almost 4,000 watts per square meter. That means that we can take advantage of solar energy to transform that into electrical generation."

Solar panels are gaining popularity throughout the city. Some local malls have installed photovoltaic panels in an effort to keep their businesses open. And the Maracaibo municipality is testing solar-powered traffic lights and offering free charging stations at public squares.

23-year-old student Renny Fuenmayor has tried the green technology to charge his cellphone.

"I believe it's great for the city. It helps a lot," says Fuenmayor. "I wasn't expecting this. I said I'm just going to answer my messages when I get home - and this was a solution."

A ray of light is giving hope to Venezuelans who wish to come out of the darkness.

For more, check out our exclusive content on CGTN Now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The China Report.