Syria is experiencing a power crisis compounded by a wider economic collapse triggered by the war-Zamkuwire

Facing crippling electricity cuts, some Syrians have turned to solar power, a reflection of the deep energy crisis in the country after 11 years of war.

Syria’s state infrastructure is devastated by the war, which spiraled out of an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 and has since killed more than 350,000 people, according to the United Nations.

Ibrahim al-Akzam, a Damascus dentist, was among those who have turned to solar power, which shields him from the rolling blackouts of the ruined state grid as well as the rising cost of scarce fuel to operate a private generator.

“Moving to alternative energy is the best solution at present,” said the 41-year-old, who spent nearly $7,000 on the installation.

But al-Akzam is one of the lucky ones.

Those still relying on the public grid or private generators have been hit hard in recent weeks: Severe diesel shortages forced the state to ration fuel distribution, telecom towers to cut network access, and public institutions to shorten their work weeks.

The power crisis has also been compounded by an economic collapse triggered by the conflict, Western sanctions, a currency meltdown, and the government’s loss of its northeastern oil-producing territories to opposition groups. Damascus is encouraging more investment in renewable power and is offering incentives, such as eliminating customs on imports of equipment needed to produce it.