Forgive me for the delay, still new to Steemit and just only now did I see your reply. Puerto Ricans are mainly dependent on US aid because the Jones Act of 1917 constricts us to rely on the US as it prevents us from negotiating or coordinating to receive aid from the outside. It's what makes it possible for businesses from the US mainland to take home billions each year back to the mainland. Politicians on the island play into the dependency playbook because Uncle Sam favors well behaved and obedient Puerto Ricans as opposed to the dissident. As long as US oil, coal, and natural gas are being consumed why invest in something that will lose money like solar, which would move then island away from costly imported dirty fuel. It's a colonial relationship and the government on both sides know it, the ruling class on the island only care about their hegemony, and they go all out to defend it through propaganda, policies and downright brutality against opposition who prefer a more autonomous rout.