Here is the original study: Restrict Remote Access of PV Inverters from High-Risk Vendors
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has issued a stark warning, highlighting a critical threat to Europe’s energy autonomy stemming from the unregulated remote access capabilities of PV inverters produced by non-European, high-risk manufacturers—particularly those from China. A recent study by DNV substantiates these concerns.
As solar power becomes increasingly integral to Europe’s clean energy goals and energy security, a major vulnerability looms: software-enabled remote access to PV inverters—the essential control units of solar power systems.
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The threat is real, not hypothetical. Internet connectivity is essential for modern inverters to perform grid support functions and participate in power markets. However, this connectivity also enables remote software updates, allowing manufacturers to potentially modify device performance from afar. This poses serious cybersecurity risks, including the danger of intentional disruption or large-scale shutdowns. A recent DNV report, commissioned by SolarPower Europe, highlights the credible risk of cascading blackouts due to coordinated or malicious manipulation of inverters.
Why inverters are even connected to the internet…
Some people can let inverters sell on peak demand and if you have a battery, buy on low. You need internet to see the prices.
You don’t need to put your inverter in the internet for that, just a external controller like a raspberry pi
Not everyone is tech savy enough to do this. Always ask could your mother or father do it without your guidence? Mine couldnt, so they connected theyr inverter to the internet.
Very simple - convenience.
Most people want to check how much power their PV produces from their phone. Yes, a proper solution like a openDTU that stays local only would be better - but it requires setup which most people simply lack.