Solar Inverters Under Control? Hidden Communication Modules Found in Chinese Equipment — A Threat to Europe’s and USA’s Power Systems

Solar Inverters Under Control? Hidden Communication Modules Found in Chinese Equipment — A Threat to Europe’s and USA’s Power Systems

American and European experts have discovered hidden communication devices in some Chinese solar inverters and batteries that were not listed in the technical documentation. These modules allow the devices to connect to the outside world, bypassing standard security measures and firewalls.

Experts estimate that such hidden components could theoretically be used for:

bypassing security barriers,

gaining unauthorized remote access,

changing settings or shutting down equipment,

potentially damaging the power system (e.g., causing mass blackouts).

Solar Inverters Under Control? Hidden Communication Modules Found in Chinese Equipment — A Threat to Europe’s and USA’s Power Systems

Scale of the Threat

China produces about 78% of all solar inverters worldwide, and a significant part of European and American green energy already depends on this equipment.

In Europe alone, over 200 GW of solar generation operates through Chinese inverters — equivalent to more than 200 nuclear power plants.

Reactions from Governments and Companies

USA: tightening control over critical equipment supplies, considering a ban on purchasing Chinese inverters starting in 2027.

FPL (Florida, USA): switching to alternative suppliers.

Germany and Lithuania: imposing restrictions on the use of Chinese inverters and batteries, especially for large facilities.

Lithuania: banned remote access to energy facilities with Chinese equipment over 100 kW, with discussions to extend restrictions to smaller facilities.

Precedents and Incidents

Australia (2024): mass management failures recorded at solar farms with uncertified communication modules.

Spain (April 2025): largest blackout in the region’s history, with about 15 GW of generation shut down simultaneously. Official causes were technical failures and weather conditions; cyberattack was ruled out, but vulnerability is obvious.

USA (November 2024): mass shutdown of Deye inverters, officially due to licensing and firmware update issues, but the case heightened concerns.

Expert Assessments and Risks

Experts note that if control is gained over a large number of inverters simultaneously, it could trigger cascading failures, overloads, and widespread power outages.

Even without proof of targeted attacks, the very presence of hidden communication channels threatens critical infrastructure security.

“If you remotely control enough home solar inverters and simultaneously perform malicious actions, the consequences for the power system could be catastrophic.” — SolarEdge expert.

Consequences for Investors and the Industry
Return of sanction risks in supply chains.
Increased demand for localized production of components in the USA and Europe.

Strengthening regulatory requirements for certification and transparency of equipment composition (e.g., implementation of Software Bill of Materials).

Double Standards and Political Context

Western countries are increasingly distrustful of Chinese technology in critical infrastructure, despite Western chips and equipment also potentially containing backdoors but being perceived differently at the legislative level. China denies the accusations and calls the issue politicized.
Summary

The discovery of hidden communication modules in Chinese inverters and batteries has prompted a major reassessment of security policies in the energy sector.

Cyber interference risks, even without proven attacks, are forcing countries to accelerate localization of production, tighten certification, and revise procurement strategies for energy system equipment.
Stay informed. The future of energy depends on it.
FX24

Author’s Posts