U.S. Authorities Investigate Communication Devices in Solar Power Inverters
Technical experts conducting detailed hardware inspections, or “teardowns,” of inverters connected to U.S. power grids revealed the presence of unauthorized communication
The number of devices investigated was also not disclosed. This follows discovery of rogue communication devices not listed in product documents in some Chinese solar inverters, according to Reuters. The devices were reportedly found over a period of nine months and include communication devices such as cellular radios.
These inverters, which are essential components that convert direct current from solar panels into alternating current usable by the electrical grid, were found to contain undocumented cellular radio devices not disclosed in product specifications or technical documentation.
U.S. energy officials have launched an investigation after discovering unauthorized communication equipment embedded within Chinese-manufactured solar power inverters connected to critical infrastructure grids across the country.
Huawei alone accounted for 29% of global shipments in 2022. While it exited the U.S. inverter market in 2019, it continues to supply other countries at scale. Philipp Schroeder, CEO of German solar developer 1Komma5, said his firm avoids Huawei products due to security risks.
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