Securing the future of renewable energy: Why solar cybersecurity matters
Table of contents
- How are renewables a cyber risk?
- Cyber threats to a business owner
- The current state of cybersecurity in renewables
- SolarEdge's commitment to cybersecurity
- Core cybersecurity practices
- Regulatory compliance and standards
- Continuous improvement
- Partnering for security
- Why cybersecurity needs to be a priority
While it is not intuitive to think of energy assets as requiring cyber attention, the danger of ignoring this threat is fast becoming apparent to asset owners, government regulators and companies. Cybersecurity for PV and other renewable energy assets is an issue that can not be ignored.
How are renewables a cyber risk?
Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewables are increasingly connected to the internet to facilitate essential activities such as monitoring, making them easy targets for cyberattacks. These devices often rely on software and firmware that, if not regularly updated, can be exploited by hackers. One of the primary vulnerabilities lies in the communication networks that connect renewable energy devices to the grid. This connectivity allows for efficient energy management but also creates opportunities for cybercriminals to access and manipulate these systems.
Cyber threats to a business owner
While a business owner may employ various cyber protections to guard the company network, an unprotected PV site can enable access. For example, in 2014, Target Corporation lost an estimated USD 200 million in an attack that targeted the platform through their HVAC system, a third-party supplier. Through hacking into the HVAC platform, which was reportedly supported by certain protocols, and was deemed “safe”, the criminals were able to access most of the points of sale and steal customer credit card information.
The current state of cybersecurity in renewables
Despite the growing risk, cybersecurity in the renewable energy sector is still in its early stages. Unlike traditional energy systems, where strict regulations and protocols are in place, renewables are often governed by less stringent guidelines. Many manufacturers prioritize speed and cost over security, resulting in devices with inadequate protection against cyber threats.
Governments have a crucial role to play in enhancing cybersecurity for renewables. Clear, enforceable standards and regulations can ensure that manufacturers and operators prioritize security. By establishing guidelines for the industry, authorities can encourage the adoption of best practices and make it harder for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
And such mandates are beginning to take shape.
Key regulations include:
- RED 2014/53/EU, activating Article 3.3 (d), (e) and (f): The European Commission Radio Equipment Directive
- Cyber Resilience Act: EU-wide legislation for IoT and connected devices, adopted in October 2024
- NIS 2 Directive: EU-wide directive for high-level cybersecurity, came into force in 2023
- UL 2941: International standard for Smart Inverters and Distributed Energy Resources, expected in 2025
- The “U.S Cyber Trust Mark”: Cybersecurity certification and labeling program expected in 2025
- NARUC/NASEO: Cybersecurity Baselines for Electric Distribution Systems and DER, expected by 2025
- UK PSTI (2023): Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure regulation
And while steps are being taken, more needs to be done. Collaboration between industry experts, energy companies, and cybersecurity professionals can help create a comprehensive framework that protects renewable energy infrastructure from evolving threats.
Solar industry professionals and site owners should remain aware of new regulations, as some may be deployed retroactively as well. The UK implemented new cybersecurity regulations earlier this year that required the removal of non-compliant chargers from the grid, incurring unexpected expenses to their owners. This is but one example of possible ramifications of selecting devices that do not meet cybersecurity standards.
SolarEdge's commitment to cybersecurity
As a leader in the photovoltaic (PV) industry, SolarEdge is acutely aware of the cybersecurity risks facing PV asset owners and energy grids. Our commitment to cybersecurity is unwavering, and we have taken substantial measures to maximize the safety and integrity of our products and systems.
Core cybersecurity practices
SolarEdge products are developed with cybersecurity as a core priority. We implement the Cyber Informed Engineering (CIE) principle, embedding robust information security mechanisms into our products from the initial design stages. To safeguard system connectivity, functionality, and customer data, we follow a tiered approach that focuses on:
- Device Security: Our inverters and other devices are designed to prevent and detect system-wide cyberattacks, with an aim to ensure that the heart of the PV system is secure
- Network Security: We structure the energy sub-network to securely integrate with IT and OT networks, allowing for a solid defense against potential cyber threats
- Data Security: User data and energy usage data are securely transferred and stored, aiming for maximum data privacy and protection from cyber threats
- Visibility & Control: Our products are designed to meet the needs of security teams, offering maximum visibility and control to our users
Regulatory compliance and standards
SolarEdge actively participates in various technical committees and works to ensure that our product designs align with upcoming regulations and meet the latest reference guides and DER cybersecurity standards. We are involved in the establishment of international regulatory cyber standards, ensuring our products can stay ahead of the curve in terms of compliance.
Continuous improvement
We understand that the cyber threat landscape is always evolving. Therefore, we continuously adapt and enhance our solutions to align with emerging demands and regulatory standards. Our dedicated team of cybersecurity experts leads our ongoing efforts to protect our customers from ever-evolving cyber threats.
Partnering for security
Choosing to partner with SolarEdge means choosing extra protection throughout the entire system lifetime. From site commissioning to production, our comprehensive cybersecurity measures are designed to protect data integrity, communications, and business operations. We prioritize the security needs of our customers, with a focus to ensure that their energy systems remain secure and resilient against threats.
By integrating these extensive cybersecurity measures, SolarEdge ensures that PV cybersecurity remains non-negotiable, providing peace of mind to our partners and customers.
Why cybersecurity needs to be a priority
As the renewable energy sector grows, so does its potential as a target for cyberattacks. Ensuring cybersecurity is not only about protecting infrastructure; it’s about safeguarding our path to a sustainable future. A major cyber incident could shake public confidence in renewable energy, slowing down the transition to cleaner energy sources.
For manufacturers, this means taking cybersecurity seriously from the design phase. Devices should be built with security in mind, featuring mechanisms like encryption, regular software updates, and secure communication protocols. Additionally, energy companies must implement robust cybersecurity strategies, including regular monitoring, threat assessments, and employee training.
Investing in cybersecurity is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. It’s time for manufacturers, energy companies, and governments to work together to build a resilient and secure renewable energy infrastructure. By doing so, we can protect our energy systems, the environment, and the future we are striving to create.
Read more about our cybersecurity solutions here
