Securing the future of renewable energy: Why solar cybersecurity matters
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 exposed to cyber risk?
Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewables are increasingly connected to the internet to facilitate essential activities such as monitoring, making them, like any other device connected to the internet, exposed to 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 unsecured systems.
Cyber threats to a business owner
While a business owner may employ various cyber protections to guard the company network, an unsecured PV site can pose business risks, e.g., by serving as an unwitting gateway for hackers to access energy loads as well as an organization’s wider digital platforms, causing further material, financial, and reputational damage.
The current state of cybersecurity in renewables
Despite the 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. Some manufacturers prioritize speed and cost over security, resulting in devices with inadequate protection against cyber threats.
Governments have an important role 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 sure all vendors adhere to higher security standards.
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
Collaboration between industry experts, energy companies, and cybersecurity professionals can also help create a comprehensive framework that protects renewable energy infrastructure from 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 for their owners. This is but one example of the 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 by unsecured devices. 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: Security measures are in place to enable secure transfer and storage of user data and energy usage data (in a data center in Germany), 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 changing. Therefore, we continuously adapt and enhance our solutions to align with emerging demands and regulatory standards.
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.
For SolarEdge, PV cybersecurity is non-negotiable, and with our integrated cybersecurity approach, we can provide peace of mind to our partners and customers.
Read more about our cybersecurity solutions here
