Security experts in the United States have found secret radio modules inside Chinese-made solar inverters. These parts are not listed in the product manuals and could allow hackers to access the power grid from a distance. The U.S. Department of Energy has started a full review to understand the possible risks from this hidden technology.
What Are Solar Inverters and Why It Matters
Solar inverters are used in solar panels, battery systems, and electric car charging stations. They convert energy from the sun into electricity that homes and businesses can use. These inverters are supposed to be protected by strong security systems, like firewalls. But the discovery of secret radio parts means someone might be able to talk to the inverter without going through the usual safety checks.
This could open a “backdoor” to the power grid—letting someone control or disrupt it from afar.
Experts Warn of Threats to Energy Security
Security experts are raising red flags. One analyst said the hidden parts could be “a built-in method to damage the grid.” This means that even small actions by hackers could have big effects—such as turning off power in parts of the country or changing how energy flows through the grid.
The U.S. government has not named the companies involved, nor has it revealed how many devices might be affected.
Not the First Time Chinese Tech Faces Questions
Chinese technology firms have been under close watch in the U.S. for years. Huawei, a big name in electronics, stopped selling solar inverters in the U.S. back in 2019. Still, the company remains a world leader in this space.
In 2022, Huawei made up 29% of the global market for solar inverters, according to energy experts at Wood Mackenzie.
Huawei Responds to Allegations
A Huawei spokesperson in Austria said that their products meet all European safety rules. They also stated that the inverters do not have hidden ways for people to connect remotely. The group PV Austria also said that some of the inverters’ features are needed for normal use. However, they warned that if remote access was possible, it could lead to serious problems.
Europe Relies Heavily on Chinese Inverters
Many European countries use solar power to meet climate goals. But much of their solar energy system depends on parts from China.
The European Solar Manufacturing Council reports that over 200 gigawatts of solar capacity in Europe runs on Chinese inverters. To give a sense of scale, that’s equal to the output of more than 200 nuclear power plants.
By the end of 2023, Europe had installed a total of 338 gigawatts of solar power. If even a small part of that system was taken offline, it could cause power shortages or even blackouts.
The U.S. Department of Energy is working with cybersecurity experts to study the risks and figure out next steps. They may decide to ban certain products, create new safety rules, or ask companies to change their devices.
In the meantime, both governments and energy companies are urged to check their systems for possible weak points. Experts say that even though there’s no sign of an active threat yet, the risk is real—and growing.
As the world shifts to clean energy, the safety of the technology we use becomes even more important. The discovery of hidden parts in solar inverters has sparked global concern. Governments and energy firms must now act fast to protect the systems that power our daily lives.