Greetings, solar enthusiasts! Today, I’m going to delve into an intriguing, often overlooked aspect of home solar technology – the cybersecurity of smart inverters. Solar companies are constantly evolving, and some technological developments can bring their own set of challenges to resolve. Understanding the cybersecurity measures for smart inverters could enlighten you on the safe adoption of solar panels for your home.
Smart inverters are undeniably important components of solar arrays for home. These devices aid local utilities in navigating abnormalities on the grid. However, as with many “smart” technologies, these inverters can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If improperly configured (either unintentionally or in a worst-case scenario, maliciously) smart inverters can negatively affect the electric grid. Thus, it’s crucial for national guidelines to be established for enhancing the cybersecurity capabilities of smart inverters.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is working diligently towards this end by drafting guidelines for integrating cybersecurity measures into smart inverters. Their guidelines point to one key element – communication. How smart inverters interact with utilities, third-party operators, manufacturers, or even other local devices is fundamental. However, as NIST points out, this extensive communication capability can, unfortunately, also open doors for cyber-attacks.
To counter possible threats, NIST suggests disabling unused features and capabilities that are not necessary for a particular deployment. For example, guest access and certain remote access protocols could be potentially cut off to limit exposure. Yet, it’s worth noting that the draft has yet to expound on how autonomous functions of smart inverters, such as voltage regulation, should be managed. For your solar array at home, these guidelines could be especially important in securing your system.
Interestingly, when NIST tested five smart inverters to gauge their compatibility with the draft guidelines, they discovered that only two of the inverters had the ability to disable unused features. This points to an area where compliance might be a struggle for some solar companies.
In their smart inverter vulnerability survey conducted in 2022, NIST identified 15 vulnerabilities to cyberattacks in 2021, and an additional 30 from further in the past. This research underlines the crucial need for robust guidelines to enhance cybersecurity.
The goal of this blog is to keep you informed on all aspects of solar power, including those that might not be on everybody’s radar (like the cybersecurity of smart inverters!). A well-rounded understanding of solar panels for your home will help you embrace this sustainable energy source with confidence and peace of mind! Let’s continue to learn and grow together in the solar industry, staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/15/protecting-smart-inverters-from-cyberattack/
