Electronics experts have discovered previously unknown communication modules in solar inverters of Chinese origin, as reported by the Reuters news agency. Devices with mobile phone functions have also been found in batteries from Chinese manufacturers.
Inverters, which are often produced in China, are central components in solar plants and wind power systems: They ensure the connection between the producers of renewable energy and the power grid. They are also used in battery storage systems, heat pumps and charging systems for electric vehicles. Such devices are usually equipped with network functions for software updates or maintenance. However, it is precisely these interfaces that open up potential gateways for cyber attacks. Attackers or even state-controlled hacker groups could use the undocumented communication channels that have now been discovered to exploit security gaps in order to intervene in the systems in a targeted manner. This could lead to inverters being deactivated or manipulated remotely.
Possible consequences: grid stability is at risk, damage to the energy infrastructure, widespread power outages. In the USA, the relevant energy authorities have announced that they will reassess the risks. Concern is also growing in Germany - particularly due to the widespread use of Chinese inverters.
The central government in Beijing has a direct influence on a system-relevant part of the German power supply via the internet-enabled components of solar power systems, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has admitted.
