U.S. Officials Probe Rogue Communication Devices in Solar Power Inverters
U.S. energy officials are intensifying scrutiny of Chinese-manufactured power inverters, critical components in renewable energy systems, after discovering undocumented
U.S. energy officials are intensifying scrutiny of Chinese-manufactured power inverters, critical components in renewable energy systems, after discovering undocumented
On May 14, 2025, U.S. energy officials began investigating Chinese-made solar power inverters after discovering undocumented communication devices, including cellular radios, inside some
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U.S. energy officials have launched an investigation after discovering unauthorized communication equipment embedded within Chinese-manufactured solar power inverters connected to critical infrastructure grids across the country.
These inverters, which are essential components that convert direct current from solar panels into alternating current usable by the electrical grid, were found to contain undocumented cellular radio devices not disclosed in product specifications or technical documentation.
Energy security experts warn that coordinated remote manipulation of these devices could destabilize power grids and trigger widespread blackouts, particularly as Chinese-made inverters now control a substantial portion of renewable energy capacity in the United States and Europe.
This vulnerability is especially dangerous given the growing penetration of solar power on Western grids, where in some regions, Chinese-manufactured inverters control upwards of 200 gigawatts of generating capacity – equivalent to more than 200 nuclear power plants.