When we think of solar panels, we usually focus on their ability to reduce our carbon footprint. However, a less discussed aspect is solar safety and the potential cyber threats they may bring. With the growth of digitization, it's crucial to understand that solar technologies, especially those online, are at risk of cyberattacks. These attacks can target inverters and control devices that manage the electric grid, resulting in serious issues like power outages and fires. As we continue to advance in technology, recognizing and addressing these risks becomes more critical.
Given this rapid growth, we should also consider the cybersecurity implications. According to ExpressVPN, by 2025, renewable energy will surpass coal, with solar energy being a key driver of this growth. While the advantages of solar energy are obvious, it's essential to consider any drawbacks before deciding on a photovoltaic (PV) system for homes or businesses. This concern grows with the rapid adoption of solar energy—2023 saw a 50% increase in renewable energy systems globally, with solar contributing to three-quarters of that. China led the way, increasing its solar energy production by 66% in just one year.
As solar energy becomes more prevalent, the cybersecurity risks associated with it are growing increasingly complex. For years, the cyber risk associated with solar was minimal due to its rarity and limited advancement. But now, with widespread adoption and rapid digital transformation, more components are interconnected, making them far easier targets for hacking.
In reality, solar operations are always vulnerable to breaches, regardless of how strong their defenses are. Human error and security lapses mean that infiltrations and hacks are inevitable, with the chances of success being higher than they should be.
A growing number of solar photovoltaic inverters, which transform direct current from solar panels into usable alternating current, are now evolving into IoT devices. This constant connectivity makes them susceptible to cyber threats.
A single compromised inverter can infect an entire solar array with malware, even if it’s not an IoT device. Whether it’s an employee using an infected USB or falling victim to a phishing scam, the initial breach can escalate as long as the components are interconnected.
Inverters aren’t the only parts with inadequate security. Many supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, which monitor equipment, have numerous physical and cyber vulnerabilities.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has identified a critical flaw in SCADA systems that allows hackers to create, overwrite, or delete files without needing authentication. Sadly, the operational technology that solar infrastructure depends on has many well-known, yet largely unaddressed, weaknesses.
Moreover, solar infrastructure is at risk of ransomware and distributed denial-of-service attacks due to its role in providing essential services, often managed by government or city entities. This makes it an attractive target for hackers seeking a significant payoff.
Cyberattacks on solar panel systems fall under OT attacks—a hacker might take control of a solar panel system by targeting the inverters. In solar energy setups, the main job of inverters is to convert the direct current (DC) produced by your solar panels into usable alternating current (AC) electricity. However, inverters can also function as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, meaning they are physical devices that can connect to and share data with other devices online. Major inverter manufacturers, like Enphase and SolarEdge, include built-in monitoring systems that transmit data about your system’s production to a desktop or mobile app.
Additionally, many companies are developing energy management systems that offer more detailed monitoring and control for your solar system. For instance, with a solar-plus-storage system, your energy management setup would enable you to turn certain battery-powered devices on and off. While these features are beneficial for optimizing electricity usage, they also introduce risks for OT cyberattacks. When your inverters are online, their security is only as strong as the weakest link—so hackers could theoretically access your network through your computer and ultimately compromise your inverters.
How can you guard against potential cyber threats? Consider these steps:
1. Secure your Wi-Fi: Keep your Wi-Fi network fully secure by using strong, unique passwords, enabling encryption, and updating your passwords every three months.
2. Update Firmware: Regularly update the firmware of your solar panel system; manufacturers release these updates to fix security vulnerabilities.
3. Implement Firewalls: Set up a reliable firewall to shield your network from unauthorized access.
4. Monitor System Activity: Diligently monitor your solar panel system’s activities. Any unusual changes in energy production could signal possible tampering.
5. Annual Security Review: Annually, hire a cybersecurity expert to evaluate the security of your solar panel system.
As solar energy grows, the need for strong cybersecurity measures to protect this critical infrastructure becomes increasingly important. By implementing these proactive steps, you can help ensure that the advantages of solar energy remain intact despite potential security threats.
