The PV Inverter Scandal

How do inverters manage solar power?

Inverters, including those manufactured by SolarEdge, manage solar power by converting DC power from solar panels into AC power that can be used in homes and businesses. To this author’s very limited electrical knowledge, all inverter manufacturers use various techniques for this purpose. Solar charge controllers in off-grid systems specifically focus on these designs to keep voltages consistent when charging batteries from variable output solar panels.

Could solar power systems be hacked by a bad actor?

Cybersecurity researchers have disclosed 46 new security flaws in products from three solar power system vendors, Sungrow, Growatt, and SMA, that could be exploited by a bad actor to seize control of devices or execute code remotely, posing severe risks to electrical grids.

Is SolarEdge infringing on Ampt's patents?

Ampt, a Colorado-based power electronic specialist, has filed a lawsuit against SolarEdge, alleging that all of SolarEdge’s technology is in violation of Ampt’s patents. The lawsuit asks that SolarEdge be required to immediately cease all sales.

Could a Sungrow & Growatt inverter attack a power grid?

"An attacker that gained control of a large fleet of Sungrow, Growatt, and SMA inverters using the newly discovered vulnerabilities could control enough power to cause instability to these power grids and other major ones," Forescout said.

Could a hijacked fleet of inverters be a botnet?

To make matters worse, the hijacked fleet of inverters could then be controlled as a botnet to amplify the attack and inflict damage on the grid, leading to grid disruption and potential blackouts. All the vendors have since addressed the identified issues following responsible disclosure.

Are Jinko Solar products dumping or countervailing?

Combined dumping and countervailing duties on Jinko Solar products from Malaysia were among the lowest at 41.56%. Rival Trina Solar’s products from its operations in Thailand face tariffs of 375.19%.