Sustainability Secured: SolarEdge Devices Cyber Certified
As the world races towards a greener future, the integration of renewable energy sources into national power grids has become a cornerstone of sustainable development.
However, this rapid transition brings with it a new set of challenges, chief among them being cybersecurity.
This has brought with it regulation from the UK and EU to ensure that renewable energy technologies, particularly those connected to the grid, meet stringent cybersecurity standards.
A leading smart energy technology company SolarEdge Technologies has demonstrated how sustainability can be secure by announcing early certification for its wireless connected products.
Why cybersecurity for solar energy?
As solar panels, inverters, and energy storage systems become increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital technologies, they also become potential targets for cyber attacks.
This is of increasing concern for a number of reason. One is that as countries begin to count on renewables as more integral parts of a country’s energy supply, an attack on these devices could take down a key component of a country’s power supply.
Equally, these devices, if connected to the grid, could be used as a jump off point for cyber criminals to get deeper into the network as part of an elaborate supply chain attack.
Such a reality was proven when in a stark demonstration when a Dutch "white hacker" known as Jelle Ursem gained access to 40,000 homes in the Netherlands via their rooftop solar systems.
"With the rapid growth of solar adoption, the need for non-negotiable cyber security regulations is critical to safeguarding future energy security,” says Ronen Faier, Interim CEO at SolarEdge Technologies.
“We are pleased to see Europe taking the lead with the forthcoming RED regulation, which will help ensure homeowners, businesses and grid operators embrace solar technology with more robust cyber defences in place."
A proactive approach to cybersecurity
SolarEdge's announcement comes at a time when regulatory bodies across Europe are tightening cybersecurity requirements for internet-connected devices, including those in the renewable energy sector.
The company's proactive stance places it at the forefront of compliance with these emerging standards.
The RED Article 3.3, set to come into effect in August 2025, will establish a new regulatory framework for radio equipment and impose cybersecurity requirements for all applicable IoT products sold in Europe.
For the solar industry, this means that PV systems relying on wireless connectivity will need to comply with an extensive series of cybersecurity requirements.
These requirements focus on three key areas: the implementation of network protection features, personal data protection, and the reduction of fraud risks.
The regulation holds particular significance for the solar industry due to its expanding contributions to global energy generation and its importance as critical energy infrastructure.
In the UK, the PSTI regulation, which came into force in April 2024, mandates that all manufacturers of internet-connected devices meet basic cybersecurity standards. This includes solar inverters and other components of renewable energy systems.
Securing a sustainable future
As solar adoption continues to grow rapidly, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly critical.
SolarEdge's early compliance with these regulations sets a benchmark for the industry.
As these systems become more integral to national power supplies, securing them against cyber threats is not just about protecting individual installations, but about safeguarding the stability and reliability of entire power grids.
As we transition towards a greener future, enterprises must ensure that this transition is not only sustainable but also secure.
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