Will Chinese inverter manufacturers face a similar ban?

Several U.S. utility companies fear that, following Huawei’s ban, other Chinese inverter manufacturers could face a similar ban.

Are Chinese inverters causing a 'bombshell'?

From pv magazine Spain The bombshell broke on Wednesday: A Reuters report said unexplained communication devices had been found inside some inverters and energy storage batteries made in China, and U.S. energy officials were reportedly “reassessing the risk posed by Chinese-made devices, according to two anonymous sources.”

Which countries are reviewing national exposure to remote inverters?

Estonia and the U.K. are also reviewing national exposure. According to Reuters, a November 2024 incident involving the remote disabling of inverters reportedly originating from China further fueled concerns. The case sparked a dispute between U.S. company Sol-Ark and Chinese supplier Deye.

Could switching off a power inverter cause a blackout?

Another warned that switching off or altering settings on inverters remotely could destabilize power networks or cause blackouts. The U.S. Department of Energy acknowledged the challenge, saying it is working to improve transparency around imported technology.

How much does a power inverter cost?

Here’s how to get started with as little as $10 Power inverters are used to connect solar panels to electricity grids. Though inverters are designed to allow remote access for maintenance purposes, utility companies typically install firewalls to block unapproved access.

Where are solar inverters made?

These inverters link solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries to electric grids and are primarily manufactured in China. While they are designed for remote updates, U.S. utilities typically install firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.