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.

The discovery raises significant security concerns as these rogue devices could potentially be used to circumvent standard security protocols and firewalls implemented by utility companies.

According to security experts familiar with the matter, these unauthorized components create secondary communication channels that may allow remote access to critical energy infrastructure without detection, potentially enabling foreign actors to manipulate or disrupt power delivery systems.

Reuters analysts identified that the undocumented equipment has been found in multiple Chinese inverter models over the past nine months, with similar discoveries in battery storage systems from various Chinese manufacturers.

The stealth nature of these components suggests deliberate concealment from regulatory oversight and security scrutiny, pointing to potential intentional infiltration of Western energy grids.

“We know that China believes there is value in placing at least some elements of our core infrastructure at risk of destruction or disruption,” said Mike Rogers, former director of the U.S. National Security Agency, highlighting the strategic implications of these findings.

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.

The Department of Energy has acknowledged the investigation, stating they “continually assess risk associated with emerging technologies” while noting “significant challenges with manufacturers disclosing and documenting functionalities.”

The discovery has accelerated efforts to reduce dependency on Chinese-manufactured components in critical infrastructure, with utility companies now actively seeking alternative suppliers from trusted nations.

Analysis of Unauthorized Communication Systems

The undocumented communication devices function as parallel network interfaces that operate independently from the inverter’s documented control systems.

When examining the circuit architecture of affected units, investigators found cellular radio modules connected directly to the main control board through secondary data lines, bypassing standard monitoring systems.

These modules appear capable of establishing encrypted connections to external servers without triggering alerts in conventional network monitoring tools.

A particularly concerning aspect is the modules’ ability to receive remote commands that can modify critical operational parameters such as frequency tolerance, power output limits, and grid synchronization settings.

Manipulation of these settings across multiple grid-connected inverters simultaneously could cause frequency instability, voltage fluctuations, or complete disconnection of renewable energy sources during peak demand periods.

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.

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