Are non-European solar inverters a threat to Europe's Energy Autonomy?

The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has issued a stark warning, highlighting a critical threat to Europe’s energy autonomy stemming from the unregulated remote access capabilities of PV inverters produced by non-European, high-risk manufacturers—particularly those from China. A recent study by DNV substantiates these concerns.

Could Chinese inverters shut down Europe's grid?

It is one of six Chinese vendors that collectively control over 219 GW. Given that Spain’s grid collapsed after a 2.2 GW drop, these vendors could remotely shut down Europe’s grid. Reports of rogue communication devices in Chinese inverters, allowing them to bypass firewalls, further highlight the need for action.

How big is the European solar inverter market?

The European solar inverter market is set to grow from USD 2.85 billion in 2024 to USD 3.66 billion by 2029, with a growth rate of 5.06% annually. This growth is driven by government incentives, investments in solar energy, and a focus on reducing carbon emissions. Germany is the largest market, followed by the UK and France.

Are Chinese inverters a threat to Europe's remote infrastructure?

ESMC Secretary-General Christoph Podewils warned that Chinese-made inverters, which account for 70% of new European installations in 2023 (with Huawei and Sungrow as dominant suppliers), now power over 200 GW of capacity—equivalent to “more than 200 nuclear plants”—stripping the continent of “critical remote infrastructure oversight.”

Are China-made photovoltaic inverters a cybersecurity risk?

Europe is grappling with growing concerns over the cybersecurity risks posed by Chinese-made photovoltaic inverters, prompting discussions about restricting high-risk suppliers from connecting to its power systems.

Will Lithuania ban Chinese inverters from connecting to European grids?

It has proposed a “Cybersecurity Toolkit” to assess manufacturer risks and called for EU-wide legislation modeled on Lithuania’s 2023 ban, which prohibits Chinese inverters from connecting to European grids.