Rogue Devices in Chinese Solar Panels Raise Grid Security Concerns

Officials are reassessing risks posed by Chinese-made devices found in solar panels that could damage energy infrastructure, destabilize power grids, and trigger blackouts. Over the past nine months, "rogue communication devices" were discovered in solar power inverters and batteries from several Chinese suppliers. These undocumented devices were found after U.S. experts disassembled renewable energy equipment to check for security issues, prompting a review of their potential dangers. Mike Rogers, a former director of the U.S. National Security Agency, stated that China may be hoping to limit Western options by using these inverters. Experts warn that if these devices are used to circumvent firewalls or turn off inverters remotely, they could destabilize power grids, damage energy technology, and cause blackouts. Energy and security experts have long cautioned that reliance on Chinese products for green energy could expose the U.S. to espionage and security risks. A spokesperson for the Department of Energy (DOE) noted that while this functionality may not have malicious intent, it is critical for those procuring equipment to have a full understanding of its capabilities. The DOE is working to strengthen U.S. supply chains and integrate trusted equipment into the power grid. Republican officials advised an American energy company to stop using Chinese-manufactured batteries due to security risks. Duke Energy disconnected Chinese-manufactured systems from the grid following the inquiry. The DOE, Department of Homeland Security, and National Security Agency did not respond to requests for comment.

Published: 5/17/2025