# Solar’s cybersecurity System challenges

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/01/solars-cybersecurity-system-challenges/
- Published: 2023-01-04T01:25:48-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Contributed by Guohui Yuan, Systems Integration Program Manager, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office

Large systems using solar generation could provide nearly half of the nation’s electricity
supply by 2050. Those all out system solar power plants. All including the power
electronic devices that communicate with utility control and automation systems.
For they could pose significant cybersecurity challenges to power system operation.
It’s time that the solar industry becomes fully integrated in the [cybersecurity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/09/google-solar-ventures-renewable-energy-market-plans-to-sell-solar-and-energy-data-to-companies/)
planning. As well as the incident response processes of the power sector. This integration
is essential for developing [solar’s cybersecurity system](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/innovative-solar-systems-for-limited-partnership-options/).

To enable that integration, the U.S. Department of Energy is working to increase
solar’s cybersecurity resilience of solar [technologies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/u-s-secretary-of-energy-rick-perry-announces-105-million-in-new-funding-to-advance-solar-technologies/).
All through research and development (R&D). In addition and by establishing standards
and best practices. However, the solar industry must also increase its cybersecurity
awareness and maturity to support an effective solar’s cybersecurity system.

![Three professionals in hard hats and safety vests walking through a solar power
facility with photovoltaic panels in the background Solar&aposs cybersecurity system
challenges](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AdobeStock_152394413.
jpeg?resize=780%2C439&quality=52&ssl=1 "Technician walks with workman and investor
through field of solar panels - The Green Living Guy")

Professionals assessing a solar power plant highlighting the importance of cybersecurity
in solar technology integration

## Cybersecurity is a top priority

Unlike enterprise information technology (IT) systems, the electric power grid is,
in fact, a cyber-physical system that is governed by the laws of physics. Furthermore,
generation, transmission, and distribution equipment are operation technologies (
OT) that, collectively, control the power flows on the grid. Any changes in system
operation, resulting from intentional manipulation through IT and communication 
networks—such as cyberattacks—can potentially cause OT equipment damage and/or safety
and health hazards. Moreover, sophisticated attackers may possess the ability to
manipulate groups of physical equipment. As a result, this can create abnormal power
flow over a large area. Consequently, it might lead to regional instabilities and
major disruptions. Addressing these threats is crucial for maintaining [solar’s cybersecurity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/02/simply-organic-gives-grants-to-address-food-insecurity/)
system.

Utility companies and bulk power system operators have made [cybersecurity one of their top priorities](https://www.nerc.com/pa/RAPA/PA/Performance%20Analysis%20DL/NERC_SOR_2022.pdf).
Today, large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems must meet the North American 
Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection standards
before they can operate. However, smaller PV systems and other distributed energy
resources (DERs) – their numbers are in the millions today and increasing rapidly–
are not currently required to follow cybersecurity standards, which poses a challenge
to implementing a comprehensive solar’s cybersecurity system.

Source: [Renewable Energy World](https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/solar/taking-on-solars-cybersecurity-challenges/)

_Contributed by Guohui Yuan, Systems Integration Program Manager. U.S. Department
of Energy Solar [Energy Technologies Office](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/05/energy-office-home-ideas-for-your-conscious-workspace/)_

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
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