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.
As solar power becomes increasingly integral to Europe’s clean energy goals and energy security, a major vulnerability looms: software-enabled remote access to PV inverters—the essential control units of solar power systems.
Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC), stated that more than 200 GW of Europe’s photovoltaic (PV) capacity is currently connected to inverters made in China—an amount comparable to the output of over 200 nuclear power plants. He warned that this has effectively placed remote control of a significant part of Europe’s electricity infrastructure in foreign hands.
The threat is real, not hypothetical. Internet connectivity is essential for modern inverters to perform grid support functions and participate in power markets. However, this connectivity also enables remote software updates, allowing manufacturers to potentially modify device performance from afar. This poses serious cybersecurity risks, including the danger of intentional disruption or large-scale shutdowns. A recent DNV report, commissioned by SolarPower Europe, highlights the credible risk of cascading blackouts due to coordinated or malicious manipulation of inverters.
Further concerns include:
- 70% of all inverters installed in 2023 came from Chinese vendors, mainly Huawei and SunGrow.
- These two companies alone already control remote access to 168 GW of PV capacity in Europe (DNV Report, p. 40).
- by 2030, this figure is projected to exceed 400 GW – comparable to the output of 150–200 nuclear power plants.
- One of these vendors is already banned from the 5G sector in many countries and is currently under investigation in Belgium for bribery and corruption.
In light of these findings, the ESMC calls for the immediate development of an EU “Inverter Security Toolbox”, modeled after the successful 5G Security Toolbox. This would involve:
- A comprehensive risk assessment of inverter manufacturers.
- A requirement that high-risk vendors must not be permitted to maintain an online connection to European electricity systems.
- Consideration of outright bans for such vendors from connecting to the grid.
- A replication of Lithuania’s proactive legislation – banning inverters from China – across all EU Member States – ensuring security measures apply to PV systems of all sizes.
Podewils emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Europe must take immediate action to avoid a future energy crisis comparable to its past dependence on Russian gas. He expressed support for the European Commission’s forthcoming assessment of cybersecurity risks within the solar value chain and affirmed ESMC’s readiness to contribute its expertise to the process.
GoodWe shared in the report that the company expanded greenhouse gas (GHG) verification (including scale 1, 2 and 3) to cover its new global headquarters, Suzhou manufacturing base, Guangde manufacturing base, and Yude subsidiary.
Community Impacts and Inclusive Workplace
GoodWe continues to create long lasting value for both communities and the environment. The EcoSmart Kids campaign, in its second year in Australia, was extended to Pakistan, blending solar education with creative competitions to inspire young minds.
(GoodWe EcoSmart Kids 2024 campaign in Australia)
Reaffirming its environmental commitment, GoodWe launched the “GoodWe Forest” initiative during the 2024 Global Partner Summit, planting 2,024 trees with supports from two NGOs. The project is set to expand in 2025 and beyond.
(GoodWe Forest showcasing at the company’s exhibition hall)
Leveraging its technological strengths, GoodWe further extended its solar station donation program in 2024—from schools and communities to rural infrastructure—installing stations with a combined capacity of 375 kW in partnership with local collaborators. These efforts provide clean energy access and educational support where it’s needed most.
Internally, the company remains dedicated to building a supportive workplace culture, being named the Best Employer in its headquarters city for the eighth consecutive year and recognized as ‘The Best ESG Practices Employer’ of the year.
Driving Innovation for a Smarter Energy Future
Innovation remains at the core of GoodWe’s development strategy. In 2024, the company further expanded its comprehensive energy products portfolio, integrating solutions such as inverters, battery systems, EV chargers, BIPVs, heat pumps, and smart energy management platforms—empowering customers world.
