Solar Threat: Europe's Security Concerns Over Solar Power

Europe's Growing Concern Over Chinese Solar Technology and Cybersecurity Risks

The European Union is facing a critical juncture in its energy strategy as it grapples with the increasing reliance on Chinese-made solar technology. Recent developments have raised significant cybersecurity concerns, particularly regarding the potential for remote access to power grids. This issue has sparked intense debate over the bloc’s green energy strategy and its long-term security implications.

The European Commission has taken a decisive step by blocking EU funding for Chinese-made solar technology due to fears that it could pose a threat to Europe’s power grid. The decision, confirmed on May 4, highlights growing anxieties in Brussels about the vulnerability of the EU to security threats stemming from its dependence on Chinese green technology.

The focus of the ban is on solar inverters, which are often referred to as the "brain" of a solar power system. These devices convert solar energy into usable electricity and are frequently connected to the internet, allowing for remote maintenance and software updates. While these features are typically used for safety and grid-stabilization purposes, cybersecurity experts warn that they could be exploited by hackers or hostile state actors to disrupt electricity supplies.

"The worst-case scenario is large-scale blackouts across Europe," warned cybersecurity expert Swantje Westphal. She emphasized that the threat is real, not just a hypothetical concern.

The Scale of Chinese Inverter Imports

In 2024, 61% of all inverters imported into Europe came from China, according to Geneva-based research group Loom. Huawei and Sungrow are the two leading inverter producers, dominating both the European and global markets. A handful of Chinese manufacturers have already provided hardware for more than 220 gigawatts of Europe's installed solar capacity.

"To put that in perspective, controlling roughly 10 gigawatts would already be sufficient to trigger major disruptions to Europe's electricity grid," said Christoph Podewils, secretary general of the European Solar Manufacturing Council.

Rogue Communication Devices in Solar Technology

While there is no known case of Chinese-made inverters being used to shut down parts of a European grid, concerns have intensified following reports by Reuters in 2025. US energy officials discovered rogue communication devices inside some Chinese-made inverters, raising alarms about potential vulnerabilities.

"The threat is real," Westphal said. "It's not a made-up hypothesis."

This incident has prompted Europe to reassess its broader dependence on Chinese clean technology imports. According to Loom, China accounts for 98% of solar panels and 88% of lithium-ion batteries imported into Europe. The organization warns that remote access functions in connected energy technologies could create potential vulnerabilities across power systems.

European Response to Chinese Green Tech Dominance

Brussels has increasingly adopted a tougher stance toward Chinese imports that are perceived as security risks or threats to European industry. In March, the European Commission introduced the Industrial Accelerator Act, aimed at directing more funding toward European-made green technologies, including batteries and electric vehicles.

Additionally, the Commission presented a revision of its Cybersecurity Act, granting Brussels greater authority to restrict Chinese companies from critical infrastructure such as communications or energy supply across European member states.

Under the latest measures, EU funds managed directly by the Commission and institutions like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development can no longer be used to purchase Chinese-made solar inverters. However, the restrictions do not apply to purchases made directly by EU member states, and existing Chinese inverters installed across Europe can remain in operation.

"It's a step in the right direction. But we didn't ban those Chinese inverters from our markets," Westphal said.

Can European Inverters Fill the Gap?

Currently, 80% of Europe's new solar systems rely on Chinese inverters, according to the European Solar Manufacturing Council. If demand shifts away from Chinese suppliers, European manufacturers will need to fill a significant gap. Podewils believes that European suppliers are prepared for this challenge.

"It is possible to grow production capacities within just a couple of months to the level needed to cover demand," said Podewils.

European-made inverters are expected to cost slightly more than Chinese alternatives—by roughly 2%, according to a European Commission official. However, Podewils argues that the added cost is justified.

"It's like an insurance fee," he said.