Hidden Chinese tech in solar inverters alarms US officials: Report

The U.S. is heavily dependent on Chinese-made parts for its solar power systems. But that reliance may come with a serious risk. A new investigation by Reuters has revealed that hidden communication devices have been found in some of these parts—potentially creating a national security threat.

According to Reuters, experts have discovered secret cellular radios and other communications gear inside solar inverters and solar batteries made by Chinese companies. These components are widely used in U.S. infrastructure to connect solar panels to the grid and store solar energy.

Energy officials and cybersecurity experts warn that these hidden tools could be used to remotely disable inverters and disrupt the power supply. In a worst-case scenario, it could even lead to blackouts.

Alarmingly, the news agency reported that in November, some solar inverters in the U.S. were disabled remotely from China. Although the full impact of that event remains unclear, it raised red flags among officials.

It’s not unusual for solar equipment to have built-in communication systems. These features allow companies to push software updates and monitor performance remotely. But the concerning part, according to Reuters, is that these specific devices were not documented. That means they were hidden on purpose.

“While this functionality may not have malicious intent, it is critical for those procuring to have a full understanding of the capabilities of the products received,” a spokesperson for the Department of Energy told Reuters.

If a communication system is openly listed in a product’s documentation, companies typically install firewalls and cybersecurity protocols to protect it. But when a device is hidden, those protections are not applied. This makes it much easier for hackers—or even foreign governments—to access or manipulate these systems without detection.

At this stage, the scale of the issue is still uncertain. The news agency reported that multiple Chinese manufacturers were involved but could not confirm how many parts or systems were affected.

China pushes back as officials weigh next steps

China has denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington responded to the report by saying, “We oppose the generalisation of the concept of national security, distorting and smearing China’s infrastructure achievements.”

Despite the denial, concerns are growing in Washington. China already faces bans on supplying equipment to other U.S. infrastructure projects, such as 5G towers, over similar fears of surveillance or sabotage. It now seems that similar restrictions may be coming for solar power systems as well.

Research from energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie found that about 78% of all solar inverters are made in China. The Center for a Prosperous America estimates that Chinese companies account for 39% of the U.S. solar module capacity. These statistics highlight just how deeply embedded Chinese technology has become in America’s clean energy grid.

That makes this discovery especially troubling. The solar components in question are not just sitting in warehouses—they are already installed across the country. That means any future threats related to these hidden devices wouldn’t be theoretical—they could hit real homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

The Department of Energy hasn’t officially raised alarms but is clearly monitoring the situation closely. In the meantime, officials are likely to push for more domestic manufacturing of solar parts to reduce this type of dependency.

Whether or not the hidden devices were placed with harmful intent, the situation raises major questions about security, transparency, and how much trust should be placed in foreign-made energy technology.