US experts warn 'rogue' devices found in Chinese solar power inverters could trigger blackouts, report says

U.S. security experts have reportedly uncovered undocumented communication devices inside Chinese-made solar power inverters — hardware that’s widely used to support renewable energy infrastructure.

According to a Reuters report, citing sources familiar with the matter, “rogue communication devices” that are not listed in product documents have been found in some inverters and batteries supplied by multiple Chinese manufacturers.

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Power inverters are used to connect solar panels to electricity grids. Though inverters are designed to allow remote access for maintenance purposes, utility companies typically install firewalls to block unapproved access. But experts warned Reuters that using the rogue components to circumvent those protections and remotely shut down inverters or change their settings could potentially destabilize power grids, damage energy infrastructure and trigger widespread blackouts.

“That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid,” one source told Reuters.

A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington told the news service: “We oppose the generalization of the concept of national security, distorting and smearing China’s infrastructure achievements.”

Reuters says the U.S. Department of Energy acknowledged there were challenges with manufacturers disclosing and documenting functionalities of emerging technologies. A spokesperson also noted, “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.”

The news service says both sources declined to name the manufacturers of the inverters and batteries with the extra components, and would not say how many they had found.

The idea that a foreign-made component — quietly embedded in clean energy infrastructure — could one day be used to disrupt the U.S. power grid may sound like science fiction. But it can be a real threat to security experts.

Individuals may be left wondering what they can do to prepare. Here are a few practical steps.

Find a backup power source

The best way to minimize the impact of a power outage is to have a backup power source, such as a generator.

You probably won’t be able to power the entire house on a backup generator, but it should allow you to run some essential appliances — such as a fridge — when the grid is down.

Of course, generators are big-ticket items and not every household is willing to invest in one. If you just want to charge electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, you can get a power bank. Power banks store energy and come in different capacities. The bigger the capacity, the more charges it can provide.

Read more: This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

Build a blackout-ready supply stash

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has previously recommended gathering enough essentials to sustain your household for at least 72 hours. That includes food, water, flashlights, batteries and any necessary medications.

Without electricity, your refrigerator won’t keep food cold for long. Freezers can preserve food a bit longer, but in a prolonged blackout, spoilage is likely. To stay prepared, stock your pantry with non-perishable items that require little to no preparation. Canned goods like beans, vegetables and soup are reliable staples. Dried fruits, nuts, crackers, powdered milk and cereal also tend to have a reasonably long shelf life.

You may want to get some bottled water, too, just in case something happens with the water supply during the power outage.

Stay informed

Sign up for alerts from your local utility company and emergency management office — many offer real-time updates via text, email or mobile apps to keep you informed during outages.

But don’t rely solely on digital channels. If your internet or mobile phone service goes down, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can still access critical updates. Be sure to include one in your emergency kit, along with extra batteries, so you’re not left in the dark when it matters most.

Is your portfolio prepared?

Being ready for a blackout isn’t just about flashlights and canned goods — it’s also about financial resilience. Geopolitical risks remain elevated, and markets have been anything but steady, with repeated shocks sending investors scrambling for cover.

That’s why some investors have turned to assets deemed shockproof — investments that can hold their value, or even gain, during times of uncertainty.

Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently highlighted the role of one time-tested asset in a resilient portfolio.

“People don’t have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio,” Dalio told CNBC in February. “When bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier.”

Long viewed as the ultimate safe haven, gold isn’t tied to any single country, currency or economy. It can’t be printed out of thin air like fiat money, and in times of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, investors tend to pile in — driving up its value.

Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 35%.

Today, there are plenty of ways to gain exposure to gold. Investors can buy gold bullion — many online platforms offer a wide selection of gold and silver bars and coins at fair prices — own shares of gold mining companies, invest in gold ETFs, and even tap into potential tax advantages through a gold IRA.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.