Chinese ‘kill switches’ found hidden in US solar farms: A looming threat to security
Hidden “kill switches” have been found in US solar farms. These rogue devices, embedded in Chinese-made power inverters and batteries, could allow Beijing to remotely cripple power grids.
The revelation, first reported by Reuters, has sent shockwaves through the energy sector. It raises serious questions about the security of renewable energy infrastructure.
Over the past nine months, US experts have uncovered undocumented communication devices, including cellular radios, in equipment from multiple Chinese suppliers.
These devices were not listed in product documentation. They were only detected during rigorous security checks before the equipment was connected to power grids.
The Mechanics of the Threat
Power inverters are the unsung heroes of renewable energy. They convert electricity from solar panels and wind turbines into a form usable by the grid. Without them, renewable energy systems grind to a halt.
The discovery of hidden communication devices in these inverters is alarming.
Experts warn that these “kill switches” could be used to remotely disable inverters.
This could destabilize power grids, damage infrastructure, and trigger widespread blackouts.
One source told Reuters, “That effectively means there is a built-in way to physically destroy the grid.”
The devices could bypass firewalls typically installed by utility companies to prevent unauthorized access.
This vulnerability could allow a hostile actor to manipulate inverter settings or shut them down entirely.
The potential consequences are catastrophic, especially in a conflict scenario.
A Real-World Warning
The threat is not hypothetical. In November 2024, solar power inverters in the US were disabled remotely from China.
The incident involved equipment from manufacturers like Sol-Ark and Deye. The exact number of affected inverters and the extent of the damage remain unclear.
However, the event underscores the real-world risks of relying on Chinese technology in critical infrastructure.
China’s Dominance in the Market
China’s grip on the global inverter market is staggering.
In 2022, Huawei, the world’s largest inverter supplier, accounted for 29% of global shipments, according to consultancy Wood Mackenzie.
Together with Sungrow and Ginlong Solis, Chinese companies manufactured over half of the world’s power inverters in 2023.
This dominance amplifies the threat. “China’s dominance is becoming a bigger issue because of the growing renewables capacity on Western grids,” said Philipp Schröder, CEO of German solar developer 1Komma5.
His company avoids Huawei inverters due to security concerns.
The UK and Europe are equally vulnerable. Over 200 GW of European solar capacity relies on Chinese inverters, out of a total 338 GW installed by the end of last year, per SolarPower Europe.
Experts estimate that controlling just 3-4 GW could cause widespread disruption.
| Region | Solar Capacity Linked to Chinese Inverters | Total Installed Solar Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Over 200 GW | 338 GW (end of 2024) |
| United States | Not specified, but significant | Not specified |
US Government Response
The US government is taking the threat seriously. Energy officials are reassessing risks posed by Chinese-made devices.
The Department of Energy is integrating “trusted equipment” into the grid. It’s also developing a “Software Bill of Materials” to ensure transparency in supply chains.
Legislative action is underway. In February, lawmakers introduced the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act.
This bill bans the Department of Homeland Security from purchasing batteries from Chinese companies like CATL, BYD, Envision Energy, EVE Energy, Hithium, and Gotion starting October 2027.
Utilities are also acting. Florida Power & Light Company is minimizing its use of Chinese inverters, opting for domestically produced equipment.
“The threat we face from the Chinese Communist Party is real and growing,” said Republican Congressman August Pfluger, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
International Reactions
The discovery has global implications. In the UK, the government is reviewing Chinese technology in renewable energy infrastructure.
Shadow Energy Minister Andrew Bowie has called for an “immediate pause” on the green energy rollout.
“We were already aware of concerns raised by the Ministry of Defence and intelligence services about Chinese-built wind turbines,” Bowie said.
“These developments are equally, if not more, worrying.”
Europe faces similar risks. Lithuania has blocked remote access from China for solar installations over 100kW.
Estonia, however, remains vulnerable to potential blackmail due to its reliance on Chinese technology.
NATO has flagged China’s efforts to control critical infrastructure as a significant threat, urging members to reduce strategic dependencies.
Recent cyberattacks linked to Chinese state actors, such as Volt Typhoon, have infiltrated critical infrastructure networks, including power systems in Guam and potentially the US mainland.
These incidents highlight the broader context of China’s cyber strategy.
China’s Response
China has dismissed the allegations as a “smear.” A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington told Reuters, “We oppose the generalization of the concept of national security, distorting and smearing China’s infrastructure achievements.”
No detailed responses from Chinese authorities or companies like Huawei, Sungrow, or Ginlong Solis have been made public.
Huawei, previously accused of building backdoor access into its 5G equipment, was Ascendant denied those claims.
The company left the US inverter market in 2019 after a US ban on its telecom equipment.
The lack of transparency from Chinese companies fuels suspicion, especially given China’s legal requirement for firms to cooperate with its intelligence agencies.
A History of Concerns
This is not the first time Chinese technology has raised red flags.
In 2018, a small monitoring chip was found on SuperMicro server motherboards made in China.
The 2019 Huawei 5G ban further heightened scrutiny. Recent incidents, like the 2023 Chinese spy balloon over the US, have intensified calls to confront Beijing’s espionage efforts.
“We know that China believes there is value in placing at least some elements of our core infrastructure at risk,” said Mike Rogers, former director of the US National Security Agency.
The Path Forward
The discovery of “kill switches” is a wake-up call. It highlights vulnerabilities in global supply chains for critical infrastructure.
As nations push for renewable energy, securing these systems is paramount.
Experts advocate for robust cybersecurity measures, diversified supply chains, and thorough vetting of foreign technology.
The US is exploring domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on Chinese equipment.
However, disentangling the world’s two largest economies remains a daunting challenge.
“Ten years ago, switching off Chinese inverters wouldn’t have caused much harm,” said Schröder. “Now, the critical mass is much larger.”
The hidden “kill switches” in US solar farms are a ticking time bomb.
With China’s stranglehold on renewable energy technology, the West must act swiftly to protect its power grids.
The stakes are high: failure to address this threat could leave millions vulnerable to geopolitical manipulation.
The balance between green energy goals and national security has never been more precarious.
