UK inverter manufacturer Solis Inverters has confirmed that it is fully compliant with the UK’s recently introduced cybersecurity regulations, the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Regime.
The new scheme, which came into force in the UK in April 2024, mandates that all manufacturers of internet connected devices meet basic cybersecurity standards. As part of these regulations, manufacturers must not supply devices that use default passwords, must provide a point of contact for the reporting of security issues and must state the minimum frequency at which devices will receive important security updates.
Sandy Woodward, general manager, Solis Europe said: “The advances in solar technology must keep pace with what society demands and Solis takes cybersecurity very seriously. It is vital that we maintain our trusted relationship with our customers and the UK’s PSTI cybersecurity regulation is welcomed by us. Our data logging products are ready and fully cyber secure.”
These regulations apply to all consumer-connected devices, including renewable and solar energy systems. Last month, SolarEdge, another major player in the UK solar space, announced its compliance with the regulations.
Speaking at the time, Zvi Lando, CEO of SolarEdge Technologies, said: “Just as advances in safety have become standard in the solar industry, cyber-safe solutions should also be non-negotiable. The UK’s new PSTI cybersecurity regulation is a legislative milestone towards creating a cyber-security benchmark for manufacturers.”
Cyber attacks present a major threat to the solar energy industry
Across the energy industry, cyber attacks have been a consistent cause of concern, especially as clean energy systems become increasingly connected to the internet. A 2022 report by IBM found that the energy sector was the target of 24% of cybersecurity incidents the previous year, making it the most targeted industry in the country, as reported by our sister publication Current±.
The PSTI regulations are far from the only efforts being made to ensure the digital security of the solar industry. Last year in the US, testing and certification company UL Solutions published a new set of cybersecurity certification requirements for solar, wind and storage assets connected to the distribution grid, with PV Tech reporting that inverters are among some of the most at-risk components for cyberattacks in a solar energy system.
Solar Power Portal’s publisher Solar Media will host the UK Solar Summit on 4-5 June 2024 in London. The event will explore the UK’s new landscape for utility and rooftop solar, looking at the opportunities within a GW+ annual market, and much more. For more information, go to the website.
