Are Chinese solar inverters Rogue?

The discovery of rogue communication devices in Chinese-made solar inverters represents a clear and present danger to global energy security.

Which companies dominate the global inverter market?

Huawei, Sungrow, and Ginlong Solis—three Chinese firms—lead the global inverter market. Huawei alone accounted for 29% of global shipments in 2022. While it exited the U.S. inverter market in 2019, it continues to supply other countries at scale.

Can inverters be installed outside?

As a rule, inverters designed for outdoor use may be installed either outdoors or indoors, however indoor inverters can only be installed indoors. The great majority of grid-tied or string inverters available today are designed for outdoor installation.

Is Huawei still a global inverter company?

Huawei alone accounted for 29% of global shipments in 2022. While it exited the U.S. inverter market in 2019, it continues to supply other countries at scale. Philipp Schroeder, CEO of German solar developer 1Komma5, said his firm avoids Huawei products due to security risks.

Can a grid-tied inverter be installed outside?

Like most electronic devices, inverters operate more efficiently at cooler temperatures. While most grid-tied inverters are designed for outside installation, they should not be mounted in direct sunlight, as this will degrade their efficiency. In addition to the lost output, the lifetime of the unit is likely to be shortened.

Does China have a grip on energy infrastructure?

NATO added that China’s grip on energy infrastructure is deepening. “We must identify strategic dependencies and take steps to reduce them,” a NATO official said. With critical infrastructure at stake, governments are being pushed to act before the risk escalates further.