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In July 2024, a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike led to a massive global IT outage, causing Microsoft Windows systems to crash and disrupting critical infrastructure, including airlines and financial services. The U.S. Government Accountability Office called it potentially the largest IT outage in history.
The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of the distributed energy sector, as more internet-connected solar systems and inverter-based resources come online. With renewable energy surpassing 30% of U.S. electrical generation in Q1 2024, the potential for similar cybersecurity risks is growing.
To address this, a new UL 2941 certification standard has been developed to safeguard residential inverters against cyber threats. Supported by NERC, the standard sets product-level cybersecurity requirements, including access control and encryption, to prevent widespread outages like the recent CrowdStrike incident. This certification is now available, providing a structured approach for manufacturers to enhance cybersecurity and protect the evolving energy grid.
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Source: Solar Power World
