Cybersecurity for Smart Inverters: State-of-the-Art Review

As renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines become more common, smart inverters are being deployed in power grids. Inverters are required to convert direct current (DC), produced from solar panels or wind turbines, into alternating current (AC) so that they can be fed into the grid. However, smart technology is also associated with significant cybersecurity flaws that can undermine the integrity and reliability of energy systems. This study reviews the current state of the security of smart inverters. They have unique architectures that make their cybersecurity a difficult challenge. Smart inverters use many communication protocols. The unauthorized entry, malware threats, and data breaches will be discussed regarding their ramifications on grid stability and security. The study stresses the necessity of cyber-attack protective measures such as intrusion detection systems, data encoding, and continuous monitoring. SMART inverters protect measures. It also covers the importance of compliance requirements and the need for cybersecurity training for staff involved in the operations of these systems. This review aims to guide the stakeholders of the energy sector to enhance the cybersecurity of smart inverters through the synthesis of the recent research and the practices followed at the industry level.