Integration and Field Testing of a Multilevel Cybersecurity Solution for Photovoltaic Systems

With the proliferation of internet-connected distributed energy resources (DERs), there is a growing need to detect and mitigate system vulnerabilities to prevent bad actors from gaining access to critical infrastructure. In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) systems have become one of the more common forms of renewable energy generation. To best protect these PV systems, it is important that security measures are implemented at the inverter and system levels. This approach is achieved by the hardening of devices, intrusion detection, and restoration. This paper gives an overview of the multilevel integration of cybersecurity solutions, developed by university, industry, and national laboratory partners, at both the inverter and system levels and presents the results of field testing conducted at a commercially operated PV system.