FCC adds Chinese power inverters to national security list

The US Federal Communications Commission has added grid-tied power inverters to its national security equipment restrictions, a move that could significantly complicate market access for Chinese-made devices.

Inverters convert direct current from batteries into the alternating current needed to power home appliances and connect to the electricity grid. They are used in home energy storage systems, solar installations, and portable power stations.

According to local media reports, the new requirements could make certification and market entry considerably harder for imported inverters, particularly those manufactured in China. The primary concern cited is cybersecurity risk linked to the ability to remotely update device firmware and potentially interfere with operations.

Already-certified devices and models currently sold or operating in the US will not be affected. New inverters equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, however, may face additional checks and a more complex approval process.

If the FCC applies the requirements in full, the range of such devices available in the US could shrink and prices on remaining models could rise, reports indicate. Individual exemptions and local supply chains remain options for some manufacturers.