Cyber Security
Most operating activities such as monitoring and control of systems can be done locally by the PV system operator or service personnel without the need for data communication via public Internet infrastructure. These operating activities, including data communication between PV system operator/service personnel and data logger, inverter or additional equipment, can be accessed by using local displays, keypads or using local access of the webserver of a device in the LAN of the PV system or of the building.
In other use cases of systems, the PV systems are also part of the global communication system, which is based on Internet infrastructures.
The data communication via Internet is an up-to-date, economically viable and customer-friendly approach in order to enable easy access for the following modern applications such as:
Cloud platforms (e.g., Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS)
Smartphones or other mobile devices (iOS or Android apps)
SCADA systems, which are remotely connected
Utility interfaces for grid management services
Alternatively, selected and secured communication interfaces may be used. These solutions are no longer state of the art and are very expensive to use (special communication interfaces, separate wide area networks and more).
When using the Internet infrastructure, the systems connected to the Internet are entering a basically unsecure area. Potential attackers constantly seek vulnerable systems. Usually, they are criminally motivated, have a terrorist background or aim to disrupt business operations. Without taking any measures to protect systems and other systems from such misuse, a data communication system should not be connected to the Internet.
Communication between the SMA internet platform Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS and the Sunny Home Manager takes place via the Webconnect process as well as the HTTPS protocol, i.e., an authenticated and encrypted connection, and thus enables secure communication via the internet.
You can find the current recommendations of SMA Solar Technology AG on the topic of cyber security in the technical information "PUBLIC CYBER SECURITY - Guidelines for a Secure PV System Communication" at www.SMA-Solar.com.