SCADA system in photovoltaics – what benefits does it offer?

What legal regulations must SCADA systems in photovoltaics comply with as of 2024?

The implementation of SCADA systems in photovoltaic farms is subject to a range of regulations designed to ensure their safe and efficient operation. In Poland and the European Union, regulations related to renewable energy, critical infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity are particularly important.

Who is responsible for the security of the SCADA system in a photovoltaic installation?

The correct functioning of the SCADA system in photovoltaic farms depends on both the owner of the installation and the provider of the automation system (ICS). Although the PV farm owner is formally responsible for meeting the legal requirements for SCADA operation and ensuring cybersecurity, in practice, many of these tasks – such as software updates, access management, and the implementation of protection against cyberattacks – are carried out by a specialized automation system provider.

SCADA technology providers are required to supply systems that comply with applicable standards defining cybersecurity requirements for industrial automation systems. Additionally, operators managing the PV farm should follow the guidelines of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) and the Polish Power Grid (PSE) regarding the integration of photovoltaic farms with the national power system.

How to secure the SCADA system in a photovoltaic farm against cyberattacks?

SCADA systems, as a vital component of PV farm management infrastructure, are a potential target for advanced cyberattacks, which can lead to loss of operational data integrity, disruptions in the operation of actuators, or loss of access to the HMI system. Common threats include man-in-the-middle attacks, ransomware blocking visualization systems, injection of malicious code (e.g., through vulnerabilities in Modbus, DNP3 communication protocols), and privilege escalation due to incorrect SCADA network configuration.

To minimize risks, PV farm owners must implement protective measures aligned with the national cybersecurity framework. Recommended actions include data transmission encryption, two-factor authentication, SCADA network segmentation, and regular security audits. It’s also worth implementing anomaly detection systems that enable rapid identification of unauthorized access attempts.

What benefits does the SCADA system offer in a photovoltaic installation?

1. SCADA allows for continuous monitoring and analysis of PV installation performance, enabling quick response to any anomalies, weather changes, or panel efficiency drops. Farm operators can monitor parameters in real time – voltage, current, module temperature, or sunlight levels.
2. Another advantage of SCADA is the ability to automatically detect and report faults. In the event of a failure, the system sends an immediate alert, reducing reaction time and minimizing energy loss. SCADA also supports predictive maintenance – by analyzing historical data, potential issues can be anticipated and preventive actions taken, lowering operational costs of the PV farm.
3. The SCADA system also improves integration with the power grid. Regulatory requirements obligate PV farms to deliver specific energy parameters to the grid. Thanks to SCADA, the operation of inverters and other control devices can be adjusted in real time.
4. In the context of modern technologies, SCADA can be integrated with AI- and IoT-based solutions. AI algorithms analyze production data and weather forecasts to optimize energy management, while IoT devices enable more precise measurement and control of individual system components. As a result, PV farms become more autonomous and resilient to unforeseen disruptions.

The SCADA Nomad NX system enables effective energy production management, rapid fault detection, and integration with the national power grid. Its implementation requires compliance with legal regulations such as URE guidelines, as well as the deployment of safeguards against cyberattacks. The development of SCADA combined with AI, IoT, and cloud computing will further automate and optimize PV farms, enhancing their efficiency and security.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What is a SCADA system and how does it work in a photovoltaic farm?
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a supervisory system that enables remote monitoring, analysis, and control of photovoltaic installations. It allows operators to track system performance parameters in real time, respond to faults, and optimize the installation’s efficiency.
2. What are the main benefits of implementing SCADA in a PV farm?
SCADA increases energy management efficiency, enables early fault detection, supports predictive maintenance, and allows integration with the national power grid. The system also helps reduce energy losses and improve investment profitability.
3. What legal regulations apply to SCADA systems from 2024 onward?
SCADA systems must comply with national and EU regulations concerning RES, critical infrastructure protection, and cybersecurity. Important guidelines include those issued by the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) and cybersecurity standards for industrial automation.
4. Who is responsible for the proper functioning and security of SCADA?
Formal responsibility lies with the owner of the PV farm; however, operational tasks (e.g., updates, security configuration) are often performed by the SCADA system provider. Both parties must cooperate in accordance with applicable standards and regulatory guidelines.
5. What cyber threats affect SCADA systems?
SCADA systems are vulnerable to threats such as ransomware attacks, session hijacking (man-in-the-middle), malicious code injection, and privilege escalation. Industrial automation communication protocols are particularly at risk.
6. How can SCADA be protected against cyberattacks?
Recommended measures include data transmission encryption, two-factor authentication, network segmentation, regular audits, and implementation of anomaly detection systems. Cooperation with certified providers and compliance with the national cybersecurity framework are also essential.
7. Can SCADA be integrated with other technologies, such as AI or IoT?
Yes. SCADA systems are increasingly integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, enabling intelligent energy management, failure forecasting, and increased autonomy of photovoltaic farms.
8. What distinguishes the SCADA Nomad NX system?
The SCADA Nomad NX system is a modern SCADA platform enabling full integration with the power grid, real-time fault detection, and production data analysis. It is designed to comply with current regulations and cybersecurity requirements.