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.