SolarBridge Explains: FCC Solar Inverter Restrictions Could Impact Domestic Solar Projects

On July 28, 2026, the FCC released an updated Covered List that placed strict limitations on imported power inverters. On August 20, 2026, the FCC updated the rule again — broadening what counts as a “connected” inverter and opening a new compliance path for domestic manufacturers. This piece reflects both updates.

Federal regulators issued the restriction due to concerns over grid cybersecurity and foreign interests gaining access to sensitive infrastructure via inverters with the ability to communicate, receive telemetry data, or remotely update firmware.

These FCC solar inverter restrictions affect smart inverters. Smart inverters link your generation equipment to the electrical grid.

Where, you might ask? Between the solar panels and your house is a smart inverter. Federal regulators now believe that connectivity points assembled outside of the U.S. pose a serious cybersecurity threat to the grid.

What Did the FCC Change Regarding Inverter Approvals? Solar Inverter Regulations 2026

Effective July 28, 2026, the FCC placed power inverters with remote sensing or control functionality on its Covered List. By moving foreign-made models to the Covered List, the federal government prevents uncertified units from entering the United States market.

Without authorization from the FCC, companies cannot legally import, sell, or install covered smart inverters.

Solar inverter regulations 2026 now target power conversion equipment that facilitates remote communication — sending performance data out, receiving firmware updates, or both. If the inverter changes direct current to alternating current (or vice-versa) and can communicate to external networks or databases via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, Ethernet, or other wired or wireless remote sensing/measurement tools, it falls under the new inverter regulations.

On August 20, 2026, the FCC broadened this definition again to explicitly include hardwired connections. An inverter that reports home over a wired Ethernet connection is now covered on the same terms as one that does it over Wi-Fi — wired is no longer a safe harbor on its own.

Companies found selling or installing covered equipment will be fined at the federal level. The restrictions apply to residential microinverters, commercial string inverters, and utility-scale power electronics.

Federal regulators introduced this rule change due to cybersecurity concerns over remote-enabled smart inverters — wired or wireless.

Why Are Connected Inverters a Cybersecurity Threat? Understanding Solar Inverter Security Risks

The FCC is worried about foreign hackers taking control of large portions of the grid remotely through access points like smart inverters. Many utility-scale solar farms and commercial installations house hundreds if not thousands of individual smart inverters all connected back to a central management platform.

If hackers gained access to solar inverter firmware updates, they could theoretically cause untold damage across massive swaths of the grid simultaneously.

Installers and developers can technically still purchase foreign-made solar inverters, but they will not be able to import new models that require FCC authorization.

Does the FCC Ban All Foreign-Made Solar Inverters? Understanding the FCC Solar Inverter Ban

No, all foreign-made solar inverters are not banned in the United States. However, the FCC solar inverter ban does restrict smart inverters with wired or wireless connectivity or telemetry functionality manufactured outside of the United States from being imported, sold, or installed after July 28th.

So solar companies can keep operating while the new rules phase in, previously authorized equipment grandfathered under the old system is still able to be sold, imported, and installed.

Which Solar Inverters Are Affected? Understanding Solar Inverter Regulations

Foreign-made solar inverters with network connectivity or remote access — wired or wireless — fall under the updated solar inverter regulations. Solar inverters that pass DC electricity into AC electricity without any hardware capable of communicating back to servers or local clouds, over any connection type, are unaffected. Pure AC-to-DC rectifiers and off-grid inverters with no grid interconnection are exempted outright, regardless of origin — both were removed from the Covered List in the FCC’s August 20, 2026 update.

Installers who wish to remain compliant under the new solar inverter rules have three options: source from a manufacturer that qualifies under the Section 45X tax-credit path (more below), source from a manufacturer that clears the standard Buy American component-value threshold, or install a truly air-gapped inverter with no wired or wireless telemetry at all.

Solar Inverter Type	Communication Capabilities	Manufacturer / Origin	Acceptable?
Foreign String Inverter	Wi-Fi / Cellular Enabled	Imported	Acceptable if authorized before July 28, 2026
Foreign Microinverter	Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Enabled	Imported	Acceptable if authorized before July 28, 2026
Foreign Inverter, Any Type	Ethernet / Wired Remote Communication	Imported	Acceptable if authorized before July 28, 2026 — added to the Covered List definition Aug 20, 2026
Any Inverter, Any Type	Any (wired or wireless)	45X-Eligible Manufacturer	Not classified as foreign-made, regardless of assembly location — added Aug 20, 2026. FEOC-controlled manufacturers do not qualify.
Truly Air-Gapped Inverter	None — no external network link of any kind	Imported	Not considered network-connected; unaffected
Off-Grid Inverter or AC-to-DC Rectifier	Any	Any	Removed from the Covered List entirely as of Aug 20, 2026
U.S. Microinverter	Remote Connection Capabilities	Built in America	Acceptable for authorization

Solar companies can still import foreign-made solar inverters — it depends on how the inverter qualifies, not simply where it was bolted together.

There are two separate paths to a compliant “domestic” designation. The traditional path is a Buy American Act-style test: the value of U.S.-made components has to clear a federal threshold — 65% of total equipment cost through 2028, rising to 75% starting in 2029.

The FCC opened a second path on August 20, 2026: inverters made by a manufacturer eligible for the Section 45X advanced-manufacturing tax credit are not classified as foreign-made under this rule at all, regardless of where the company is headquartered or who owns it. The one exception: manufacturers that are Foreign Entities of Concern, or that cede effective operational control to majority Chinese ownership, can’t claim 45X credits and don’t qualify for this path.

Solar inverters assembled in foreign countries by a manufacturer that doesn’t clear either path cannot be granted new authorization under the current guidelines.

SolarBridge Exclusives: Why Did the FCC Target Solar Inverters?

In essence, solar inverters now require a special authorization grant from the FCC. Utility companies will not allow distributed energy resources (DER) to connect to the grid without visible certification.

Why Are Developers Reacting?

Solar developers are concerned about potential delays in project timelines caused by future interconnection violations.

If a commercial developer specifies an inverter that has not been authorized by the FCC, they will not be able to connect their system to the electrical grid until proper permission is granted. This leads to delays and unnecessary cost overruns.

Developers are reacting because after July 28th they will need to know the FCC ID number of their solar inverters prior to specifying them on projects.

Solar companies can avoid importing delays by specifying solar inverters that were authorized before July 28th, 2026. Solar installers should check the exact grant date of their solar inverter’s FCC ID.

How Are Developers Responding?

Solar developers are responding by auditing current inventories and ensuring new product purchases are domestically assembled or do not require FCC authorization.

Commercial solar developers should evaluate their solar projects and specifically confirm that the solar inverters they plan on purchasing were authorized by the FCC before July 28th. By double-checking previously granted authorization dates, developers can ensure their project doesn’t get locked out by sudden changes to the solar inverter supply chain.

What Should Commercial Developers Do?

Commercial developers need to triple-check their solar inverter specifications before contracting new projects.

Simply put, commercial developers should audit existing solar inverter specifications to verify domestic assembly or previously granted FCC approval.

Why Should Commercial Developers Care?

Project delays are expensive. Retrofitting a solar array to use different power electronics could push back operational dates and upset funding agreements.

If developers don’t know what hardware they are installing prior to signing contracts, they leave their projects open to risk. Developers should know more about their solar inverter than just the model number.

What Do These Rule Changes Mean for Homeowners?

If you already have a solar installation, you are not required to take any action. Previously installed solar inverters are not affected by this new ruling.

Homeowners will not be required to take action if they already have solar installed. However, if you are considering installing solar someday in the future we recommend asking your contractor a few questions before you sign your installation agreement.

• Will the inverter be fully authorized by the FCC?

• Where is the inverter manufactured?

• Does your company have access to backup inventory should supply disruptions occur?

Call On SolarBridge Technology | US-Made Inverter Specialists

Software and solar firmware is expected to play a large role in smart grid cybersecurity going forward. SolarBridge Technology is based out of Dallas, Texas and takes pride in bringing you the highest quality solar technology manufactured by American workers.

SolarBridge Technology has established itself as a premier provider of solar microgrid cabinets and clean energy hardware. Contact SolarBridge Technology and talk to our sales team about how we can keep your project compliant for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are foreign made solar inverters banned in the U.S.?

A: Foreign-made solar inverters are currently allowed in the United States. Specifically, solar inverters that have already been authorized by the FCC prior to July 28th can still be sold, imported, and installed.

Q: Can I still use my existing solar inverter?

A: Yes, existing solar inverters do not need to be replaced or removed. This rule change only applies to solar inverters imported after July 28th that require authorization from the FCC.

Q: What solar inverters does the FCC cover under the new rules?

A: Solar inverters manufactured outside the country fall under the new FCC rules if they include remote communication hardware — wired or wireless — that hasn’t been authorized by the FCC. Inverters from a manufacturer eligible for the Section 45X tax credit are an exception, regardless of where they’re assembled.

Editorial note: Fact-checked and updated 2026-08-27. The core Covered List claim (effective July 28, 2026) is confirmed against FCC.gov and multiple trade/legal sources. Content updated throughout to reflect the FCC’s August 20, 2026 revision — wired/Ethernet inverters now in scope, a Section 45X compliance path added, AC-to-DC rectifiers and off-grid inverters exempted. One item is flagged inline for a client confirm: the sales phone number.