SunSpec IEEE 2030.5 / CSIP Certification
California Rule 21 requires that, by default, Distributed Energy Resources within Investor Owned Utilities (IOU) must utilize the IEEE™ 2030.5-2018 networking standard in the manner described in the SunSpec Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP).
Products certified by SunSpec to the 2030.5 standard for wide area communication can be installed on sites connected to California Investor Owned Utilities and have the confidence in their compatibility with local area communication protocols like the freely available SunSpec Modbus Standards.
SunSpec IEEE 2030.5/CSIP Certification Testing must be conducted by one of our Authorized Test Labs (ATLs). Each test lab is free to determine its own testing and fee structures. Once a Certification Application and payment have been submitted to SunSpec a shared space is opened where your ATL test engineer can submit test results for our analysis. SunSpec evaluates the test results for compliance to the SunSpec CSIP and the SunSpec CSIP Test Procedures and then awards the Certificate!

The 2030.5/CSIP package includes:
- SunSpec Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP)
- SunSpec Common Smart Inverter Profile Test Procedure
- SunSpec DER Information Model and UL1741 Supplement SA Interoperability Report
- SunSpec Test PKI Certificate Application Note
- PICS Template
COMPLETE FORM TO ACCESS SPECIFICATIONS
Applicable Components
IEEE™ 2030.5 clients, gateways, aggregators and servers. Certification is applicable to software running on embedded devices and cloud services alike.
Scope
- Four scenarios
- Aggregator configuration is clear preference
- Gateway/EMS configurations include certain network segments that are out of scope
The SunSpec Certified Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) program is designed to increase stakeholder confidence in Distributed Energy Resource (DER) communication solutions, including those enabling interoperability of smart inverters, smart PV modules, EV charging, and energy storage.
Public Key Infrastructure is the preferred method of authentication for networked ecosystems due to its strength and scalability. In addition, advances in the hardware and semiconductor industries have allowed for strong authentication using Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and PKI to be implemented in small devices very economically.
PKI is designated as the method of authentication used for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standard (IEEE Std.) 2030.5 and is therefore the method to be used for authenticating and securing communications for SunSpec Certified™ products and services. Thus, the program’s initial focus is to fulfill California Rule 21 compliance.
The program will then address the rollout of IEEE 1547™-2018. IEEE 1547 establishes uniform requirements for interconnection of DERs, such as photovoltaics and battery systems, with the electric power system.
IEEE™ 1815-AN2018
We are open to testing IEEE™ 1815-AN2018. Please contact Certification@SunSpec.org to discuss your requirements.
2030.5 / CSIP News and Updates
SunSpec Alliance and UC San Diego Extension Announce Winter 2019 CA Rule 21 and Secure Communication Networking Courses
At the intersection of power generation and data communications, course offerings appeal to electrical and software engineers, grid specialists and solar executives SAN JOSE & SAN DIEGO, CA – January 7, 2019 – SunSpec Alliance, the information standards and...
SunSpec Market Bulletin: CA Rule 21 Smart Inverter Communications Requirements February 22, 2019 Deadline Extended to August 22, 2019
The California Public Utilities Commission issued a letter responding to the November 19, 2018 deadline extension request letter from the California Solar & Storage Association and extending the compliance deadline for Smart Inverter Phase II communications...
What are the Benefits of California Rule 21 for Solar Installers?
In this video, Tom Tansy, Chairman of the SunSpec Alliance, talks about the benefits and effects of California Rule 21 on the installers of solar systems. Instead of being concerned about how quickly solar can be installed on a roof, Installers are going to move...
Why Should a Solar Manufacturer Care about California Rule 21?
In this video, Tom Tansy, Chairman of the SunSpec Alliance, talks about why a solar manufacturer should care and ultimately comply with the new California Rule 21 standards. Learn more about SunSpec's Education Programs.
Meet the Instructor: Bob Fox, Principal Engineer of SunSpec
In this interview our own Principal Engineer, Bob Fox, speaks about the benefits of participating in the upcoming SunSpec UCSDX California Rule 21 online education courses. In addition, Bob also talks about some of the benefits and consequences for members of the...
Meet the Instructor: Mike Bourton, VP of Business Development at Kitu Systems
In this interview, Mike Bourton of Kitu systems talks about the mission-critical dates and financial opportunities in relation to the upcoming California Rule 21 guidelines. Mike also talks about the deep integration between SunSpec and the rollout of CA rule 21. Mike...
Meet the Instructor: Steve Kang, VP of Engineering for QualityLogic
In this interview Steve Kang, VP of Engineering for QualityLogic, talks about the benefits of compliance with California Rule 21 and the advantages of the rise of the Smart Grid. Steve also continues to talk about the role of QualityLogic and SunSpec in relation to...
The California Rule 21 Market Opportunity for Executives
Date: Thursday, January 24, 2019 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Location: UC San Diego Extension, University City 6256 Greenwich Dr 1st Floor, Grand Hall San Diego, CA 92122 Course Description/Goals: This in-person workshop hosted by the SunSpec Alliance provides distributed...
Winter Quarter: Secure Communication Networking for Distributed Energy Resources
Date: Winter Quarter, Starting January 8, 2019 Location: Online Description: This fully online 9 week course is intended to provide current and future engineers working in the distributed energy industry with the information they need to design products that...
SunSpec Alliance to Convene Global Technology Leaders to Discuss The “Electricity Grid in Evolution” on September 12, 2018
Gridvolution, a Global Climate Action Summit Affiliated event, to address Distributed Energy Resources data communications standards including California Rule 21, Cyber Security, Orange Button, and Rapid Shutdown SAN JOSE, CA – September 6, 2018 – SunSpec Alliance,...