This month, we’re excited to announce the relaunch of the SunSpec Modbus Work Group, a cornerstone initiative for our interoperability efforts. Our kickoff webinar on June 17 provided insights into the year’s key focus areas, including Modbus architecture, implementation resources, and a security demonstration highlighting encrypted Modbus TCP communication using TLS. Major initiatives such as formalizing client-side testing, enhancing test reporting specifications, and adopting new models like Evo Power’s grid-forming standard were presented. Join the Modbus Work Group and help shape critical advancements in distributed energy standards. Members can sign up directly here: SunSpec Modbus Work Group Registration.
Our 2030.5 CSIP Work Group is actively progressing, offering an exclusive opportunity for members to engage deeply with certification processes essential for grid interoperability. For more details and to join, visit: SunSpec 2030.5 CSIP Test Procedures Work Group.
If you aren’t yet a member and want to participate in these work groups, now is the perfect opportunity to join. For a limited time, new members will receive:
- 10% off membership
- Five complimentary tickets (valued at $1,750) to the SunSpec Technology Summit, October 13–15
- Exclusive discounts on event sponsorship opportunities
Use this link to secure 10% off membership registration. For questions about membership, Erin Mahan, our Director of Membership, is here to assist you at erin@sunspec.org.
Join us at the SunSpec Technology Summit, held at Port Labs in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area. This engaging three-day event begins on October 13th with a welcome cocktail hour, followed by a full day of in-depth technical sessions on the 14th. On the final day, October 15th, attendees will participate in breakout discussions, networking groups, and tech demonstrations featuring essential tools like the SunSpec Dashboard. Take advantage of early bird pricing, just $250 for the first 50 registrants. After that, the registration fee increases to $350. Register now to reserve your spot and learn more about shaping the future of distributed energy: SunSpec Technology Summit Registration.
Interested in sponsoring the Summit? Reach out directly to Sam Reid, Director of Content, at sam@sunspec.org.
Additionally, mark your calendars for our upcoming webinar on July 17 at 10am PST titled “Solar Energy Cybersecurity Threats and New Strategies for Grid Resilience.” This webinar will tackle critical cybersecurity risks in the solar industry, discuss recent vulnerabilities impacting PV systems, and explore how DERs can bolster national security and grid resilience. Click here to register now.
Together, we continue to innovate, strengthen the DER ecosystem, and ensure industry-leading standards.
Looking forward to your active participation,
Dylan Tansy
Executive Director
SunSpec Alliance
Join industry leaders Jay Johnson, CTO of DER Security Corp, and Dr. Paul Stockton, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas’ Security Affairs, for a vital discussion on cybersecurity threats impacting roughly 45% of global solar production. This webinar will address recent vulnerabilities in photovoltaic (PV) inverter systems, highlighting risks such as unauthorized remote control and firmware manipulation. Moderator Dylan Tansy, Executive Director of SunSpec Alliance, will facilitate the conversation, drawing from his extensive experience in Distributed Energy Resources (DER).
Explore actionable strategies leveraging battery storage and advanced controls to significantly enhance grid resilience and national security. Gain insights into proactive measures for safeguarding PV systems and learn how DERs can help mitigate risks of widespread disruptions, creating a more robust and secure energy landscape.
The SunSpec Alliance Technology Summit is your opportunity to connect with the people shaping the future of distributed energy. Taking place at Port Labs in the San Francisco Bay Area, this three-day event will bring together technical leaders, developers, integrators, and policymakers for in-depth discussions and collaborative learning.
The Edison Electric Institute estimates some 9.6 million charge points will be needed in the U.S. by the end of the decade in order to support an estimated 18.7 million EVs on the road. The 7th EV Charging Infrastructure Summit – North America, July 15-16 in Chicago zeros in on key technology advances and deployment strategies for meeting this goal and ensuring the performance of the electric vehicle charging network going forward.
We will examine case studies of successful charger deployments to date, regulatory and policy factors impacting business models, and how to optimize system design for the benefit of all stakeholders in the charging ecosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the conversation in Chicago and position your organization for leadership in this key sector —reserve your seat today.
SunSpec Alliance is pleased
to be an Association Partner for this Summit.
Enter the discount code SUNSPEC25
when registering for 15% off
On June 17th, we hosted a webinar that previewed the relaunch of the SunSpec Modbus Work Group and provided a comprehensive update on development priorities for the year ahead. Presenters Dylan Tansy, Kudrat Kaur, and Jay Johnson discussed the widespread adoption of SunSpec Modbus, which is now used by more than 80 percent of grid-tied inverters. They also reviewed key implementation tools including specification documents, reference models, and certification platforms. Security was a major focus, with a live demonstration of TLS-encrypted Modbus TCP communication and an overview of upcoming tasks such as mutual authentication, PKI development, and client-side testing.
The webinar also introduced new initiatives, including draft procedures for client testing, efforts to finalize test result reporting specifications, and the development of implementation guides for standards like SAE J3068 and various European grid codes. A proposal to adopt Evo Power’s grid-forming model into the SunSpec Modbus standard was presented, along with progress updates on the 900 series modular storage models. The session concluded with a Q&A emphasizing the importance of community consensus in the specification process and inviting all participants to join the first official work group meeting on June 18. Non-members were encouraged to explore SunSpec membership, including a free 30-day trial and limited-time discounts.
Missed the session or looking to revisit key moments? Access the webinar resources below:
June 2025 Policy Highlights:
From utility-led VPP pilots to federal trade actions, this month’s policy developments are shaping the terrain for solar and distributed energy deployment nationwide:
🔹 California: AB 942 advances in the State Assembly, proposing to reset net metering contracts to NEM 3.0 upon property sale, a move that could significantly affect the long-term value proposition of residential solar ownership.
🔹 South Carolina: The new Energy Security Act opens the door for solar + storage, load flexibility, and EV programs, though it also greenlights new fossil fuel development, highlighting the state’s mixed energy priorities.
🔹 Virginia: Governor Youngkin signs the Community Energy Act, launching a 450 MW VPP pilot to aggregate DERs for grid support. However, two separate energy storage bills were vetoed, showing continued policy fragmentation on grid modernization.
🔹 Massachusetts: A new proposal would allow direct state procurement of clean energy, but also reduce net metering compensation for non-residential solar, including community solar projects.
🔹 New Jersey: The Board of Public Utilities has adopted grid modernization rules to streamline DER interconnection—removing one of the biggest friction points for developers.
🔹 Federal – Budget Threats: A recently passed House budget bill proposes eliminating residential ITC (25D) and accelerating phase-outs for commercial ITC/PTC. The Senate will take it up this month, and the outcome could reshape investment timelines across the sector.
🔹 Federal – Trade & Tariffs:
High tariffs incoming for solar cells from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, with CBP collections beginning June 16. Battery materials from China face lower-than-expected CVD rates, but July’s antidumping decision could tip the scale.
The policy landscape is evolving quickly. States are making progress on interconnection reform, DER aggregation, and grid modernization, while shifting federal actions are creating new uncertainties. This moment calls for a strong focus on interoperability, market stability, and the advancement of standards-based solutions.
Now is the time to work collectively to shape the next chapter of DER deployment.
