SunSpec Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
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.
Applicable Components
Hardware and software products that implement client, aggregator and server requirements spelled out by IEEE 2030.5-2018 and CSIP.
Please provide your contact info to download these files. Available files/links:
Compliance Specifications
- IEEE 2030.5-2018
- Common Smart Inverter Profile (CSIP)
- SunSpec Common Smart Inverter Profile Test Procedures
- SunSpec Test PKI Application Note
- SunSpec Certificate Policy
- Core Certificate Policy
Related SunSpec Resources
- SunSpec Cybersecurity Workgroup
- Recommendations for Trust and Encryption in DER Interoperability Standards
- SunSpec Test PKI Application Note
- SunSpec PKI FAQ
- SunSpec Official PKI Provider
- SunSpec PKI Primer
SunSpec PKI Program Process At-a-Glance
SunSpec Certification is required in order to use PKI services.
SunSpec Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) News and Updates
SunSpec Alliance Announces Kyrio as Official PKI Provider
The SunSpec Official Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Provider will deliver high-quality digital certificate provisioning services for Distributed Energy Resources. SAN JOSE, CA – February 12, 2019 –...
Cybersecurity: The Hackers are Already Through the Utilities’ Doors, so What’s Next?
Originally published by Forbes. Visit their site for the full piece. In a distributed world, attack surfaces multiple rapidly and grid edge devices can become weapons The problem gets worse as the...
SunSpec Announces RFPs for Certified Test Lab and PKI Programs
Announcement Date: September 18, 2018 SunSpec Alliance, the information standards and certification organization for the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) industry, has issued two Request for...