U.S. inverter ban targets connectivity

The federal government has effectively banned new approvals for foreign-made solar inverters that use wireless connections (wifi, cellular, or Bluetooth) for remote monitoring and control. An inverter is the device that converts the power your solar panels produce into electricity your home can use. The Federal Communications Commission made the move on July 28, 2026, citing national security concerns, though a January 2026 Department of Energy review of 30 Chinese inverters reportedly found no evidence of tampering.

If you already have solar panels, this doesn't affect your equipment. Inverters that already hold valid FCC approval can still be sold, installed, and serviced. The ban only blocks new, next-generation foreign hardware from getting approved going forward. Overseas manufacturers do have a path to seek approval through added security audits, with a deadline of January 1, 2028.

For homeowners considering solar in the near future, the practical effect may be tighter supply and higher prices industrywide, since the vast majority of inverters installed in the U.S. over the past decade were imported. Domestic manufacturing is expanding, but is not expected to catch up to demand for a couple of years. Some manufacturers are also experimenting with removing wireless features and adding external communication boxes instead, which could add cost, particularly for residential installations. None of this changes anything for equipment already in your home, but it may be worth asking installers what inverter model they plan to use and whether it's already approved.