While the world focuses on the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, trade is not the only issue of concern with our biggest adversary. Separately, we need to be thinking harder about our national security and the implications of a relationship that continues to sour.
That’s especially true on the local level, even though residents may feel disconnected from global affairs. The reality is China’s fingerprints are all over our economy and the ramifications are alarming unless our leaders in Washington take action.
If Florida is known for anything, it’s our abundance of sunshine. We live and breathe our “Sunshine State” motto and it’s the reason that millions of tourists flock to our beaches and amusements parks year-round. It’s also a major source of energy for Florida – and a potential security risk.
As of late 2024, Florida boasts over 18.6 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity, ranking third in the United States behind Texas and California. This capacity is sufficient to power more than 2.2 million homes. The industry alone is valued at $26.7 billion and accounted for 9% of Florida’s net electricity generation according to recent data.
Subscribe to The Florida Jolt Newsletter!
Solar energy is more than just placing panels on your roof – it involves a very complex supply chain with parts coming from all over the world. As with most industries, China has a significant piece of the puzzle and its potential influence in the Sunshine state should not be ignored.
A recent Reuters report suggested that U.S. officials have discovered undisclosed communication devices on the power inverters of some Chinese-manufactured solar panels, based on anonymous sources within the federal government.
According to Utility Dive: The inverters are part of the hardware package connecting solar arrays to the power grid. The package includes communication devices so technicians can monitor performance and have remote access for maintenance. These devices are disclosed in what’s called a software bill of materials – a listing of the components that comprise the package. The communication devices uncovered by the government are considered rogue because they’re undisclosed.
While delivering electricity can be complex, the national security concern as a result of this report is quite simple: China may possess the ability to shut off our grid at a moment’s notice. It’s the type of next generation warfare that our elected officials and national security leaders need to get ahead of before it’s too late.
As with any product or piece of technology, solar panels and the systems that power them rely heavily on semiconductor chips.
Serving as the backbone of modern technology, China in particular is investing heavily in the use of open-source chip technology such as RISC V-to ween off its reliance on the West and spur the development of advanced chips that could ultimately end up in the American market. As with solar, China takes something that was developed and had promise in the US, then leverages government funding to distort the market to their advantage.
The open-source nature of RISC-V chips leaves us vulnerable with China having the ability to embed malicious code or malware into anything from solar panels to laptops.
Senator Rick Scott has taken notice of our reliance on Chinese-manufactured energy components. Most recently he sponsored the bipartisan Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act which seeks to prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from procuring batteries from six Chinese-owned companies.
Not only would this bill boost American manufacturing of these same components, but it would protect our national security from Chinese interference.
It’s worth noting that Florida leaders are extremely close and influential when it comes to issues related to China.
Subscribe to The Florida Jolt Newsletter!
Senator Rick Scott is clearly engaged and has made a career in the Senate focused on military issues and homeland security. Congressman Brian Mast currently chairs the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Marco Rubio is dealing with China on a day-to-day basis as Secretary of State.
As our relationship with China continues to evolve, we need to be looking at threats from all angles. The recent report on compromised solar energy and RISC-V technology are prime examples of China’s ability to work behind the scenes to undercut western companies and expose our national security.
With Florida officials so close to these issues, they need to keep the safety of the Sunshine State in mind.
Other stories you may want to read:
Associated Industries of Florida’s Grades For PBC Legislators
- Jim Kallinger: Solar Power Shouldn’t Be a Backdoor for China - July 22, 2025
- Jim Kallinger: Florida’s Property Insurance: From Crisis to Cure? - February 1, 2025
- Should Florida Ban Third Party Litigation Financing? - June 27, 2024