Securing Photovoltaic Systems as Critical Infrastructure: A Multi-Layered Assessment of Risk, Safety, and Cybersecurity

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems, focusing on their development and emerging security challenges over the past decade in Europe and Romania. It begins by presenting regional deployment trends and the increasing significance of PV systems in national energy strategies. In the Romanian context, a risk-based evaluation is conducted to assess the technical vulnerabilities and strategic relevance of PV installations, emphasizing the necessity to formally integrate them into the category of critical infrastructure. The study explores current safety practices, cybersecurity measures, and physical protections, identifying gaps that may affect operational continuity and infrastructure reliability. Given the growing exposure of PV systems to digital threats, the need for robust and adaptive cybersecurity strategies is also highlighted. In line with the principles of a sustainable circular economy, this work underlines the importance of embedding risk management and technical reliability across the entire lifecycle of PV systems. The authors propose recommendations aiming to enhance the resilience, security, and sustainable evolution of PV systems as vital components of a modern, decarbonized energy infrastructure.