Key Facts: - Japan's JC-STAR cybersecurity conformity scheme will become a grid-connection requirement for high-voltage and extra-high-voltage solar and battery storage projects from 1 April 2027, and for low-voltage projects below 50 kW from 1 October 2027. - The relevant compliance point is when a grid-connection contract application is **accepted** by the utility, rather than when it is submitted, making early planning critical for projects already in development. - Equipment with IP communication functionality - including PCS, BMS, EMS and monitoring and control systems - is particularly affected, meaning cybersecurity conformity must be assessed at the specific product and model level during procurement. - The requirements reflect a broader shift as connected energy assets face growing cybersecurity risks; a 2024 cyberattack affected approximately 800 remote monitoring devices at solar power facilities in Japan. - GBP has obtained JC-STAR ★1 conformance labels for its GBP60M Modular PCS and GBP-EMS-001 Energy Management System, offering equipment options for projects preparing to meet the upcoming requirements. New grid-connection requirements will make cybersecurity conformity an increasingly important consideration for developers, EPCs and system integrators planning energy projects in Japan. Cybersecurity is set to become an increasingly important part of equipment selection for solar power and battery storage projects in Japan as new JC-STAR-related requirements begin taking effect from 2027. JC-STAR is Japan's cybersecurity conformity assessment and labeling scheme for connected products. It is operated by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA) under a policy framework established by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Products that meet the applicable cybersecurity requirements can receive a JC-STAR conformance label. For the energy sector, the significance of the scheme is becoming increasingly practical as JC-STAR ★1 conformity is incorporated into certain grid-connection requirements for solar and battery storage projects. New requirements from 2027 For high-voltage and extra-high-voltage