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.

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems, their development and security issues in the past decade in Europe and Romania. It begins with the presentation of the PV systems development in the two regions, and proceeds with the critical risk evaluation of PV systems as essential components of the energy infrastructure of Romania. The article presents the authors' arguments in support of the proposal to include PV systems in the critical infrastructure category, reflecting their strategic importance to national energy resilience. This is achieved through a comprehensive assessment of the current levels of safety, security, cybersecurity, and physical protection of PV systems, highlighting potential vulnerabilities that may compromise operational continuity. The evaluation of cybersecurity risks leads to the conclusion that PV systems face increasing exposure to digital threats, reinforcing the urgent need for robust cyber defense mechanisms in this rapidly evolving sector.This study aims to create an entire set of guidelines for enhancing the security and resilience of PV systems as they increasingly form a critical component of sustainable energy infrastructure.