This report provides a technical overview of how digital technologies are being applied across the PV value chain, from manufacturing to operation and maintenance. It highlights the role of digital twins – virtual representations of PV systems updated with real-world data – in supporting performance analysis, predictive maintenance and informed decision-making throughout a system’s lifecycle.
The report emphasises the importance of robust, standardised data models and interoperable data structures as a foundation for effective digitalisation, alongside the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. It also stresses that cybersecurity must be addressed at all levels as PV systems become increasingly data-driven and interconnected.
Key Findings
· Digitalisation significantly contributes to risk analysis in PV projects, allowing stakeholders to quantify and mitigate risks associated with component failures, design flaws, and environmental factors.
· The emphasis on the digital twin as a core concept signals its potential to revolutionise how PV systems are designed, operated, and maintained, ultimately contributing to the sector’s growth and sustainability in the energy transition.
· Two approaches to digital twinning are discussed: physics-based digital twins, which use physical models to simulate behaviour, and data-driven digital twins, which rely on real-world data to model system performance.
· The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are key components in optimising operations and maintenance (O&M) processes for PV systems.
Supporting Reliable and High-Performance PV Systems
By providing harmonised definitions, technical frameworks and examples of digital applications, the report supports stakeholders involved in the design, operation and maintenance of PV systems. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how digitalisation and digital twins can strengthen the reliability and performance of PV systems and support the long-term development of the PV sector.
