Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWSDespite significant technological progress, mapping a digital value chain remains fragmented: data often exists in inconsistent formats, interfaces are not standardized, and smooth exchange between planners, manufacturers, operators, and service providers is rarely achieved. Against this backdrop, the project “PVConnect” by the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) addresses a key challenge of the energy transition: creating a unified, interoperable data foundation that connects all life cycle phases of PV power plants, paving the way for new forms of analysis, optimization, and quality assurance.
Together with Mondas GmbH, Centroplan Services GmbH, Centroplan Group GmbH, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg, and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Fraunhofer CSP aims in the “PVConnect” project to develop a standardized information and data model that fully represents technical, economic, and administrative information digitally. To achieve this, a comprehensive analysis of existing data structures will be conducted, identifying relevant stakeholders, describing their roles, and collecting the necessary data for a cross-phase perspective. The evaluation of requirements for data quality, completeness, and consistency is also a key focus. A detailed stakeholder analysis forms the basis for defining responsibilities and interfaces between actor groups in planning, construction, operation, and end-of-life management.
In addition, the project examines data and interface requirements in adjacent areas such as energy meteorology and building management. These domains significantly influence the performance and operation of PV systems but are often insufficiently integrated. “PVConnect” therefore develops a data exchange framework that considers meteorological specifications as well as building-related parameters. The goal is to make the integration of external data sources more efficient and compliant with standards, creating a consistent and expandable data foundation.
Another focus is on assessing the added value of digitized data throughout the entire plant life cycle. Criteria are being developed to evaluate the technical and economic benefits of interdisciplinary datasets and identify potential for data refinement. At the same time, the project investigates the impact of technological innovations—such as AI-based analysis and optimization methods—on efficiency, operational stability, and economic viability of PV systems.
Based on these insights, the project aims to establish an interoperable exchange framework for digital smart services. This framework includes a detailed information model for PV power plant components as well as clearly defined interfaces between internal and external services. This enables a seamless flow of data and services, supporting new digital applications and business models built on standardized, structured information. In addition, prototype use cases will demonstrate how the data model can be practically implemented and integrated into existing system landscapes. These examples illustrate how data-driven operational optimizations, automated diagnostics, or AI-supported evaluation methods contribute to efficiency improvements.
Fraunhofer CSP is primarily active in analyzing data structures and interfaces across the life phases of PV system projects. The goal is to assess existing data, which occurs in various formats at different points in the circular value chain, and derive standardized information and data models as well as requirements for suitable interfaces. This also includes process modeling (including material flows) and consideration of requirements in the areas of recycling and sustainability.
“By combining systematic analysis, technology-neutral development, and close involvement of industrial partners, we aim to ensure the long-term feasibility of the results. With this project, we are creating for the first time a fully interoperable data and service architecture for the entire PV value chain. This lays the foundation for making digitalization in the solar industry not only technically feasible but also economically viable and sustainably usable,” says project leader Matthias Ebert.