Digitalizing the Lifecycle of Community-Integrated PV Systems for Smart Grid-Ready and Inclusive Energy Communities

Objective

PVSmile aims to transform passive utility-scale PV components and systems into flexible, community-level assets that are fully integrated into energy grids. By leveraging cutting-edge ICTs alongside decentralized, sharing-economy and community-driven models, PVSmile will deliver data-driven, value-added energy and non-energy services to key stakeholders across the energy value chain (network operators, aggregators, ESCOs) and the PV sector (manufacturers, developers, O&M providers). This vision will be realized through: Interactive SSH-driven frameworks & Multi-Level Governance Models to promote inclusive energy communities, increasing citizen participation especially among underrepresented groups; Smart Grid Readiness Index for Energy Communities & MCDA tools to build consensus among diverse stakeholders; Inclusive & circular economy business models, coupled with incentive mechanisms; PV-centric Data Space adaptation, integrating DLT/Blockchain, cybersecurity mechanisms and semantic interoperability to facilitate seamless, secure, and standardized data exchange; Smart hierarchical control strategies at different levels (PV converters, inverters, substations) supported by smart power electronics, sensors and intelligent systems; Data-driven applications & advanced components for PV optimal planning, construction, operation & EoL management; Advanced AI/ML tools, flexibility modelling services & an Energy Data Space-compliant DLT/Blockchain marketplace to enable PV-community orchestration and P2P asset trading; GenAI-based Digital Twin for hierarchical coordination of energy communities with the grid. PVSmile focuses on international collaboration across the Mediterranean region, with demonstration and replication activities in 9 countries (3 Front Runners, 3 EU & 3 Non-EU Early Adopters). The Leadership Programme and policy recommendations will further support scalability, ensuring the long-term success of community-integrated PV systems across different regions.