Advancing Photovoltaic Performence through Digitalisation in Living Laboratories: Insights from the Promise Project

The growing demand for renewable energy continues to drive the large-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, ensuring the sustained performance of existing installations remains essential, particularly in regions such as Malta, where elevated temperature, humidity, and salinity accelerate component degradation. This paper presents the next phase of the PROMISE project (Photovoltaics Reliability Operations and Maintenance Innovative Solutions for Energy Alliance), which advances the harmonised multi-site PV monitoring framework introduced in 2024 into a fully digitalised, cloud-integrated infrastructure. The upgraded system now encompasses ten rooftop laboratories and three dedicated test sites, each equipped with high-precision Class A sensors operating at 3-second acquisition intervals in accordance with IEC 61724-1:2021. The monitoring network is supported by an end-to-end Microsoft Azure pipeline—comprising IoT Hub, Function Apps, Cosmos DB, and Power BI—that enables real-time data streaming, anomaly detection, and predictive analytics across all locations. Moreover, the establishment of the PROMISE Open PV Reliability Repository provides public access to harmonised datasets, promoting transparency and collaboration within international PV reliability programmes. The results demonstrate a scalable, research-grade digital framework that strengthens system interoperability, enhances data quality, and supports the broader goals of smart monitoring and sustainable energy transition in the Mediterranean and beyond.