To achieve electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa, off-grid Distributed Energy Resource Systems, such as microgrids, are required. Sustainability of these systems requires improved business models and efficient maintenance and operations frameworks. However, a lack of technical and economic data from the existing installation base hampers the necessary learning and innovation. This paper describes a case study deployment of DER systems in Malawi, demonstrating the application and benefits of high levels of instrumentation and monitoring. A proposed classification of minimum preferred and desirable levels of data gathering and sharing is offered as a key recommendation for future DER system deployments in Malawi.