Currently on a research kick trying to figure out some different aspects of how these would work. Here are some of the key points in researching, but feel free to add other info.

Dyson sphere vs swarm. Would any species actually go for a sphere when a swarm would be considerably cheaper and easier?

What would the best ways to transfer the energy be? Beam it?

Would you see the energy beam bouncing from planet to planet to space station to planet in a giant energy connect-the-dots?

Could you beam it to other systems?

Could the energy beam be used as a weapon?

Lastly, should we do a discussion like this on different topics every week and then collect them in one post and sticky it for newcomers?