vZEV for specialist partners: technically sound advice

vZEV explained briefly

Enable virtual self-consumption across building boundaries

The vZEV expands the traditional ZEV and uses smart meter data for measurement and virtual billing.

In a virtual association for self-consumption, locally produced solar power is shared between several buildings without the need to build private lines. BKW measures the electricity flows with smart meters and provides the metering data. The vZEV is responsible for internal billing, contractual arrangements and organisation.

Specialist partner focus

What matters in vZEV consulting and implementation

A vZEV requires technical clarity, correct participant verification and clear communication of roles.

Smiling person in a red roll-neck jumper against a blue sky

Technical requirements

Specialist partners check at an early stage whether buildings, production facilities, metering points and grid topology are fundamentally suitable for a vZEV.

Identify participants

Check potential participants with the vZEV map

The map from the vZEV reference page serves as initial guidance for consultation and preliminary assessment.

Enter the address or location together with the customers. Buildings with the same colour and same designation can potentially form a vZEV. Buildings marked in black cannot form a vZEV with neighbouring buildings due to technical limitations in the connection line; however, a vZEV may still be possible within the building.

01

Enter address or locality

The map shows buildings in the area that may be eligible for a vZEV based on general topological criteria.

02

Compare colours and labels

Buildings with the same colour and the same designation can potentially form a vZEV. Black markings indicate technical restrictions.

03 03

Collect metering point or meter numbers

Metering point or meter numbers for the consumption points and production facilities are important for a more detailed preliminary assessment and registration.

04

Prepare application with customers

The final decision is made after the official application has been submitted. Specialist partners support customers in fully preparing documents, consents and technical information.

Implementation and operation

Explain metering, data and billing early

A vZEV only works if the technical requirements and organisational tasks are aligned.

BKW checks the registration, provides information about the grid topology, installs any missing smart meters, measures the electricity flows within the vZEV and bills grid consumption and feed-in. The vZEV community itself regulates internal conditions, billing, responsibilities and changes.

Frequently asked questions

Answers for specialist partners

Key information on participants, the map, smart meters, metering data and advice.

These answers support specialist partners in the technical preliminary assessment and in customer discussions.

Downloads

Documents for consulting and implementation

The most important documents and basics for specialist partners on the virtual association for self-consumption.

Use the documents for technical clarifications, customer discussions, measurement data formats and correct submission.

Special Terms and Conditions: Association for self-consumption (ZEV) and virtual association for self-consumption (vZEV) (PDF, 117 kB)

Download

Virtual self-consumption association: free market access (PDF, 100 kB)

Download

CSV / EBIX billing data format (PDF)

Download

Sample CSV file (XLSX, 253 kB)

Download

BKW supports specialist partners with questions about the vZEV map, registration, smart meters, metering data, changes and the technical review of potential participants.