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Three models for local solar power

ZEV, vZEV and LEG pursue the same goal: to use solar power where it is produced.

Which model fits depends on where the participants are connected, whether the public grid is used, and how billing and responsibilities are organised.

ZEVShare electricity within a building or via private linesA self-consumption association is suitable when several parties share locally produced electricity within a building or via private lines.View ZEVvZEVUse solar power virtually across building boundariesA virtual ZEV connects participants via the connection line, depending on the connection situation, and bills electricity flows virtually using smart meters.Check vZEVLEGTrade solar power in your neighbourhood or communityFrom 2026, a local electricity community will enable the purchase and sale of locally produced solar power via the public distribution grid.Get to know LEG

Expert talk

Sharing solar power locally: What does that mean?

Collective self-consumption and local electricity communities make solar power usable in the neighbourhood.

All three models support the local use of self-generated electricity. The better production and consumption align in terms of time, the more the participants benefit.

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ZEV, vZEV and LEG

The three models for sharing electricity in the neighbourhood

ZEV, vZEV and LEG differ in terms of range, technical requirements and billing logic. Which model is suitable depends on where the participants live and how the local grid is configured.

Start by asking how close producers and consumers are in technical terms. A ZEV is suitable within a building or with private cables. If the connection arrangements are suitable across building boundaries, a vZEV may be possible. For a larger local marketplace via the public grid, the LEG is the appropriate model.

This page helps you assess whether a ZEV, vZEV or LEG is suitable for you. You can find more detailed information at lokalerstrom.ch.To lokalerstrom.ch

Share electricity and benefit in multiple ways

Why sharing solar power via ZEV, vZEV or LEG is worthwhile

01Reduced costsParticipants pay no or reduced grid usage fees for locally shared electricity. A higher self-consumption rate also improves the cost-effectiveness of your PV system.02Environmental aspectsLocally generated electricity is consumed locally. This strengthens renewable energy in the immediate vicinity and reduces transmission losses in the grid.03Collective dimensionNeighbours, residents or entire neighbourhoods use existing resources together. For municipalities, this creates a basis for local energy supply.

Use surplus electricity differently

Alternatives for sharing electricity

If you do not wish to share your surplus electricity with your neighbours, you have the following alternatives:

Optimise self-consumptionEither increase your self-consumption by scheduling your electrical appliances (e.g. boiler, dishwasher or charging station) over the course of the day when the most electricity is being produced.Feed into the public gridOr you feed the electricity into the public grid and sell it to BKW, or benefit from other subsidy programmes independently of the grid operator.More about the remuneration models

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about ZEV, vZEV and LEG