Virtual grouping for self-consumption (vZEV)

vZEV briefly explained

Use local energy across building boundaries

The vZEV extends the conventional ZEV and uses smart meter data for virtual billing.

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

Overview

What matters for the vZEV

The key points on requirements, roles, measurement and billing at a glance.

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

Requirements

A vZEV is possible if the technical, organisational and legal requirements are met.

Find participants

Identify vZEV candidates in the neighbourhood

The map provides an initial indication of which buildings could in principle be suitable for a vZEV.

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

01

Enter address or location

The map shows buildings in the surrounding area that may be considered 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

Check metering point or meter numbers

In the vZEV portal, a more precise preliminary check can be carried out using the metering point or meter numbers of the consumption points and production plants.

04

Submit application

The final decision is made after the official application has been submitted. Changes in the grid topology may result in changes to the map.

The vZEV handles internal billing itself

Using the map below, you can easily and conveniently find out which neighbours you can establish a vZEV with. To do this, enter your address in the location field above the map. The map will then show you which buildings are suitable for a vZEV: Buildings with the same colour and the same designation (e.g. Muf123) can potentially establish a vZEV. Buildings marked in black on the map cannot form a vZEV with neighbouring buildings. This is due to technical restrictions on the connection line (AL). Such cases are labelled “vZEV with AL not possible”. However, a vZEV can still be implemented within the affected building itself – for example, in an apartment building.

Map unavailable

The interactive map is not available at the moment.

Costs and billing

The vZEV handles internal billing itself.

The vZEV acts as a joint customer towards BKW. The agreements of the participants apply within the vZEV.

In principle, BKW does not charge any initial costs for establishing a vZEV. Any missing smart meters are installed at BKW’s expense. Within the vZEV, costs may arise for establishment, administration, billing or service providers. BKW provides the metering data free of charge in the portal.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the virtual self-consumption association

Answers about smart meters, measurement data, participation and billing.

Downloads

Documents and basic information on the vZEV

The most important documents from the old site and further background information.

Special Terms and Conditions: Collective Self-Consumption (ZEV) and Virtual Collective Self-Consumption (vZEV)

Download

Virtual association for self-consumption: free market access

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CSV / EBIX billing data format

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Sample CSV example

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We answer your outstanding questions about the vZEV, registration, the card, smart meters or changes.