What is a vZEV?
Virtual self-consumption association
The virtual self-consumption association (vZEV) delivers the ZEV without new lines: since 1 January 2025, several buildings with their own connections can be combined computationally via the public grid.
The biggest drawback of the classic ZEV was the physical line. The vZEV solves this: each building keeps its own grid connection, the solar power flows through the public distribution grid, and the allocation is done purely computationally based on the smart meters’ 15-minute data.
This makes an association possible even where a dedicated line would be too expensive or impossible – for example across several houses in a development. The same billing rules apply as for the ZEV.
At a glance
- Possible since
- 1 January 2025
- Building
- Several buildings, each with its own connection
- Electricity flows via
- Public distribution grid (virtually allocated)
- Solar tariff
- Max. 80% of the external tariff (Art. 16b EnV)
Benefits
- No new line, no construction work – uses existing smart meters
- Connects several buildings / connections within a development
- Same attractive billing as with the ZEV
What to keep in mind
- Requires smart meters at all participants
- Billing based on 15-minute load profiles – barely feasible without software
- Tenant protection (80% rule) still applies
How is billing handled in a vZEV?
Exactly the same tariff rules apply to the vZEV as to the ZEV: solar power at no more than 80% of the external tariff (Art. 16b para. 2 EnV), remaining electricity separately at actual cost (Art. 16a EnV). You can work out the permissible maximum price with our Calculate solar tariff.
Related topics
The three self-consumption models compared
Self-consumption association
A self-consumption association (ZEV) lets several parties in a building share the solar power from their own roof – and the owner bills that electricity directly to the tenants.
Learn moreVirtual self-consumption association
The virtual self-consumption association (vZEV) delivers the ZEV without new lines: since 1 January 2025, several buildings with their own connections can be combined computationally via the public grid.
Learn moreLocal electricity community
The local electricity community (LEG) goes beyond the building: since 1 January 2026, producers and consumers within the same municipality can share locally generated electricity with one another via the public grid – at a reduced grid fee.
Learn moreWhat is the difference between ZEV and vZEV?
In a ZEV, the electricity flows through a private internal line and needs a shared connection. In a vZEV, each building keeps its connection; the electricity flows through the public grid and is only allocated computationally. The billing rules are identical.
Do I need new meters for a vZEV?
Usually not – the vZEV uses the grid operator’s existing smart meters with their 15-minute values. The national smart meter rollout is running until the end of 2027.
Does the 80% maximum price also apply to the vZEV?
Yes. The tenant protection under Art. 16b EnV (max. 80% of the external standard product for the solar power) applies to the vZEV just as it does to the classic ZEV.
Bill your vZEV – automatically
SchäferStrom correctly allocates the solar power to each party based on the 15-minute data – including the 80% check and QR bill.