ZEV, vZEV or LEG – which model suits you?
Three ways to bill your solar power directly to your tenants – with different reach, technology and pricing rule. Here you see the models side by side.
Since 2018 you have been allowed to sell the solar power from your own roof directly to your tenants instead of feeding it cheaply into the grid. What used to be limited to a single building can today be extended across several properties – right up to an entire neighbourhood, depending on the model.
The classic ZEV connects the parties of one building via a private line. The virtual ZEV (vZEV) has done away with the need for a new line since 2025 and allocates the electricity computationally via the public grid. The local electricity community (LEG) goes a step further from 2026 and opens up electricity sharing to the whole municipality.
The key differences concern reach, grid usage and, above all, the pricing rule: with the ZEV and vZEV the solar tariff is capped by law, while in the LEG it is freely negotiated. The following table puts everything side by side.
| Feature | ZEV Self-consumption association | vZEV Virtual self-consumption association | LEG Local electricity community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available since | 2018 | 1 January 2025 | 1 January 2026 |
| Reach / buildings | One building or plot with a shared connection | Several buildings, each with its own connection | Entire municipality or grid area |
| Electricity flows via | Private internal line | Public grid, virtually allocated | Public distribution grid |
| Grid usage / grid discount | Internal line – no grid usage internally | Full grid usage | Grid discount 40% (grid level 7) or 20% (grid level 5) |
| Solar tariff / pricing rule | Max. 80% of the external tariff (Art. 16b EnV) | Max. 80% of the external tariff (Art. 16b EnV) | Freely negotiable – no 80% cap |
| Tenant participation | Voluntary (Art. 17 EnG) | Voluntary (Art. 17 EnG) | Voluntary |
| Metering | Simple metering possible | 15-min load profile / smart meter | 15-min load profile / smart meter |
| Ideal for | A single apartment building | Several properties / development | Neighbourhood / municipality |
Figures for guidance only, not legal advice. The 80% cap (flat-rate method, Art. 16b para. 2 EnV) applies only to the self-produced solar power; the remaining electricity drawn from the grid is billed separately at the actual cost (Art. 16a EnV). Tenant participation is voluntary (Art. 17 EnG).
Which model for whom?
The ZEV is the first choice for a single apartment building with its own roof and a shared connection – simple, proven and with a legally protected tenant tariff.
Learn moreThe vZEV is right when you want to combine several buildings or an entire development, each with its own connection, without laying new lines.
Learn moreThe LEG pays off when electricity is to be shared beyond your own plot, within the neighbourhood or municipality – with a grid discount and freely negotiated prices.
Learn moreCommon questions about the model comparison
What is the difference between ZEV and vZEV?
In the classic ZEV the electricity flows through a private internal line and needs a shared connection. In the vZEV (since 1.1.2025) each building keeps its own connection; the electricity flows through the public grid and is only allocated computationally via the 15-minute data. The tariff rules (Art. 16b EnV) are identical in both cases.
What sets the LEG apart from the ZEV and vZEV?
The (v)ZEV is a closed group – usually one owner with their tenants – and the solar tariff is capped at 80% of the external tariff. The LEG (from 1.1.2026) is an open community across the whole municipality with freely negotiable prices and a grid discount of 40% or 20%.
When is a LEG worthwhile?
When you want to share electricity beyond your own building – for instance between several owners in the neighbourhood or with neighbours in the same municipality. The grid discount lowers the cost of the locally shared electricity, but the prices have to be agreed between the participants.
Does the 80% maximum price apply to all three models?
No. The cap of 80% of the external standard product (Art. 16b para. 2 EnV) applies only to the ZEV and vZEV – and even there only to the self-produced solar power. In the LEG prices are freely negotiated; the 80% cap does not apply there.
Do I need smart meters?
For the vZEV and LEG, yes: both allocate the electricity computationally via 15-minute load profiles, which requires smart meters. For the classic ZEV, simple metering behind the shared connection is often enough.
Can I switch from a ZEV to a LEG later on?
In principle, yes – the models are not mutually exclusive forever. SchäferStrom supports ZEV and vZEV billing today and grows with the regulation, so you do not start from scratch when you switch.
Chosen your model? SchäferStrom handles the rest
Whether ZEV or vZEV – SchäferStrom produces the legally compliant electricity invoice for every flat with a Swiss QR bill, including the 80% check. Start for free or first calculate your permissible solar tariff.