Background
#Sharing solar power in Nidwalden is possible through a vZEV, EWN’s self-consumption solution or, since 1 January 2026, through a local electricity community – but each model has different grid and organisational requirements.
In the standard case, self-consumption remains within one building or one shared grid connection point; for several properties, Elektrizitätswerk Nidwalden (EWN) checks which model the specific addresses can use. A vZEV combines several end consumers into one entity towards EWN, whereas EWN’s self-consumption solution keeps individual electricity customers separate.
For a LEG, all participants must be in the same municipality and on the same grid level, have smart meters and jointly provide production capacity of at least 5% of their total connection capacity. The decisive factor is therefore not whether properties are close together, but the grid topology confirmed by EWN and the appropriate billing model.
For your roof
What your roof delivers for several households
With your address you see roof potential and yield. We then plan metering and billing for ZEV or vZEV with you.
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What drives the economics
#The chosen model determines who remains an electricity customer towards EWN. With a ZEV and vZEV, the community acts as one customer and organises internal distribution itself; with EWN’s self-consumption solution (EVL), individual end customers remain legally separate and can choose their residual-electricity product freely. This distinction determines contracts, liability and billing.
Several buildings do not automatically form a vZEV. EWN describes the vZEV as a virtual combination without a physical connection, but at a shared grid connection point and using EWN meters. Whether existing connection lines fit up to that point must therefore be checked by EWN before committing neighbouring properties.
EVL is an EWN-specific alternative for the same grid connection point. It allows shared use with neighbouring properties at the common point without creating a legal consumption community; EWN handles set-up, billing and invoicing. Unlike a vZEV, this suits participants who want to remain separate electricity customers.
Since 1 January 2026, a LEG is another route, not merely a larger vZEV. EWN requires participants in its supply area, in the same municipality and on the same grid level. Being in Canton Nidwalden or sharing a postcode is therefore not sufficient for assessment.
The 5% threshold concerns capacity, not annual production. For an EWN LEG, installed generation capacity must equal at least 5% of the combined connection capacity of all participating properties. Adding further consumers increases the reference value, so the ratio must be recalculated.
Intelligent metering systems are mandatory for a LEG. EWN requires a smart meter for every participating property and provides that missing requirements be met within three months after assessment. PV design, the participant list and metering status should therefore be aligned before the binding start.
The process in six steps
#Tick off for your project
Record properties and consumption
collect PV systems, connection capacities, EWN meters, existing smart meters, ownership arrangements and daytime demand for every address. This distinguishes a classic self-consumption case from a potential vZEV/EVL or LEG.
Choose the model before quoting
ZEV and vZEV mean a contractual community with joint responsibility towards EWN; EVL keeps individual customers in place. Plan distribution through the public grid as a LEG only where municipality and grid level demonstrably qualify.
Have EWN assess the addresses
clarify the shared grid connection point for vZEV or EVL and, for a LEG, supply area, municipal boundary and grid level. Only this grid assessment shows whether the planned participant group is technically eligible.
For a LEG, calculate the 5% ratio
divide installed PV production capacity of all producing participants by the group’s total connection capacity. EWN’s minimum requirement is met only from 5%; document the calculation using the published connection capacities.
Prepare metering and responsibilities
for a LEG, ensure smart meters at every address; for ZEV and vZEV, set out internal metering, pricing, payment process and representation in writing. For EVL, EWN handles set-up and invoicing according to its offer, but a participant agreement remains sensible.
Coordinate registration and launch
submit the participant list, PV data and metering concept to EWN and meet missing requirements within the published three months after EWN’s assessment. Changes to PV capacity, addresses or meters should return to grid assessment before billing.
Checked for your roof, not just read up on
What your roof delivers for several households
With your address you see roof potential and yield. We then plan metering and billing for ZEV or vZEV with you.
Free and non-binding · no unsolicited calls
Rather talk directly? +41 78 615 90 58
Frequently asked questions
#Sources
#The responsible authorities are decisive. Always verify binding details – amounts, deadlines and conditions – for your specific property against the current status of the respective authority.