Short answer
What is the difference between ZEV, vZEV, EVL and LEG in Nidwalden?
In Nidwalden, a vZEV suits a contractual combination of several end consumers at a shared grid connection point; EWN’s self-consumption solution shares solar power there without forming a consumption community. Since 2026, a LEG extends the reach within the same municipality and grid level, but requires smart meters and PV production capacity of at least 5% of total connection capacity.
Important
As of 2026, a LEG in the EWN area does not arise merely because roofs are neighbouring. If municipality, grid level, smart meters or the 5% production capacity do not qualify, the LEG is not permitted; for vZEV and EVL, the shared grid connection point remains additionally decisive. EWN’s grid assessment should therefore be obtained before committing participants.
At a glance
Key figures: Solarpower sharing: vZEV, EVL & LEG
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| LEG launch | available since 1 January 2026 |
| LEG capacity | at least 5% of total connection capacity |
| LEG grid area | same municipality and same grid level |
| Metering | smart meter at every LEG property |
| vZEV towards EWN | participants act as one entity |
Decision points
What determines the right path.
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.
Sequence
How the project stays cleanly managed.
- 1
Record properties and consumptioncollect 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.
- 2
Choose the model before quotingZEV 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.
- 3
Have EWN assess the addressesclarify 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.
- 4
For a LEG, calculate the 5% ratiodivide 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.
- 5
Prepare metering and responsibilitiesfor 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.
- 6
Coordinate registration and launchsubmit 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.
Checklist
Questions to settle before the quote.
- Choose the EWN model: contractual ZEV, vZEV, self-consumption solution or LEG
- For a LEG, check municipality, grid level, smart meters and 5% production capacity
- For vZEV and ZEV, define internal billing, responsibility and residual electricity in advance
- Only commit participating addresses after EWN has assessed the grid
FAQ
More questions: Solarpower sharing: vZEV, EVL & LEG
Sources
Official sources & references.
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.
- Energy communities: ZEV, vZEV, EVL and LEGElektrizitätswerk Nidwalden (EWN)
- Local electricity community with EWNElektrizitätswerk Nidwalden (EWN)
- Guide to ZEV, vZEV and LEGSwiss Federal Office of Energy / EnergieSchweiz
- Questions and answers on the MantelerlassSwiss Federal Electricity Commission ElCom