Sharing solar power in Nidwalden: vZEV, EVL & LEG

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.