A virtual self-consumption community (vZEV) allows separately metered Swiss sites to participate in one shared solar-energy model. SmartgridOne supplies the monitoring and control layer needed to coordinate the installation transparently.

Watch how a vZEV works in practice

The embedded video explains the vZEV concept and shows how SmartgridOne supports monitoring and control for a Swiss virtual self-consumption community. Watch it directly below before moving on to the technical checklist.

What is a virtual self-consumption community?

A vZEV allows several separately metered consumption points in Switzerland to participate in one virtual self-consumption community. Instead of treating each meter as a completely isolated site, locally generated solar energy can be allocated within the agreed community structure. This can make solar generation more useful for apartment buildings, mixed-use properties and neighbouring units without redesigning the entire physical connection behind one private meter.

The commercial and metering rules remain project-specific. The electricity supplier, metering operator and local DSO determine which measurements are available, how allocation is handled and which administrative steps are required. SmartgridOne does not replace those agreements; it provides the operational energy-management layer around the connected assets.

Where SmartgridOne adds value

A shared-energy project becomes much easier to operate when generation, consumption, storage and flexible loads can be monitored in one environment. SmartgridOne can combine compatible meters, solar inverters, batteries, charging stations and other controllable equipment. This gives the operator a clearer view of when the community produces energy, when it consumes energy and where flexibility is available.

The EMS can then use that information to increase local solar use. For example, a battery can store surplus production for later demand, or charging stations can be coordinated so they use more solar power without creating an unnecessary peak at the grid connection.

Plan the project before connecting devices

1. Define the participants. List every meter, production unit and controllable asset that belongs to the vZEV.
2. Confirm metering availability. Record which measurements are delivered by the supplier or DSO and which local meters are still required.
3. Map the energy flows. Document grid import, grid export, solar production, battery power and the relevant consumption points.
4. Agree on priorities. Decide whether the project focuses on self-consumption, peak control, price optimisation or a combination of objectives.
5. Assign responsibilities. Clearly define who manages the vZEV administration, the EMS, billing data and technical support.

Commissioning checklist

• Check current direction, phase mapping and scaling for every local measurement.
• Verify that data timestamps and update intervals are suitable for the chosen control strategy.
• Confirm device models, firmware and communication methods against the supported-device documentation.
• Test battery and charging-station limits before enabling automatic optimisation.
• Compare the SmartgridOne measurements with the source meters and correct any mismatches.
• Document the final topology and provide the operator with access to the appropriate app views.

One platform, several energy objectives

A vZEV is primarily an organisational and metering concept, but the connected flexibility can support several practical objectives. SmartgridOne can help increase local use of solar energy, limit simultaneous demand, plan consumption around an energy contract and prepare compatible assets for future external signals.

The best configuration depends on the building, the available meters and the commercial model. Verify the current Swiss requirements with the relevant parties before implementation and avoid assuming that every property can use the same wiring or allocation model.

Continue with the vZEV setup

Open the complete vZEV setup guide →

Check prerequisites and supported devices →   Configure the energy contract →

For day-to-day use, continue with the SmartgridOne app documentation →