How is a ZEV formed?
How is a ZEV formed? There are the following requirements for the formation of a ZEV: The selfgenerated energy must be at least ten percent of the energy required on site (the connected load). Several property owners in the immediate vicinity of the energy-producing plant can join together. Or the owners pass the energy on to the tenants on site. However, the latter have a free choice: they can join the association for their own consumption or continue to be supplied by a grid operator. At a later date, the tenant can only opt out of the selfsupply if the owner has not satisfactorily fulfilled its basic supply obligation. Incidentally, this also applies in the event of a change of tenant. agreement with Primeo Energie. In other words, we lease the roof to Primeo on a long-term basis to operate the plant. In return, Primeo has made the entire investment for the solar plant and maintains it during the agreed term. However, we still rely on grid power because we don't have electricity storage for solar power." Contracting with Primeo The expense for the company was kept within limits. Thanks to contracting, there was practically no need for investment other than the time involved, and the company was thus able to concentrate on its core business. Primeo also invested in the construction of electric charging stations for cars in the company's own parking garage and in a fastcharging station for cars and trucks on the company premises, as Fabian Felix explains. The offer is very much appreciated by the employees and the tenants. On the part of Primeo Energie, Robert Bösiger (Sales ZEV & Area Networks) was responsible for the project and the cooperation with Felix Transport: "We operate the ZEV area network and bill all users for both solar and grid electricity. SME customers have two electricity tariffs - a solar tariff, which is a maximum of 80 percent of the basic supply tariff or the market price, plus the electricity tariff for purchases from the public grid. At the same time, solar production, consumption and self-consumption percentage are visualized in real time via app and online." Many companies adopt such measurement data and show their solar production on their website or via screen at the reception, as Robert Bösiger explains, which also has a PR effect: Do good and talk about it (Henry Ford). The advantages of such a system are obvious. Robert Bösiger sums it up like this: "ZEV participants receive cheap solar power without having to invest in a PVA themselves. The higher the own consumption of solar power, the more favorable the ZEV electricity price. In addition, the solar power is 100 percent first-rate green power." Rising demand Primeo says that demand for such solutions is growing exponentially. In other words, the curve is pointing steeply upward. But how long does it take from the decision to commissioning? Robert Bösiger: "In view of rising electricity prices, higher grid costs and, most recently, the discussion about electricity shortages, the decision-making periods for companies have become noticeably shorter, because ultimately everyone wins - the investors, the ZEV participants and the environment. What we are more concerned about at the moment is the availability of components. Anyone who decides to optimize self-consumption or a ZEV today has to put up with waiting times for project planning and availability of the photovoltaic system and the control elements." The system at Felix Transport in Arlesheim is already running - and they are very satisfied with it, as Fabian Felix tells us: "We certainly made the decision to build the solar system at the right time. Customers and partner companies also keep asking us about implementation details and tips. This shows that the topic of electricity and solar is on the minds of all entrepreneurs." More independence The managing director probably speaks for everyone involved when he says he would highly recommend the construction of a solar plant. Not only because the protection of the environment has always been firmly anchored in Felix Transport's mission statement and has become even more important in recent years. But also, because, as Fabian Felix explains, "in my opinion, it makes sense for larger electricity consumers in particular to install a solar power system." This way, the cost-intensive grid expansion doesn't have to be pushed to the same extent and you become a bit more independent. And in addition to the practical and pecuniary arguments, there is also an emotional argument. "It's a joy when you know that you've produced a large part of the electricity you use yourself on your roof." www.primeo-energie.ch 18 Baselland Business
The system produces 376,000 kilowatt hours of electricity. This means that around 60 percent of the total annual electricity requirement of the entire site can be covered with the company's own solar energy. PHOTO: FELIX TRANSPORT AG Does a ZEV also work across multiple properties? Absolutely! The only decisive factor is that the self-produced energy is used on site and the distribution network operator's network is not interposed. The term «on site» is clearly defined as • contiguous plots of land, at least one of which borders on the plot of land on which the production facility is located • plots of land separated only by a road, a railroad line or a watercourse • if the respective landowners agreed. Baselland Business 19
