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From July 2026, a new federal initiative known as Solar Sharer will give Australians at least three hours of free electricity every day, even if they don’t have solar panels on their home.

The scheme is designed to help households tap into Australia’s abundant solar generation, lower energy costs and make the energy system fairer for renters and non-solar homes.

What Is the Solar Sharer Scheme?

Solar Sharer is a federal government reform that will require electricity retailers to offer residential customers a minimum three-hour window of free electricity each day, during periods of high solar generation.

According to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the free electricity window will generally occur between late morning and early afternoon, when solar power is most abundant and wholesale electricity prices are often at their lowest.

Importantly:

• You do not need rooftop solar to benefit
• Renters and apartment dwellers are included
• The scheme will be delivered through energy retailers, not as a rebate or cash payment
• The free power period will apply automatically on eligible plans

The policy is expected to commence in New South Wales, South-East Queensland and South Australia, with broader national rollout planned.

Why the Government Is Introducing Free Solar Power

Australia now produces record amounts of solar energy during the middle of the day, driven by widespread rooftop solar adoption and large-scale solar farms. On many days, there is more solar electricity available than households and businesses are using.

The Minister’s release highlights three key problems Solar Sharer aims to fix:

1. Too much cheap solar is being wasted
In the middle of the day, electricity prices can fall extremely low or even become negative because supply exceeds demand.

2. Households still pay the most in the evening
While solar is abundant during the day, most homes use the most power in the late afternoon and evening, when electricity is more expensive.

3. Not everyone can install solar
Millions of Australians, especially renters, have missed out on the benefits of solar generation.

Solar Sharer is designed to shift household energy use to times when clean energy is plentiful, lowering costs for consumers and reducing strain on the grid.

How Households Can Benefit

Lower Electricity Bills

By using energy-intensive appliances during the free solar window, households can significantly reduce the amount of electricity they pay for, particularly at peak prices later in the day.

Government modelling indicates that even modest changes, such as shifting laundry, dishwashing or pool pump use into the free period, can lead to meaningful bill reductions over the year.

Fair Access for Renters and Non-Solar Homes

Unlike rooftop solar incentives, Solar Sharer is designed to benefit every household, regardless of whether they own their home or can install panels.

If you have a smart meter and an eligible electricity plan, you’ll be able to access the free power period automatically.

Bigger Benefits With Smart Energy Setups

Households with

• Timers
• Smart appliances
• Efficient electric hot water systems
• Battery storage
will be able to maximise the value of the free solar hours by shifting or storing energy for later use.

For example, batteries can be charged during the free window and used in the evening, when electricity is most expensive.

What You’ll Need to Access Solar Sharer

To benefit from Solar Sharer, households will need:

• A smart meter (already installed in most homes)
• An eligible retail electricity plan offering the free solar window
• The ability to shift some electricity use into the middle of the day

The scheme is designed to be simple for consumers, with retailers responsible for implementation.

What This Means for the Future of Home Energy

Solar Sharer reflects a broader shift in Australia’s energy system away from paying more during scarcity and towards using energy when it’s abundant and clean. It:

• Encourages smarter energy use
• Reduces peak demand and pressure on the grid
• Helps stabilise electricity prices
• Makes the benefits of solar available to more Australians

As renewable energy continues to grow, schemes like Solar Sharer are likely to play a bigger role in how households manage power costs.