Australia to Offer Three Hours of Free Solar Power Daily to Millions

Australia Launches Solar Sharer Programme Offering Free Daily Solar

Australia plans to provide at least three hours of free solar power daily to households, including those without solar panels, under the new Solar Sharer programme expected in 2026, Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced.

The programme will initially roll out in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland, before expanding nationwide. Users will access free solar power during peak generation in the middle of the day, encouraging households to shift electricity usage to zero-cost periods.

“People who are able to move electricity use into the zero-cost power period will benefit directly, whether they have solar panels or not and whether they own or rent... the more people take up the offer, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users,” Bowen said.

How It Works-

• Households need a smart meter to participate.

• Maximum benefit occurs when peak electricity usage is shifted to midday, running appliances and charging electric vehicles during solar generation peaks.

• The programme is open to all households, including apartment dwellers without rooftop solar panels.

Context & Impact-

• Around four million Australian households currently have rooftop solar.

• Midday solar generation often exceeds immediate demand, occasionally sending electricity prices negative.

• The initiative supports Australia’s renewable goals: 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and a 43% emissions reduction from 2005 levels.

• Following the announcement, shares of major electricity suppliers AGL and Origin Energy fell by 3%.

The Solar Sharer programme aims to maximize solar usage, reduce grid strain, and make renewable energy more accessible to millions of Australians.