The offer will be available to households with smart meters, which make up the majority in the country.
Australia will begin offering households in three states at least three hours of free solar energy daily starting next year — regardless of whether they have solar panels installed on their roofs.
The federal government announced that the Solar Sharer program will launch in July 2026, providing residents of New South Wales, South Australia, and southeastern Queensland with free electricity during sunny hours.
The offer will be available to households with smart meters, which make up the majority in the country. During the free period, residents will be able to use washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, or charge electric vehicles and home batteries without incurring electricity costs.
In the future, the plan may be expanded to other regions by 2027. It will be implemented through a change in the standard market offer — regulations that limit the electricity prices retailers can charge in some parts of Australia.
Australia has more than four million rooftop solar energy systems, which often generate excess energy during sunny daytime hours. This surplus can even lead to negative electricity prices. However, the high demand that occurs at night creates a strain on the grid.
The Solar Sharer program aims to shift energy consumption to periods of peak solar generation. By encouraging electricity use during peak hours, the initiative can help stabilize the energy grid, reduce prices during peak times, and minimize the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
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