The Australian government has announced an ambitious plan to provide households in three states with at least three hours of free solar power every day – even if they don’t have rooftop panels.
The “solar sharer” scheme, set to launch in July 2026, covers homes with smart meters across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.
The programme is designed to make use of surplus solar generation during the sunniest hours of the day and help consumers cut costs amid rising energy bills.
Climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen said the plan would ensure “every last ray of sunshine was powering our homes” rather than being wasted.
The initiative was “proof that what’s good for the planet is good for your pocket”, he added. “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. And the more people take up the offer and move their use, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users will be,” he said.
The scheme is open to all households in the three states – including those living in apartments – even if they don’t have solar panels installed.
Households will be encouraged to run energy-intensive appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and air conditioners, and charge electric vehicles and home batteries during the free-power window.
The government said this shift in usage patterns could reduce strain on the power grid in the evening and lower overall electricity prices.
The scheme will be implemented through a change in the default market offer, which caps how much electricity retailers can charge, according to Mr Bowen.
“There is so much power in the middle of the day now that often the prices are very cheap or negative and this should be something, by our analysis, that energy companies can incorporate and offer,” Mr Bowen told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“It’s not a silver bullet, and it is part of a suite of measures, but it’s a good one. No one would claim that one particular policy solves all the challenges in the energy market.”
From July 2026, households across NSW, South-East QLD and SA will enjoy three hours of free solar energy every day - even if they don’t have rooftop panels.
— SmartEnergyCouncil (@SmartEnergyCncl) November 4, 2025
John Grimes says this is a breakthrough moment: proof that what’s good for the planet is good for your pocket. pic.twitter.com/87ob4sWUyG
The Australian Energy Regulator will monitor the rollout to ensure households “get a fair deal” outside the free period.
Not all industry players welcomed the move. The Australian Energy Council, which represents major power retailers and generators, criticised the lack of consultation before the announcement.
Chief executive Louisa Kinnear warned that acting without notice could result in “damaging industry confidence as well as creating the potential for unintended consequences”, including some companies “exiting a market”, according to The Guardian.
She said while the government’s recognition of customer benefits from innovative energy products was positive, failing to consult could “have an enduring impact on product innovation that can further support the energy transition”.
Mr Bowen said the government would work with states not yet covered by the default market operator to expand the programme nationally by 2027.
In 2022, Mr Bowen announced an ambitious goal to have 82 per cent of Australia’s electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030, complementing the legislated commitment to cut emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels, according to Reuters.
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