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Australia to offer three hours of free solar power daily to millions of households
Australia plans to provide at least three hours of free solar electricity daily to households, including those without solar panels, under a new energy-saving initiative expected to launch in 2026. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the “Solar Sharer” program on Tuesday.
The program will initially roll out in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland, with plans to expand nationwide. Users will access free solar power during peak generation hours in the middle of the day. Bowen emphasized that households who shift their electricity use to this zero-cost period—whether they rent or own, and whether they have solar panels or not—will benefit directly while helping reduce costs for all electricity consumers.
About four million Australian households already have rooftop solar panels, and sunny afternoons often produce more power than needed, sometimes even causing negative electricity prices. The new program aims to maximize this surplus while easing pressure on the grid during later peak demand hours.
To participate, customers must have a smart meter and adjust usage, running appliances or charging electric vehicles during the designated midday period. Australia has set a target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030, alongside a legislated goal of reducing emissions by 43% compared with 2005 levels.
