SYDNEY (Realist English). Australia will offer at least three hours of free solar power each day to households — including those without solar panels — under a new energy-saving initiative set to launch in 2026, Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced on Tuesday.
The Solar Sharer program will initially roll out in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland, before expanding nationwide. The free electricity will be available during midday hours, when solar generation peaks and supply often exceeds demand.
“People who are able to shift their electricity use into the zero-cost power period will benefit directly — whether they have solar panels or not, and whether they own or rent,” Bowen said. “The more households take up the offer and adjust their usage, the greater the system benefits and cost reductions for everyone.”
The announcement sent shares of major power companies AGL and Origin Energy down by about 3% on Tuesday afternoon.
Australia is among the world leaders in rooftop solar adoption, with around four million households generating their own power. However, the grid often faces negative electricity prices during sunny afternoons due to oversupply — while demand peaks later in the evening, straining infrastructure.
Under the new scheme, even apartment residents and non-solar households will gain access to free solar energy if they have smart meters and are willing to shift appliance use and EV charging to the middle of the day.
The initiative supports Australia’s broader climate goals: 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and a 43% cut in emissions from 2005 levels, as legislated in 2022.
Analysts say the program could reshape household consumption habits while helping stabilize the national grid — effectively turning midday solar surplus into a public benefit rather than a market distortio
