Perth: Australia is set to roll out a groundbreaking Solar Sharer program in 2026, which will provide at least three hours of free solar power daily to households, including those without rooftop solar panels, as part of its national clean energy transition.
Announced by Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the initiative aims to help residents cut energy costs while improving overall grid efficiency. The program will initially launch in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland, before being expanded across the country.
The free solar power will be available during midday hours, when solar generation is at its peak. “People who can 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 and move their use, the greater the system benefits that lower costs for all electricity users will be,” Bowen said.
The free solar power plan is designed to take advantage of Australia’s massive solar generation capacity, with around four million households already equipped with rooftop panels. At times, high midday production causes electricity prices to drop into the negative, while evening peak demand continues to strain the grid.
To access the program, households must have a smart meter and shift their high-energy activities, such as running appliances or charging electric vehicles, to the midday window. Renters and apartment dwellers will also be eligible.
The Solar Sharer program aligns with Australia’s climate and energy targets, including reaching 82 percent renewable electricity by 2030 and cutting emissions by 43 percent compared to 2005 levels. Following the announcement, shares of major energy providers AGL Energy and Origin Energy fell by around 3 percent in late afternoon trading.
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