The Australian government’s new Solar Sharer Program will give citizens at least three hours of free electricity daily, boosting renewable energy adoption and reducing national grid pressure.
Australia is set to introduce a groundbreaking energy initiative offering households, including renters and those without solar panels, three hours of free solar power daily starting in 2026. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the program, known as the Solar Sharer, which will debut in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland before a nationwide rollout.
The free power will be available midday, the peak solar generation period, to ease grid demand. According to Bowen, households can maximize savings by running energy-intensive appliances—like washing machines and electric vehicles—during the zero-cost hours.
Currently, around four million Australian homes have rooftop solar installations. However, excess daytime energy supply sometimes pushes electricity prices below zero, while peak usage occurs later in the day.
Following the announcement, shares of leading energy suppliers AGL Energy and Origin Energy fell by 3%. The initiative supports Australia’s goal of achieving 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and cutting emissions by 43% from 2005 levels.
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