Solar Sharer Offer Explained: How 3 Hours of Free Electricity Works in Australia

By Spiring Energy

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Last Updated JUN 17. 2026

3 hours of free electricity every day — the real question is: can you make it work for your home?

Introduction: Australia’s New Free Electricity Initiative

Australia is preparing to launch a major new energy initiative that could help households reduce their electricity costs by making better use of the country’s abundant solar generation.

 

From 1 July 2026, eligible households in New South Wales, South East Queensland, and South Australia will be able to access up to three hours of free electricity during the middle of the day through the new Solar Sharer Offer (SSO).

 

The initiative is designed to encourage households to use electricity when solar energy is most abundant, helping reduce pressure on the grid while sharing the benefits of Australia's renewable energy boom.

 

But what does “free electricity” actually mean, and is it enough to significantly reduce your power bills?

Let's take a closer look.

What Is the Solar Sharer Offer?

The Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) is a new government-regulated electricity plan being introduced as part of reforms to Australia's Default Market Offer (DMO).

 

Under the new rules, electricity retailers serving eligible regions will be required to offer at least one plan that includes a daily period of free electricity.

Free Electricity Windows

Solar Sharer Offer – Free Electricity Period

Solar Sharer Offer – Free Electricity Period

Region Free Electricity Period
NSW 11:00am – 2:00pm
South East Queensland 11:00am – 2:00pm
South Australia 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Eligible households will be able to use up to 24 kWh of electricity during the free period each day.

 

Any electricity consumed beyond the daily limit may be charged according to the retailer's pricing structure.

 

It's important to understand that only electricity used during the designated free period is covered. Electricity consumed outside those hours will still be billed as normal.

Why Is the Government Offering Free Electricity?

At first glance, giving away free electricity may sound unusual. However, the reason is actually quite simple.

Rooftop Solar Is Producing More Energy Than Ever

Australia now has more than four million rooftop solar systems installed across the country. On sunny days, these systems collectively generate enormous amounts of electricity, especially around midday.

 

As solar generation continues to grow, there are periods when electricity supply exceeds demand. In some cases, wholesale electricity prices can fall close to zero or even become negative.

The Challenge: Too Much Solar, Not Enough Demand

While having abundant renewable energy is positive, it also creates challenges for grid operators.

 

Large amounts of solar energy can be curtailed or wasted when there isn't enough demand to absorb the available generation. At the same time, electricity demand typically spikes in the evening when people return home from work, cook dinner, run appliances, and switch on air conditioning.

 

This mismatch between when electricity is generated and when it is used creates stress on the grid.

The Goal of the Solar Sharer Offer

The Solar Sharer Offer aims to encourage "load shifting"—moving electricity usage from peak evening periods to the middle of the day when solar energy is plentiful.

 

By encouraging households to consume electricity during solar production peaks, the government hopes to:

  • Reduce renewable energy curtailment
  • Improve grid stability
  • Lower pressure during evening peak demand periods
  • Share the benefits of solar generation more broadly

Who Is Eligible?

The Solar Sharer Offer will be available to households that meet the following requirements:

  • Located in NSW, South Australia, or South East Queensland
  • Have a smart meter installed
  • Receive electricity from a participating retailer
  • Are not supplied through an embedded network (i.e., not living in a property with a shared or embedded electricity network such as apartments or managed complexes)

If your home does not currently have a smart meter, you may need to contact your retailer to discuss installation options.

 

Because participation is voluntary, households can choose whether the Solar Sharer Offer suits their energy usage patterns before opting in.

How Much Can You Actually Save?

The amount you save depends largely on how much electricity you can shift into the free electricity window.

 

Households that can schedule energy-intensive activities during the middle of the day may see the greatest benefit.

Activities That Could Benefit

  • Charging an electric vehicle
  • Running a dishwasher
  • Using a washing machine
  • Operating a clothes dryer
  • Running air conditioning
  • Charging a home battery

The more electricity you can move into the free period, the greater the potential savings.

Free Electricity Does Not Mean a Free Bill

This is perhaps the most important point to understand.

 

Although electricity used during the free period may be free, households will still pay:

  • Daily supply charges
  • Electricity used outside the free period
  • Potential excess usage charges beyond the 24kWh allowance

Some Solar Sharer plans may also have higher peak or shoulder rates compared with standard electricity plans.

 

This means households should compare plans carefully and consider their overall usage patterns before switching.

Is the Solar Sharer Offer Right for You?

The Solar Sharer Offer is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

 

Some households are naturally positioned to benefit more than others.

 

Great For May Not Suit
Work-From-Home Households
Regular daytime presence makes it easy to shift appliance usage into the free electricity window. 		People Away All Day
Limited ability to use electricity during the free period reduces potential savings.
Retirees
More consistent daytime usage allows better alignment with free electricity hours. 		High Evening Energy Users
Most consumption occurs outside the free period, limiting benefit.
EV Owners
Charging during free hours can significantly reduce energy costs. 		Homes Unable to Shift Usage
Fixed routines make it difficult to take advantage of the free electricity window.
Battery Owners
Batteries can store excess energy during free hours for later use.

Does the Solar Sharer Offer Make Solar Panels Obsolete?

In short, no.

While the Solar Sharer Offer provides access to free electricity for three hours each day, rooftop solar remains one of the most effective ways to reduce long-term electricity costs.

Free Electricity Only Lasts Three Hours

The Solar Sharer Offer is limited to a specific time window.

 

By contrast, a solar system can generate electricity throughout the day whenever sunlight is available.

 

Over its lifetime, a quality solar system can continue producing clean energy for 20 years or more.

You Are Still Dependent on the Grid

The Solar Sharer Offer relies entirely on electricity retailers and grid availability.

 

Solar energy gives homeowners greater control over their energy consumption and reduces reliance on changing electricity tariffs and market conditions.

 

For many households, solar remains the foundation of long-term energy savings.

Why Home Batteries Become Even More Valuable

The Solar Sharer Offer highlights a challenge that batteries are uniquely positioned to solve.

The Missing Piece: Energy Storage

Even if electricity is free during the middle of the day, what happens after the free period ends?

What happens during evening peak pricing?

What happens during winter when solar generation is lower?

These are the moments when electricity costs are often highest.

A Battery Lets You Store Free Energy for Later

Without a battery:

  • 11am–2pm: Free electricity
  • 5pm–9pm: Higher electricity prices

With a battery:

  • 11am–2pm: Charge the battery
  • 5pm–9pm: Use stored energy

Instead of purchasing expensive grid electricity during peak periods, households can use stored energy when it is most valuable.

The Combination That Delivers Maximum Savings

☀️ Solar
Generates clean electricity from sunlight during the day.
🔋 Battery
Stores excess solar energy for use at night or peak periods.
⚡ Smart Energy Plan
Optimises when energy is consumed and purchased from the grid.
Result: Greater energy independence and protection from rising electricity costs.

How Spiring Energy Helps You Maximise the Solar Sharer Offer

The Solar Sharer Offer provides up to 3 hours of free electricity per day. Spiring Energy helps you maximise savings by stacking three core energy sources.

Important: Monthly electricity credits are an additional benefit and are applied on top of savings from solar, battery usage, and the 3-hour free electricity window. They do not affect eligibility for the Solar Sharer Offer.
Layer How it works Benefit
Solar Reduces daytime grid usage by directly powering your home during sunlight hours. Lower electricity costs outside the free period.
Battery Charges using:
  • Excess solar energy
  • Electricity from the 3-hour free window
Then stores energy for use during evening peak periods. 		Extends the value of both solar generation and the 3-hour free electricity period into the night.
Credits Monthly electricity credits applied to your account on top of:
  • Solar savings
  • Battery savings
  • 3-hour free electricity benefits
 Additional ongoing bill reduction independent of usage patterns.
Summary: Solar powers daytime usage → 3-hour free electricity powers or charges battery → Battery shifts energy to night → Credits stack on top of all savings
Credits are independent and do not affect the Solar Sharer Offer or its 3-hour free electricity window.

Conclusion

The Solar Sharer Offer gives Australian households a new way to save on electricity by using more power during solar-rich daytime hours.

 

While the free electricity window can help reduce costs, it won't eliminate your power bill. For greater long-term savings, many homeowners are combining solar panels, battery storage, and smart energy management to reduce reliance on the grid and make the most of available energy.

 

Want to lower your electricity bills with a home battery?

 

Contact Spiring Energy today for a battery assessment and personalised quote. >>

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Solar Sharer Offer
1. Is the electricity really free during the Solar Sharer Offer period?
Yes. Eligible households can access up to 3 hours of free electricity during the designated daytime window. However, usage limits and standard charges outside this period may still apply depending on your retailer.
2. Do I need to install solar panels to access the Solar Sharer Offer?
No. Solar panels are not required. The offer is based on your electricity plan and eligibility, not whether you have rooftop solar.
3. What is a smart meter and why do I need one?
A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records your usage in real time. It is required because the Solar Sharer Offer depends on tracking when electricity is used throughout the day.
4. Can I still benefit if I work full-time outside the home?
Yes, but benefits may be limited. Households that are home during the day generally get more value because they can shift appliance usage into the free electricity window.
5. What happens if I use more than the daily free electricity limit?
Usage beyond the daily allowance (e.g. 24kWh) will be charged according to your electricity retailer’s standard rates.
6. Can I use battery storage with the Solar Sharer Offer?
Yes. In fact, home batteries can help maximise savings by storing electricity during the free period and using it later in the evening when prices are higher.
7. Do all electricity retailers offer the Solar Sharer plan?
No. Only participating retailers are required to offer Solar Sharer plans, so availability may vary.
8. Is this better than installing solar panels?
They serve different purposes. Solar panels generate electricity, while the Solar Sharer Offer is a tariff structure. Many households get the best results by combining both with a battery system.