Canberra, November 05, 2025 – The Europe Today: Australia will provide millions of households with at least three hours of free solar power each day under a new national energy initiative set to launch in 2026, Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced on Tuesday.
The landmark “Solar Sharer” program will begin in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland before expanding nationwide. Notably, the initiative will enable Australians to benefit from free renewable energy even if they do not have rooftop solar panels, positioning it among the world’s most inclusive clean energy schemes, according to media reports.
Under the program, free electricity will be supplied during midday hours when solar generation typically peaks and exceeds demand. With approximately four million Australian homes already equipped with rooftop solar panels — one of the highest adoption rates globally — daytime energy surpluses often drive electricity prices into negative territory, while evening consumption continues to strain the grid.
Minister Bowen said that encouraging households to shift energy-intensive activities to the middle of the day would benefit all Australians — renters, homeowners, and both solar and non-solar users — by easing grid pressure and contributing to long-term price stability.
To qualify for the scheme, households will require smart meters and are encouraged to run major appliances or charge electric vehicles during the designated free-power window to maximize savings.
Markets reacted swiftly to the announcement, with shares of leading electricity providers AGL and Origin Energy declining by about 3% in late-afternoon trading.
The “Solar Sharer” initiative forms a key component of Australia’s broader clean energy strategy, which targets 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030 and a 43% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels.
As the nation accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, the government aims to leverage excess daytime solar production to balance supply and demand, lower household costs, and ensure a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the future.
