A New Era of Daytime Energy

As reported by The Age, the Albanese government’s Solar Sharer initiative aims to help stabilise Australia’s electricity grid by shifting demand to the middle of the day, when solar generation is at its peak and wholesale prices regularly fall below zero.

Starting in South Australia, New South Wales and South-East Queensland, electricity retailers will be required to offer plans that include a three-hour daily window of free power, typically in the late morning to early afternoon.

“We’re making sure more Australians can be part of our solar success story,”
said Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
“That includes making sure people who live in apartments, are renters, or can’t get solar panels on their roof, can have access to solar during the day.”

The policy is part of a broader national effort to reduce emissions, cut household power bills, and make better use of Australia’s record levels of rooftop solar, now installed on more than 4.2 million homes nationwide.

 Free Power, With a Catch

While the idea of “three hours of free power” sounds simple, the real challenge is when those hours occur.

For most families, energy usage peaks between 5pm and 9pm, the exact hours when the Solar Sharer window won’t apply. In contrast, midday consumption is typically low, especially for working households.

According to government modelling cited by The Age, the average household could save up to $800 per year by shifting energy-intensive activities like heating water, washing clothes, or charging electric vehicles to the free window.

But for families not at home during the day, the only way to truly benefit is by storing that free energy for use later.

 The Battery Advantage: Turning Daytime Power into Nighttime Savings

Home batteries are the key to unlocking the full value of the Solar Sharer program. By storing electricity during the free period, households can draw on that power during the evening, when prices are normally highest.

“Without a battery, the average home will only be able to use a fraction of the free power available,” says Chantha Lake, Managing Director of SunEnergy.
“With one, you can run your home on free electricity long after the sun has gone down.”

To take full advantage of a three-hour free power window, a larger battery capacity is essential. Smaller batteries (such as 10-13kWh systems) may only store enough to cover a few hours of evening use. To comfortably power an average Australian household through the night, most will need a system of around 25-30kWh.

That’s why SunEnergy now recommends the 30kWh Hiconics battery by Midea, a high-performance, Australian-approved system from one of the world’s largest and most trusted electronics manufacturers.

From just $6,499, it provides enough capacity to store all the energy you can soak up during the free period and comfortably run your home overnight, all while reducing dependence on the grid.

🚨 Why This Shift Matters

The Solar Sharer program isn’t just a cost-saving measure, it’s part of a fundamental shift in how Australia uses energy.

During the day, Australia now generates so much solar that wholesale electricity prices often fall to zero or even go negative. This “solar glut” forces grid operators to curtail supply and reduces the value of exported rooftop solar, with feed-in tariffs now often below 5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

By encouraging consumers to use more power during the day, or store it for later, the government hopes to ease strain on the grid, reduce evening peaks, and keep prices stable for everyone.

As AER chair Clare Savage explained,
“Shifting more demand to the middle of the day would lower the cost of running the electricity system for all consumers.”

 What This Means for South Australians

South Australia already leads the nation in rooftop solar adoption, with over 40% of homes now powered by the sun.

That also means the state is likely to feel the greatest impact from the Solar Sharer policy, both in terms of opportunities and challenges.

For SA households, a battery is no longer optional, it’s becoming the key to energy independence. With initiatives like the federal battery rebate (up to 50% off installation) and the SA Virtual Power Plant rebate (up to $2,000), it’s now more affordable than ever to add storage.

 The Bottom Line

Free electricity sounds like a dream, but only those who plan ahead will truly benefit.

The Solar Sharer program represents one of the biggest shifts in Australia’s energy landscape in decades. It rewards households that can store and manage their energy smartly, rather than simply consume it when it’s available.

If you already have solar, adding a battery will allow you to make the most of the upcoming changes, and if you don’t, now’s the time to prepare.

 In Summary

The 30kWh Hiconics by Midea, available through SunEnergy from just $6,499, is one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare.

The Solar Sharer program begins July 2026, three hours of free power each day.

Applies in South Australia, NSW, and SE Queensland first.

Households with batteries can store free energy to use at night.

Larger batteries (25–30kWh) will capture enough energy for full-night use.

📞 Book your free consultation

Talk to our expert South Australian team to see how a Hiconics battery can help your home make the most of Australia’s new free power era.