Solar series: A sunny deal for Aussie households


Good news for anyone tired of eye-watering power bills: soon you could be soaking up free solar power, even if your roof’s as bare as a baby’s bum. The federal government has announced a new “solar sharer” program, promising at least three hours of free solar electricity every day for households in New South Wales, south-east Queensland and South Australia.

And before you ask - no, you don’t need solar panels. If you’ve got a smart meter, you’re good to go. The rollout starts in July next year, with other states possibly jumping on board by 2027.

How it actually works

Here’s the gist. There’s often more solar power generated in the middle of the day than the grid can handle. Instead of letting that energy go to waste, the government’s plan is to share it around. So, if you run your washing machine, dishwasher, or charge your EV during the “free solar” window, you’ll be using electricity that doesn’t cost you a cent.

It’s basically a win-win. The power companies get smoother demand, the grid stays stable, and you get to smugly enjoy free energy while the sun’s out.

Why this is a big deal

Australia’s already a solar superstar, with more than four million rooftop systems shining away across the country. But even with all that sun power, electricity bills have been creeping up, leaving plenty of households grumbling.

The government reckons this new setup will shift energy use away from the pricey evening peaks and into those sunny, off-peak hours. That should help rein in prices overall and keep the system humming along nicely.

One minister said it best when he explained that this plan makes sure every ray of sunshine is put to work. He added that the more people who jump on the free solar bandwagon, the cheaper things could get for everyone. Sounds like a plan to us.

The industry side-eye

Not everyone’s been doing a victory lap, though. Some energy retailers were a bit salty about not being looped in before the announcement. They’ve warned that surprise policies like this could make things tricky for companies already offering free solar deals.

Still, other voices in the industry say this is exactly the kind of creative thinking Australia needs to tackle rising costs and cut carbon at the same time. After all, the sun’s not sending anyone an invoice.

What’s next for Aussie energy?

For now, the “solar sharer” offer is limited to a few states, but the government says it’ll chat with the rest to see if the scheme can go nationwide. If that happens, every Aussie could have the chance to enjoy some guilt-free, bill-free power time each day.

So whether you own, rent, or live in a share house powered by instant noodles and extension cords, there’s hope yet for cheaper, greener power.

Ready to grab a cheaper deal?

Free solar hours are great, but don’t stop there. You might be able to save even more by switching to a better energy plan. Give the friendly team at Compare Energy a buzz on 1300 790 106 and find out how much you could shave off your next bill.