Straight answers, 2026
What is the Solar Sharer Offer?
The short answer
The Solar Sharer Offer is a federal scheme that started on 1 July 2026. Eligible electricity plans in NSW, South East Queensland and South Australia give at least three hours of electricity in the middle of every day at no energy charge, with or without solar panels. Retailers can recover the cost through higher rates at other times, so compare the whole plan.
Details as at 14 August 2026. By Verified Solar. Last updated .
When is the no-charge window?
The hours depend on your state:
| Where | No-charge window |
|---|---|
| NSW | 11am to 2pm |
| South East Queensland | 11am to 2pm |
| South Australia | 12pm to 3pm |
| Victoria | A similar Midday Power Saver program from October 2026 |
| Other areas | Possible expansion from 2027 |
Who can get it?
Eligibility is set by where you live. Renters and owners can get it, with or without rooftop solar. No end date has been announced.
Why is midday power offered at no charge?
So much rooftop and large-scale solar now generates in the middle of the day that wholesale prices often fall to zero or below. The offer passes some of that through to households.
What is the catch?
It is not completely free:
- Retailers can recover the cost through higher rates outside the no-charge window.
- The saving only shows up if you move usage into those hours.
- Some plans may have reasonable-use caps.
What does it mean for a home battery?
Up to 24 kWh of electricity is available across the three hours, enough to fully charge many home batteries in one session. A battery can fill up in that window at no energy charge on an eligible plan, which changes the sums for many homes, with or without solar.
Whether it suits yours depends on your plan, your usage and the battery size. Ray can size it from your bill.
Common questions
Do I need solar panels for the Solar Sharer Offer?
No. The offer is available with or without rooftop solar, to renters and owners, in the eligible areas.
Is the Solar Sharer Offer available on the Gold Coast?
Yes. The Gold Coast is in South East Queensland, where eligible plans include power at no energy charge from 11am to 2pm.
Is the power really free?
The energy in the window carries no energy charge on an eligible plan, but retailers can recover the cost through higher rates at other times, so compare the whole plan, not just the midday hours.
Get the answer for your home
Tell Ray your bill and what you are after. He sizes the system and explains the rebates before anyone quotes you. Free, and no details needed to start.