Australian households will soon enjoy three hours of free solar power each day under a new national energy program. Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the “Solar Sharer” scheme, which begins next year in select regions including New South Wales and South Australia.
Bowen said the government wants everyone to benefit from renewable energy, not just those with rooftop panels. “It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s a good step forward,” he told ABC News.
The initiative aims to make solar savings accessible to all Australians, even those without panels or batteries. Anyone with a smart meter can opt into the plan.
Australia already leads the world in solar adoption, with 4.2 million homes—about one in three—using rooftop panels. The country continues to invest billions in clean energy, wind farms, and green manufacturing, with ambitions to become a renewable energy superpower.
However, the Australian Energy Council expressed concern about the lack of industry consultation. Chief executive Louisa Kinnear said many retailers already offer similar benefits.
The scheme arrives as Australia faces growing pressure to cut emissions and manage the transition from coal to cleaner energy sources.
