The Smart Energy Council has released an exclusive Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) Fact Sheet to help members understand the new scheme and prepare for its commencement on 1 July 2026.

The Solar Sharer Offer is a regulated, opt-in electricity tariff that will provide eligible households with access to a daily three-hour free electricity window during periods of peak daytime solar generation. Introduced through the Australian Energy Regulator’s Default Market Offer framework in the regions of New South Wales, South Australia and South East Queensland, the scheme is intended to encourage greater use of abundant daytime renewable energy while helping consumers reduce electricity costs.

Eligible households that opt into participating retail plans will be able to access a fixed three-hour free electricity period each day, subject to the scheme’s requirements.

The fact sheet provides members with a practical overview of how the Solar Sharer Offer will operate, where it applies, and the opportunities it may create for consumers and industry participants.

Smart Energy Council Head of Advocacy and Policy, Rob Potter, said it is important that industry participants understand the operational settings and consumer implications of the scheme ahead of its introduction.

“The Solar Sharer Offer introduces a new framework for how eligible consumers can access and use low-cost daytime renewable energy. As implementation approaches, it is important that industry participants understand the eligibility requirements, operating arrangements and opportunities associated with the scheme.”

“This fact sheet provides members with a concise and practical guide to support customer conversations, business planning and preparation ahead of commencement.”

Under the current framework:

• New South Wales and South East Queensland households will access free electricity between 11am and 2pm
• South Australian households will access free electricity between 12pm and 3pm
• Participation requires an active smart meter
• Free electricity usage is capped at 24kWh per day
• The scheme is available to all eligible households, including renters and those without rooftop solar

Smart Energy Council CEO David McElrea said the initiative reflects the growing opportunity for Australians to benefit from abundant daytime renewable energy generation.

“Australia’s growing renewable energy capacity is creating new opportunities for households to access low-cost electricity during the middle of the day.”

“Initiatives such as the Solar Sharer Offer can help more consumers participate in those benefits, including many who do not have access to rooftop solar.”

“As the scheme approaches commencement, it is important that industry participants and consumers understand how it will operate and how technologies such as smart appliances, hot water systems, batteries and electric vehicles can help maximise its value.”

The fact sheet also highlights opportunities for consumers to shift energy use into the free electricity window through smart Consumer Energy Resources (CER) and household appliances, including electric vehicle charging, hot water systems, batteries, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.

Key topics covered

• Solar Sharer Offer overview
• Eligible regions and customer requirements
• Free electricity window arrangements
• Smart meter requirements
• Consumer load shifting opportunities
• Smart CER integration considerations
• Household energy optimisation strategies

The Smart Energy Council welcomes the Federal Government’s work to expand consumer access to daytime renewable energy and looks forward to supporting members as the Solar Sharer Offer is implemented across eligible regions.

The Solar Sharer Offer Fact Sheet is available exclusively to Smart Energy Council members and can be downloaded via the Members Portal under Downloads in the latest Members Update.

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About the Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council is Australia’s peak body for the renewable energy industry, committed to accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy for all Australians.

Media contact: Tim Lamacraft – tim@smartenergy.org.au – 0448 972 192