British News Agency

Australia’s Energy Minister Chris Bowen said he hopes the initiative will ease pressure on the grid during peak hours. “We are a solar nation… 4.2 million households have solar panels on their roofs,” he said.

According to The Guardian, customers will need smart meters to access the offer. Homes without them will be able to request installation from energy retailers, with meters fitted free of charge.

Different energy companies may offer various solar-sharing plans, provided they meet minimum criteria set by the Australian Energy Regulator.

The government’s Energy Made Easy website compares electricity price offers in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. A similar tool is provided by the Victorian government.

Meanwhile, more than 4.2 million Australian homes already benefit directly from rooftop solar systems. Solar customers’ bills are around 18% lower than those of non-solar customers, even when they draw more power from the grid.

Bowen said the solar-sharing offer will advantage households that can shift usage to zero-cost periods — including professionals or families working from home, retirees, or customers with smart appliances programmed to run at midday.

For others, solar sharing may not be the cheapest option available. “It’s never been claimed as a one-size-fits-all solution,” he added: “The best way to maximise savings is to use more when electricity is free and less when it’s expensive… but that’s easier said than done. Households with no one at home during the day may struggle to take advantage of cheaper power.”