Understanding the 'Free Solar' Headlines

Headlines vs. Reality

Recent news about "Free Solar" mandates and "Solar Taxes" has caused confusion. Here is the breakdown of what is actually happening in the Australian energy market.

The "Solar Sharer" Program (2026)

There are proposals and trials (like in NSW and SA) to offer "free electricity" periods during the middle of the day (e.g., 11am - 2pm). This is designed to soak up the massive excess of solar energy in the grid.

What it means for you: If you don't have solar, you might get cheap power at lunch. If you do have solar, it means your export rates (feed-in tariffs) during these times will be very low or zero.

The "Solar Tax" (Two-Way Tariffs)

To manage grid congestion, networks are introducing "two-way tariffs."

• The Stick: You might be charged a small fee (cents) to export power during the absolute peak solar window (midday) if the local grid is overloaded.
• The Carrot: You are paid a premium to export power during the evening peak (4pm - 8pm) if you have a battery.

The Takeaway

The era of "install solar and forget it" is evolving into "smart energy management." The grid needs flexible assets. This reinforces the value of batteries and smart monitoring to ensure you are using your power when it's valuable, not giving it away when it's worthless.