Maximise Free Daytime Energy: The Solar Sharer Offer
Discover more about the Solar Sharer Offer in NSW.
Harness 3 hours of free electricity every day to power your home and charge your battery.
The Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) enables households across New South Wales with smart meters to access at least 3 hours of free electricity in the middle of the day (typically between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM).
Whether you already have solar panels, are looking to install a residential battery, or want to lower your power bills, the Solar Sharer Offer provides an outstanding opportunity to shift your energy use and eliminate peak electricity costs.
What is the Solar Sharer Offer?
The Solar Sharer Offer is an opt-in energy plan regulated under the Default Market Offer framework. Designed to take advantage of Australia’s peak solar generation hours, energy retailers provide participating households with a 3-hour window of free electricity each day.
- 24 kWh Daily Cap
You can use up to 24 kWh of free electricity during the designated 3-hour window—more than enough for average household needs.
- Available to Smart Meter Holders
Any household with an upgraded smart meter can opt in through participating energy retailers.
- No Solar Required to Start
Even if you don’t have rooftop solar yet, you can access free grid electricity during off-peak midday hours.
What are the key benefits for local households?
Living in the Southern Highlands brings unique seasonal energy demands—from icy winter heating to powering pumps and large family properties. The Solar Sharer Offer allows you to strategically shift your heaviest energy loads into the free 3-hour window:
- Free battery charging on overcast days
During overcast days when solar production is low, your home battery can top itself up directly from the grid for $0 during the 3-hour free period. You can then discharge that stored energy during expensive evening peak hours. - Pre-heating & air conditioning
Warm up or cool down your home during the free window so your air conditioning or heat pump system doesn’t draw costly energy during peak periods. - EV charging & heavy appliances
Run heat-pump water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers completely free of charge.
How Empire Energy can help
At Empire Energy, we don’t just install solar, we engineer complete energy management systems suited to our local customers. This is how we help you make the most of the Solar Sharer Offer:
- Smart Battery Systems
We install intelligent battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall, Sigenergy, or Enphase) programmed to automatically charge during the 3-hour free period if solar production isn’t sufficient.
- Smart Meter Upgrades
If your home still has an older accumulation meter, we coordinate smart meter upgrades so you can qualify for the offer immediately.
- Custom Load Management
We help set up home automation and smart relays so your hot water, pumps, and EV chargers automatically switch on when power is free.
Want to speak to a solar expert?
Navigating government loans and installer accreditations can feel overwhelming. Empire Energy manages the entire end-to-end process for you: