Australia to Offer Three Hours of Free Solar Power Daily by 2026. Australia will provide households with at least three hours of free solar energy each day under a new programme launching in 2026, Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced. The Solar Sharer scheme will begin in New South Wales, South Australia and southeast Queensland before expanding nationwide. Bowen said the plan will benefit everyone — homeowners, renters and those without solar panels — by cutting electricity costs and easing pressure on the grid. About four million Australian homes already have rooftop solar panels, often generating surplus power during sunny afternoons when demand is low. Participants will need smart meters and can save money by shifting appliance use and EV charging to the free mid-day power window. The government aims for 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and a 43% emissions reduction from 2005 levels. Shares of major energy providers AGL and Origin Energy dropped 3% following the announcement. The Solar Sharer programme is designed to make clean energy more accessible while improving grid efficiency for all consumers. [Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT]