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A renter's guide to free daytime electricity

If you're renting, you've probably thought it would be nice to have solar panels to help lower energy bills. While you can't generate solar power without panels, there is a way to access the benefits of Australia’s renewable supply, with your electricity still being supplied through the grid.
4 min read
Published on 30 Sep, 2026

Thanks to Australia's growing solar energy supply, there are now options that let eligible households access free electricity* during the middle of the day, when solar generation is at its peak. That includes the Australian Government's new Solar Sharer Offer , AGL's Three for Free energy plan and Midday Power Saver in Victoria.

These are designed to help households make the most of abundant daytime energy. But whether they are the right plan for you, depends on how and when your household uses electricity.

Why renters should pay attention

For many renters, installing rooftop solar simply isn't possible. That's one reason the Australian Government introduced the Solar Sharer Offer and Midday Power Saver, giving renters and homeowners alike the opportunity to access free daytime electricity* during the solar soak period, even if they don't have solar panels. 

The idea is simple: in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak, Australia often produces more energy than we can use. Rather than letting some of that energy go unused, these offers encourage households to shift energy-intense activities into a free electricity window. 

For renters, that could mean running the dishwasher, putting on a load of washing and/or charging an Electric Vehicle during this window of time. 

What is Solar Sharer Offer?

The Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) is a government-regulated electricity offer. The offer is optional, so you need to choose to sign up.

It is available to eligible households in:

  • New South Wales

  • South Australia

  • South-East Queensland 

Households that sign up to the offer, receive three hours of free electricity* usage every day during the middle of the day, when solar generation is typically highest. Importantly, you don't need rooftop solar to access the Solar Sharer Offer – if you rent or own your home, you can be eligible, if you have a smart meter and are a residential customer. 

In Victoria, an equivalent program called Midday Power Saver is available to eligible households.

Free electricity usage windows*

  • New South Wales and South East Queensland: 11am to 2pm
  • South Australia: 12pm to 3pm
  • Victoria: 11am to 2pm

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Live in NSW, South Australia, South-East QLD or Victoria

  • Have a smart meter

  • Are supplied through a standard electricity network

  • Have access to a retailer participating in the offer

How to get the most value

The households likely to benefit most are those that can shift some of their electricity use into the free period. Good activities to schedule during the day include:

  • Washing and drying clothes

  • Running the dishwasher

  • Charging an electric vehicle

  • Operating pool equipment

  • Heating water

What is AGL Three for Free?

AGL Three for Free is an electricity plan that gives eligible customers three hours of free electricity* usage every day between 11am-2pm in NSW, VIC and QLD and 12-3pm in SA. 

Like the Solar Sharer Offer, it's designed around the idea of using more energy during the day when higher amounts of solar energy are being generated. It's a simple way for households, including renters, to potentially benefit from daytime energy without needing their own solar system.  

Who might benefit?

Three for Free could suit households that:

  • Work from home
  • Have flexible routines
  • Can use appliance timers
  • Own an electric vehicle
  • Regularly run appliances during the day

How to maximise savings

The more electricity you can shift into the free usage window, the more value you may get from the plan. Try using:

  • Delayed start washing machine settings

  • Dishwasher timers

  • Smart plugs

  • EV charging schedules

  • Hot water timers (where available)

These small changes can help move electricity use into the free* period without changing your daily routine.

The bottom line

For renters, free daytime electricity* represents something new: the opportunity to benefit from Australia's solar energy without owning a home or installing solar panels.

Whether you're considering the Australian Government's Solar Sharer Offer, Midday Power Saver or AGL's Three for Free plan, the biggest savings are likely to come from one simple habit: shifting your electricity usage to during the day, when it's abundant and free*.

If you're already running your dishwasher after breakfast, working from home a few days a week, or charging an EV during daylight hours, you may be well placed to make the most of these daytime electricity offers.

*The first 24 kWh you use during the free window each day is free. Anything above that is billed at your plan's usage rates. Supply charges and controlled load are always charged as normal, including during the free window.

AGL Three for Free

That's 3 hours every day to run appliances and save.

Learn more

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