The Solar Sharer Offer is changing how eligible Australian households can use electricity, especially for energy-intensive appliances such as hot water systems.
From 1 July 2026, eligible households in New South Wales, South East Queensland and South Australia can access at least three hours of free electricity during the middle of the day.
For hot water, this matters because some systems can heat water during the free daytime window and store it for later use.
What is the Solar Sharer Offer?
The Solar Sharer Offer is an optional electricity offer designed to encourage households to use more power during the day, when abundant solar energy is being generated across the grid.
A common misconception is that you need rooftop solar panels to access the offer. You do not.
The offer is based on when you use electricity, not whether your home produces solar power. Eligible renters and homeowners may be able to benefit, provided they have a smart meter and opt in through their electricity retailer.
The free electricity windows are:
| Area | Free electricity window |
| New South Wales | 11am to 2pm |
| South East Queensland | 11am to 2pm |
| South Australia | 12pm to 3pm |
Why it matters for your hot water
Hot water is one of the biggest regular energy uses in many homes. Showers, baths, dishwashing, laundry and cleaning can all contribute to household hot water demand.
The important question is not only how much hot water you use, but when your system heats it.
Some hot water systems heat water and store it in a tank. This means they do not need to heat water at the exact moment you shower or turn on a tap. If your system can be scheduled to heat during the free electricity period, you may be able to store that hot water for use later in the day.
| Hot water system type | Solar Sharer opportunity |
| Electric storage hot water | May be able to heat during the free window and store hot water for later |
| Heat pump hot water | Can often be scheduled to run during the day |
| Solar hot water with electric boost | The booster may be able to run during the free period |
| Gas hot water | Less direct benefit, as the main heating source is gas |
Do you have a smart meter?
A smart meter is a key piece of the puzzle. To access the Solar Sharer Offer, eligible households need a smart meter that can record when electricity is being used throughout the day.
Not every Australian home currently has one. Older homes may still have traditional meters, although a national smart meter rollout is underway.
You may be able to identify a smart meter by looking for a digital display on the electricity meter at your property. If you are unsure, contact your electricity retailer and ask what type of meter you have.
For most households, upgrading to a smart meter is a relatively simple meter replacement. However, if an installer identifies a pre-existing safety, access or electrical issue, additional work may be needed before the installation can proceed. Some older homes may also benefit from a broader switchboard assessment, particularly where outdated electrical equipment is still in place.
What else do you need?
Beyond a smart meter, there are two other important considerations.
First, you need the right electricity offer. The Solar Sharer Offer is optional, so contact your retailer, review the terms and check whether it suits the way your household uses electricity.
Second, your hot water system needs to be controllable. That may mean it has a timer, smart controller or app-based settings.
For example, if you have a compatible Smart hot water heater, you may be able to use their app to schedule heating during the free daytime window.
Could a heat pump help you save more?
Heat pump hot water systems are well suited to daytime energy use because they use much less electricity than traditional electric systems.
If your heat pump can be scheduled to run during the Solar Sharer free window, you may be able to heat and store water at little or no electricity cost for use later in the day.
Actual savings will depend on your system, household usage and electricity plan.
Should you change your hot water settings?
Before changing anything, check how your system is connected. Some hot water systems run on a controlled load, while others are connected to general supply. This can affect whether the system can make use of the free electricity period.
Household size matters too. A larger household may need more stored hot water available in the morning or evening, while a smaller household may have greater flexibility to heat during the day and use stored hot water later.
The goal is not to use less hot water at all costs. It is to heat water at the smartest time while still having enough available when your household needs it.
Need help checking your system?
Not sure whether you have a smart meter, a timer or a hot water system that can make use of the Solar Sharer Offer?
Australian Hot Water can help you understand your system type, controls and setup, and explain whether electric storage, heat pump, solar or gas hot water is the right fit for your household.
Get in touch with Australian Hot Water for practical advice before making changes to your hot water system.