South Australians could soon be paying less for their power bills thanks to a major change to the state’s electricity market, with eligible households able to access three hours of free electricity each day under a new initiative.
The new Solar Sharer Offer, which began on July 1st, gives eligible households access to free electricity between 12pm and 3pm each day. The initiative is designed to make better use of abundant daytime solar generation while encouraging households to shift more of their electricity use into the middle of the day.
Adelaide-based Unified Solar Solutions says the changes highlight the importance of tailored advice, with some households likely to benefit most from rooftop solar, others from adding battery storage, and some potentially finding a battery-only system now makes financial sense.
The company offers free Home Energy Assessments, helping homeowners understand how the Solar Sharer Offer may work for their property and whether solar, battery storage or a combination of both could deliver the greatest savings.
For many households the offer arrives at a time when many South Australians are looking for ways to reduce rising household energy costs. For many, it could be as simple as running the dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or hot water system during the free electricity window. But for others, the change could make investing in home battery storage a far more attractive proposition.
While rooftop solar has become increasingly common across Adelaide, batteries have traditionally been used to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use during the evening, when electricity prices are typically higher.
With the introduction of the Solar Sharer Offer, many modern battery systems can also be programmed to charge directly from the grid during the three-hour free electricity period, allowing homeowners to store that energy and use it later instead of paying peak electricity rates.
For households that already have rooftop solar but haven’t yet installed a battery, the combination of the new offer and the Federal Battery Rebate could make battery storage worth another look.
Equally significant is what the initiative could mean for homes where solar panels simply aren’t practical.
Properties with shaded roofs, limited roof space, heritage restrictions or apartment living have often missed out on many of the benefits of renewable energy. The Solar Sharer Offer opens the possibility that a battery-only system could now help some households reduce their reliance on expensive evening electricity by storing free daytime power from the grid.
As every home has different energy needs, the most effective solution will depend on factors such as electricity usage, existing solar systems and long-term energy goals.
With the Federal Battery Rebate currently helping reduce the upfront cost of battery installations, but expected to reduce over time, the launch of the Solar Sharer Offer presents an opportunity for South Australians to reassess their energy options.
For homeowners looking to lower electricity bills, reduce reliance on the grid or better understand how the new initiative applies to their home, now may be the ideal time to explore what’s possible.
If you’re looking to find out more, book your free Home Energy Assessment with Unified Solar today.
