Three Hours of Free Power a Day: What It Means for Solar + Battery Owners in Australia

What the “Three Hours of Free Power” Scheme Means

Under the new scheme, electricity retailers will offer Australian households three hours of free energy use per day, typically during off-peak daylight hours when renewable generation is highest.

According to ABC News and The Guardian, the goal is simple, make better use of Australia’s abundant daytime solar generation while reducing grid pressure during peak demand at night.

This new program is not just a win for energy retailers. It’s a massive opportunity for homeowners with batteries. By pairing your solar panels with an intelligent battery system, you can charge your battery for free during those three hours, then use that stored power in the evening when grid prices spike.

In other words: free energy in, zero-cost power out.

Why This Matters for Homeowners with Batteries

For those who already own a Tesla Powerwall 3 or Sigenergy battery, this initiative could drastically improve your savings.

If you’re considering an upgrade or new installation, the timing couldn’t be better. The solar battery rebate already helps lower upfront costs, and this new federal policy adds another layer of value, free daily charging that can offset hundreds of dollars in annual energy bills.

Meanwhile, modern batteries like the ESY Sunhome and Sigenergy models are designed for intelligent charging, allowing you to automatically schedule energy storage during those no-cost hours.

Real-World Impact: Turning Policy into Savings

Let’s take a typical Sydney household with a 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall 3. If that system is fully charged during the free window and used during evening hours, it could save up to $700–$900 annually, depending on local energy rates.

For those in NSW or Victoria, where tariffs can exceed 35 ¢ / kWh during peak demand, these savings quickly add up, especially when paired with an energy-efficient home setup and smart solar management tools.

Choosing the Right Battery to Maximise the Benefit

Not all batteries are created equal, and to take full advantage of the free power scheme, you’ll want a system that can charge quickly, store efficiently, and integrate seamlessly with your solar setup.

• Sigenergy batteries are engineered for smart, flexible energy control, offering outstanding capacity and advanced AI-based management.

• The ESY Sunhome provides robust performance at a competitive sigenergy battery price, making it ideal for households focused on long-term ROI.

• And of course, the Tesla Powerwall 3 continues to set the benchmark for performance, with intelligent energy dispatch and grid-ready compatibility.

To unlock even greater benefits, homeowners can pair these batteries with Amber’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP).
By joining the Amber VPP, your battery can automatically trade energy during high-demand periods, earning credits or payments while supporting grid stability. When combined with the new three hours of free power policy, this creates a powerful cycle of free charging, smart trading, and round-the-clock savings — turning your home into a truly intelligent energy hub.

What Homeowners Should Do Now

• Assess Your Energy Usage: Identify your peak energy times and total daily demand.

• Upgrade to a Smart Battery System: Look for batteries with advanced charging controls to make the most of the free power period.

• Check Your Eligibility: Rebates and incentives are available for eligible households. Our team at Smart Energy Answers can help guide you through the solar battery rebate process.

• Plan Your System Now: With the Tesla Powerwall 3 price and sigenergy battery price becoming more competitive, now’s the perfect moment to install before demand surges in mid-2025.

The Bigger Picture: A Smarter, Greener Australia

This three-hour-free-power initiative isn’t just about cost savings. It’s a strategic step toward a cleaner, more efficient energy grid. By encouraging households to store and use renewable energy during off-peak hours, Australia moves closer to achieving its national net-zero goals while empowering everyday Australians to take control of their energy future.

At Smart Energy Answers, we’re proud to be part of this transition, helping homeowners integrate technologies like Tesla Powerwall 3, Sigenergy batteries, and ESY Sunhome into systems that deliver real independence, savings, and sustainability.

Ready to make the most of Australia’s free-power future?
Explore your options with our Smart Battery Solutions today, and turn your solar system into a 24/7 energy powerhouse.