How free midday power works
Some electricity plans in South East Queensland and NSW now include a free usage window in the middle of the day, typically for around three hours. You need a smart meter, and some retailers have offset it with higher daily supply charges, so compare the whole plan, not just the free window.
Why it makes batteries more useful
A battery can charge during the free window, even on a cloudy day when your panels are not producing much, then run your home through the expensive evening peak. Combined with your own solar, many households can avoid buying almost any peak power.
Does it make solar pointless?
No. The free window is only a few hours, while solar produces from early morning to late afternoon. Solar still covers your daytime usage outside the window and fills your battery, and it keeps working whatever plan you are on.
What to do next
Look at when you use power. Shift dishwashers, washing machines, pool pumps, hot water and EV charging into the middle of the day, and size a battery to cover your evening. We can model this for you using your actual bills.
