First Choice Solar Reviews
About
‘We are here for the long haul’ –
First Choice Solar founder welcomes new shareholders
In little more than a decade, Peter Berkers has grown First Choice Solar into one of the largest and most respected solar companies in South-East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Now he is focused on his next goal – overseeing a succession plan that will see the business thrive well into the future.
Founded in 2010, the business started life contracting for other solar companies. However, it was not long before Peter set his sights on becoming a solar retailer and was dealing directly with the customer.
“It’s no secret a lot of solar installers come and go and that’s why we’re so proud of our longevity. Solar is a highly competitive industry, but we are here for the long haul,” said Peter, who has invited two of his loyal team members to join him as shareholders in the business – son Josh Berkers and fellow long-term employee Matt McKinley.
“Matt and Josh have played an integral role in our tremendous growth during the past five years, and I am thrilled to welcome them as joint shareholders.”
Matt has worked with the business for a decade, having started as an installer before climbing the ladder to now being the director of a solar company that employs a dozen staff and has completed more than 10,000 installations.
“Josh oversees our installations, which are completed by full-time employees who are focused on quality rather than quantity,” Peter said.
“He has been with First Choice Solar since high school and throughout his electrical apprenticeship. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge and forms a key part of the leadership team with Matt and myself.”
As a proud father, Peter is understandably excited that Josh has joined him as a shareholder in the company he founded. Peter’s two other sons have also worked for First Choice Solar, with one having been onboard since day one and a potential future shareholder.
Starting out as Qelec Pty Ltd trading as First Choice Solar, the company has since changed its name to First Choice Solar Qld Pty Ltd (ACN: 144 966 110) after the restructure.
“What differentiates us from our competitors is that we don’t employ salespeople,” Peter said.
“We realised that customers want to speak with people who truly know what they are talking about and in our case that is Matt, Josh or myself.
“We are all qualified electricians, Clean Energy Council-accredited solar installers and have spent many years on the tools and our customers appreciate that we have the time to educate and support them.
“I believe there are three important aspects to selecting a solar system that will still be working and saving money for 10 years and beyond - the inverter, panels and installation.
“However, it is not just the quality of these three, but the workmanship and support given by the company providing it. We operate out of a factory and showroom in Burleigh Heads in which our customers can come and discuss our products and get advice and support.”
Peter added: “We only provide products from companies with proven performance that have offices and support staff based in Australia. I like to call these blue-chip companies where they have been around longer than the warranties they offer.”
With the succession plan now in play, the co-owner and mentor has no intention of stepping away any time soon.
“I still love going to work,” Peter said.
“I remain incredibly passionate about the industry, but it is reassuring to know we have implemented a succession plan that will ensure First Choice Solar continues to deliver quality, service and support to our customers well into the future.
“The solar industry is hugely rewarding because of its environmental benefits and we get to help people save money, which is the key driver for most of our customers.
“When you rewire a house, a customer can’t see your work. When a car breaks down, people can begrudge having to pay for it to be fixed. When we leave a job though, our customers look at the new solar panels on their roof and are happy because it is going to save them money for many years to come.
“My job never feels like a chore. It is an industry I love and when it comes time to retire, I think the boys might need to lock me out to keep me away.”
For more about First Choice Solar, visit www.fcsolar.com.au
Reviewers report paying: $3,800 - $5,500 for depending on hardware choice and installation difficulty ( how is this calculated? )
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The views expressed by reviewers are theirs' alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Peacock Media Group, which makes no representations as to the accuracy of the reviews. For our full disclaimer and further information, see our Terms of Use and our Review Guidelines.
First Choice Solar Reviews (73)
Show Most Recent reviews from All time across Australia
Average Scores
Value for money
Quality of System
Installation
Customer Service
- 5 star 34
- 4 star 33
- 3 star 5
- 2 star 0
- 1 star 1
View Timeline
21 January 2022
19 January 2022
Not disappointed
The process was simple, The quoting process was open, all questions answered with details of the parts pros and cons and how the installation would proceed. The installers were punctual, communicative and very tidy. The only hiccup was in the placement of some of the panels with insufficient space (by inches) on one section of the roof, which became evident during the installation. This was extensively discussed with us, and as we were placing panels on 2 other sections of the roof, we opted to add the misplaced panels to these. The rest of the installation was exceptional.There was some difficulty in getting the monitoring system to connect and work, however the team at first choice persisted in identifying the cause, and after a software upgrade the system is working as intended.
All in all, the process was painless and we are satisfied customers!
19 January 2022
Complete satisfaction
The quote given was clear and understadable.The installation was done very efficiently and staff were very helpful, tidy and punctual. They addressed a couple of issues that came up as a result of the installation and resolved it for me.
they made the connection for me and explained how it worked, installing the app on my phone as well.
Very satisfied.
27 December 2021
Great service and installation. Would highly recommend!
From the quoting to the instillation was great service. very happy26 December 2021
Original Review on 26-04-2021:
Best price, best service
Received 3 quotes and all were competitive. There was some concern about the age of the switch board and weather it contained asbestos. Matt. from First Choice Solar offered to come out and inspect the board and confirmed it did not contain asbestos and was good to go. He was able to answer all our questions, was very polite and not at all pushy. His workers tuned up on time on the day the installation was due and did a great job.8 months later we asked Bryan: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
We are still very happy with the system and it has performed to our expectations.13 December 2021
Honest advice, adjusted to budget needs and is already producing clean energy!
- quoting : clear and well explained- installation: punctual
-customer service : they helped in the grid connection straight away.
12 December 2021
Excellent service, great installer
Customer service was excellent, the initial consult was with one of the owners who went into great detail about exactly what would suit the needs of our home and family. I was really impressed that didn't automatically involve the largest and most expensive option. He was perfectly on time, polite came across as honest and trustworthy.The installers were excellent and were again perfectly on time - the lead installer who communicated with us was friendly and energetic and eager to help. They shifted broken tiles on the roof, they added an extender to the internet and then uploaded and prepared the app for us, including going through all parts of the app in detail. I felt I understood the system very well. They cleaned up well and left the house in prefect condition.
A great experience with no issues at all, I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Inverter rating: 5/5
10 December 2021
Professional - from the initial consultation to the installation and effectiveness of the system, I couldn’t be happier.
During the consultation process, I was immediately impressed with their expert knowledge and professionalism. The advice was provided in a way I could easily understand which made my decision to purchase the system easy and with confidence.The installation process was done on time, and the installers were friendly and professional. Their workmanship was great and I am very pleased with the finished product.
Their service from start to finish was friendly and professional.
Best of all, the system operates flawlessly. I have no hesitation in recommending First Choice Solar and so pleased I chose them.
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
10 December 2021
Prime Quality Installer
This is the second time we have had a system install by First Choice Solar. Our first experience was a little more complex due to roof orientation plus some major shading issues. FCS offered detailed, practical solutions and projections which both proved inpractice to be accurate and cost effective. We recently moved to a Townhouse in a large complex, Matt and his Teamhave installed our 6.6Kw system, the install was timely, the quality of the components and the workmanship is first class. The team has assisted with all aspects of the install including liaising with the energy supplier, setting up the excellent App to track production. The system is working perfectly and performing above expectations to date. We reccommend First Choice Solar unreservedly.Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
30 November 2021
28 November 2021
Great work!
Great and quick installation of solar system and also awesome customer service before and after work.25 November 2021
Very professional, knowledgeable and patient supplier
First Choice Solar was very knowledgeable professional and very patient with all the questions I had.Their pricing was also very good with the installation going very smooth and First Choice Solar delivered on their promises
I an very happy with the system and would highly recommend them to anyone wishing to install solar.
Inverter rating: 5/5
17 November 2021
Highly Recommended Installer
From quoting to completed the install the panel. I do not have any stress or issue. The First Choice is not cheapest company but they are doing business more than 10 years. They also provide paid maintenance service - most of them do not provide this service. Thanks so much to the Peter's Team.!!!01 November 2021
Original Review on 09-08-2021:
Fantastic
The sales process was straight forward and easy to understand, shott and sweet. The installation went smoothly and on time and they helped fill in documents for grid.3 months later we asked Michael: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes25 October 2021
Smooth process
I used SolarQuotes to get 3 quotes from local companies. All 3 were responsive but not pushy and very available and informative.I ended up going for First Choice Solar. They were the only company that visited my house and it made a big difference to see and speak to the person who would be running the installing the process. They assured me that all installers worked for the company and were not outsourced.
There was a 1 week lead time and the installation took 1 day. The installers were polite and informative and helped go through the next steps post installation.
I was very satisfied with my experience and would recommend to others.
Inverter rating: 4/5
25 October 2021
Reliable, efficient, First Choice.
Fantastic team lead by Matt. All members were in uniforms and very polite. They arrived on time and installed solar without any delays. The cleanup was also wonderful. We would highly recommend First Choice Solar.Supplier Reply:
Thanks Libby for your review we appreciate the feedback. Peter19 October 2021
Excellent instalation
First Choice provided two options for the roof space 6.66Kw and 7.77Kw. The 7.77Kw system was chosen as the additional cost was a no brainer..The installation team arrived on time and we were introduced to all team members. There was a good rapport with the team and kept us informed as to progress on site.
All necessary paper work was undertaken by office staff and no issues arose.
18 October 2021
Original Review on 16-03-2021:
Excellent company to deal with.
The quotation process gave us a clear understanding of what was going to be provided and I had confidence with the companies experience and knowledge of solar installations from discussions with the sales rep.Installation was very organised and professional, on time, with no damage or mess to the property and all was left clean and tidy.
We had a seamless transition to the solar operation with the energy company all completed for us.
Very professional company to deal with from the quotation process through to the installation.
7 months later we asked Mike: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
The system has well and truly performed to our expectations throughout the winter months and extremely well now with the longer spring days we are currently experiencing.18 October 2021
Great Crew installing quality system
Thanks First Choice Matt , Peter & TeamThey fit me in 'Early'... who ever heard of that
Completed as discussed on the day
Upgraded Panels and Inverter and doubled the output in the same Roof Space!!
Thanks First Choice
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
15 October 2021
Overall decided best supplier for my needs and di not try to sell Bunnings type Hot Water controller like some
Good service overall. Installed when said would. Overall details of system explained. Not the cheapest but still happy with the deal and products (so far)Inverter rating: 4/5
03 October 2021
Excellent Service. Very happy with system.
First Choice Solar were excellent from the quoting all the way through to install and afterwards.Another local company would only quote over the phone and declined to install the solar footings prior to our roof being restored. I was told that this was all to keep the price down. Well, Matt from First Choice Solar was happy to attended my house to discuss system sizes, products and shading issues. They were also happy to accommodate the roof restoration by attending first and installing footings, then attend later to finish the rails and panels. All for the same price as the other company quoted. This shows that First Choice Solar are serious about customer service.
My 10.3kw Canadian Solar Panels / 8kw Sungrow Inverter are currently humming along and supplying more than enough power to cover my busy household.
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
02 October 2021
Solar installation at townhouse
First choice solar was very punctual and helpful. His quote was prompt and thorough. We had to submit the plan to the body corporate for approval prior to work being carried out.The install crew was very young and polite but there were a few mishaps. They didn’t put a big enough load switch on the circuit board and had to come back to fix it. Every time I tried to run my washing machine and dryer at the same time the circuit breaker would blow.
Also when the electricity retailer came to hook my system up to the main they had not put the connection in the main box.
First choice solar office and the installer was very good and apologetic and arranged for the installer to fix the mistakes quickly. They also arranged for the connection.
Supplier Reply:
Thanks Kim for your feedback, Luke the CEC accredited Electrician did not have the best of days. Luke has more than nine years experience in the electrical industry. We have addressed these issues and do note as we strive to give the best service and response that we returned to your place the same day you advised us and rectified the issues. We have since done another job for this client and she has also reffered other clients to us.11 August 2021
Fantastic fast service.
The sales/quoting service was great and very quick with getting back to me with the quote.Installation was so quick and efficient. The installers were very polite.
Customer service has been amazing. I know all about the product and what I have paid for. Excellent competitive pricing.
28 July 2021
Original Review on 24-11-2020:
First Choice Solar installed the system, they did a good job and I was happy with the install.
First Choice Solar did a good job and were happy to give us instructions on it’s use. They were a pleasant company to deal with.8 months later we asked Brian: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes so far I am happy with the performance and savings from my solar, the installers could be more careful with broken tiles as a lot of people do not have spares,also the Fronius inverter is fairly noisy and this may annoy some people if it is installed to close to a living area.09 July 2021
Great product and service
We are extremely happy with the quality of our panels and how efficiently the team worked to get the install done in only half a day. All communication was easy and the service was professional. We hardly notice the panels on the roof and can see the benefits already.Panel rating: 5/5
Battery rating: 5/5
05 July 2021
Good Quality System
Salesperson very polite and helpful, arrived at the agreed time.Everything was organised for us, including the grid connection once completed.
Installers very polite, efficient and cleaned up after themselves.
One big issue though was that there was not enough room on the westerly side for the quoted number of panels so we have one more on the eastern side and one less on the west. This brings the east/ west ratio under 60:40. If we had known that prior to installation we would have reconsidered our options.
29 June 2021
Could not fault First Choice Solar.
From the first meeting with Matt all went smoothly. Installers arrived promptly and did an excellent job, including what would happen about our energy provider and installation of the app for us. We have already recommended First Choice Solar to our nextdoor neighbours.25 June 2021
Would definitely recommend First Choice Solar
After getting several quotes for my solar, I had a recommendation from I friend who used First Choice Solar.I found First Choice Solar to be a genuine business offering affordable systems, with no commission sales representatives and a family business.
My first meeting was with Matt the owner, which I thought was a great start and it was an easy process thereafter.
The installers arrived on time, were helpful, friendly and informative and even set up the app on my phone for me.
They also had to cope with my Golden Retriever who was "helping" on the day.
I would definitely recommend First Choice Solar. My neighbours are also going to install with First Choice at my recommendation.
Michelle - Paradise Point
24 June 2021
Quality Installer
I would highly recommend First Choice Solar. Matt gave me a very thorough and competitive quote. The communication from the office staff regarding timing of the installation and Energex approval for the grid connection was excellent. Josh, Jake and the rest of installation team were polite, tidy and punctual. Overall a very pleasant experience.22 June 2021
Couldn't be happier with the Solar Installation
From the outset First Choice Solar were very personable & made the whole process very simple without the usual pushy sales feel! We decided on a 8.5kw system after consultation of our current bills & what we were looking to get out of our Solar Panels. Their quote was very competitive and once the paperwork was signed the installers were booked in the following week.Even the night before our installation my wife was looking at changing the configuration of the solar panels on the roof which Matt was only too happy to accommodate with images of what this would look like ...... so all very accommodating for newbies in the Solar area!
Installation day came & went without hassle, they explained what they would be doing & even managed to contend with a huge storm that hit just as they were attaching the panels to the roof! Time was spent explaining how the solar app worked on our phones which gives update to date info on how much power your panels are producing & how much is going back into the grid compared to how much is being used on your house; which is great!
Explanation was also provided of what the next steps would be in relation to Energex changing over meters & how to get the most out of your feedback tariffs etc
We've no hesitation in recommending First Choice Solar to anyone looking for a job well done!
16 June 2021
Original Review on 14-10-2020:
Very satisfied so far
Their quote was comprehensively explained.Matt came up with the best solution for my roof configuration.
Installation was quick and efficient and the team left the premises neat and tidy.
They carried out the grid connection and set-up the energy meter app.
8 months later we asked Rudi: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Yes08 June 2021
Excellent product, service and install
I had been looking at getting Solar for years and started the process of getting quotes from people I found online. I found First Choice while driving, dropped in unannounced and was met by the owner, Peter, who took the time to sit down with me, go through the process of how the system works and gave a good indication as to the savings i would be making.I had a quote in a couple of hours and was booked in for install the next day.
The installation team showed up on the day and time they said they would and were extremely polite, knowledgeable and helpful in getting me to understand the best way to use the system.
System looks amazing too.
Looking back i only wish i had have found them sooner.
Couldn't recommend highly enough.
04 June 2021
All Good
Renovating the outside of our house and decided as part of the roof renovation, we would install a solar system. From quote to installation, First Choice Solar have been great.Inverter rating: 5/5
26 May 2021
Customer service was excellent
Everything was done on time, as promised, service was great overall.22 May 2021
Great job First Choice Solar.
Following a referral by neighbours, we received a site inspection, quote and the date of installation all within 3 days of the request. The installation was completed as per the quote, on time and defect free. Worked seamlessly, a pleasure to do business with Matt and his team.01 April 2021
Easy to organise the purchhase and installation of the solar system for the replacement of an old 13 year old small system
Everything was as I expected, with the process, well organised and very punctualPanel rating: 4/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
13 March 2021
Professional
Matthew handled the sales process and was informative and answered all questions, and gave good suggestions and his was the only company out of seven quotes that gave a full break down of costs .The installation team ,led by Joshua, was equal to the quote process ,very professional on time and friendly and no problems with answering questions.
After the installation they explained the operating process ,and helped in explaining the grid connection.
This is now in process with our billing agent having the EWR number and we are waiting for the meter installation company to contact us when the meter will be installed and we can have a plan in place.
So thanks for your help again frank
10 March 2021
Original Review on 09-07-2020:
Very happy with whole experience from first choice
Wasn't pushy trying to upsell unlike others , explained everything in simple terms for us clueless folk, friendly team from the quote right through to installers.Very experienced and thorough team .
They took care of everything .
We were very happy with them.
8 months later we asked Jen: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Very happy. Great generation.23 February 2021
Very good experience!
Great initial contact from First Choice Solar. Mathew Explained all options very well. Didn’t try to push me into anything. Was upfront and honest and more than happy to answer any and all questions. The installation was fantastic. I’m Very happy with the entire process.Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 4/5
05 February 2021
A problem-solver, not just a seller
Matthew was knowledgeable of the process required and offered solutions to issues I presented, not just upselling. This is what made the difference in choosing FirstChoice. They gave the best value for money. There were some delays (which were more related to Energex rather than FirstChoice).It was also great to meet Peter, Matthew’s dad who was also a very experienced electrician and gave further advice on how to best manage multiple tenancies.
Highly recommended!
29 December 2020
Professional
Matt provided us with all the information we needed without overwhelming us. Everything went as planned & we are very happy. Thank you to the whole team at every step.15 December 2020
Smooth and easy install
Very happy with First choice solar. Quick and easy processInverter rating: 5/5
14 December 2020
First Choice Always
They were the first quote and come to my house. They advised me on all systems then they recommended best value for money which we ended up going with. I felt I wasn't just buying a solar panel system but an overall service including after hours assistance when needed. It took half a day for installation and because we weren't home they called us that evening to walk us through everything. They advised on what I need to do with my current power supplier to update our meter box and also shared which companies were offering the best Feed in Tariff. So far so good with First Choice Solar. A+Inverter rating: 5/5
11 December 2020
Fantastic friendly service
Great customer service, very fast and always happy to answer any question.Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
26 November 2020
Original Review on 28-03-2020:
Great installation
Gave us a quote straight away there was no effort for advice after the quote was given. Installation was excellent and tidy and were on time and no mess afterwards. All information regarding the solar was explained and shown how to use it and all paperwork/certificates were sent through email. They gave me advice about grid conection and if i had any problems they woild help.Thank you i am very happy with their service.8 months later we asked Julianne: "Are you happy with the performance of your system so far?"
Our system is fantastic we haven't paid a bill since having it installed in March 20 and are in credit. We did make a few adjustments by getting rid if extra fridge and freezer.02 October 2020
Bobbie in the office very efficient. Installers great guys. Overall, a good experience.
Everything A1. Professional. Polite. Love the App to monitor usage etcPanel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
25 September 2020
Great company and would use again
First Choice Solar was very professional and we had a great experience with them. They may not be the cheapest however their after sales service was great. They have their own inhouse installation team so you are not just getting sub contractors installing your solar. We would definitely use them again.Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
12 August 2020
Great
Really they were the only ones who ticked all the boxes on your comparison chart, Mathew Mckinley came to do the quote personally young electrician partner in company, straight forward, spoke my language, in a semi retired electrical contractor for 45 years, helpful office staff, installers did a great job and weren't under the pump to race off to another job, arrived on time cleaned up after themselves, i have recommended solar quotes and first choice and recently visited a long time customer/friend to find that she had first choice install here system some years ago and has nothing but praise for them. Thank you John.15 July 2020
First Choice was the right choice
Matt came out and checked the site. Was a wealth of knowledge and honest. He provided me a professional proposal the same day. His follow up was polite and answered any questions I had.All paperwork and lodging was done by the team. Longest part was waiting for Energex to do their part.
Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
13 July 2020
First Choice Solar
Very happy with the sales and quote. Installation was delayed by weather but otherwise satisfactory. I was concerned that several items fell off the roof during installation. Otherwise customer seevice was good. I organised the grid connection myself on 26 March. It was completed on 15 May.Panel rating: 5/5
Inverter rating: 5/5
Solar made easy
Simple process from start to finish, First Choice Solar was the only business that suggested installing the panels across both North and East facing sections of roofing to maximise the suns potential across a longer portion of the day.Good communication where necessary but didn’t go over the top with unnecessary sales pitches. Best price by far when comparing like for like systems. Installation was done with minimal interruption and the job site was left clean and tidy after completition.