Totally Independent Solar Consultants
James charges for advice, not commissions — putting him on the homeowner's side of the solar quote table.
Customers repeatedly describe arriving confused and overwhelmed by competing installer quotes, and leaving with a clear recommendation they felt confident acting on. The independence angle is real and structural, not just a marketing line: James earns a consulting fee rather than a commission, which means his incentive is genuinely aligned with giving you the right answer rather than the most profitable one. With only 20 reviews to go on, it's worth noting the sample is still limited — but the consistency across those reviews, covering residential homeowners, a retirement village, and battery-only upgrades, suggests the model holds across different job types. When contacting James, it helps to come prepared with the quotes you've already received so he can give you a specific, actionable comparison rather than general guidance.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (20 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 266 solar panel installations in Central Coast
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Totally Independent Solar Consultants
James runs Totally Independent Solar Consultants as a sole trader with an unusual business model: he has no panels, batteries, or installers to sell, so his only product is unbiased advice. Where every installer quote you receive comes from someone with a financial stake in winning your job, James charges a flat consulting fee to sit on your side of the table — reviewing quotes you've already collected, flagging technical gaps, comparing brands and contractors, and explaining what it all means in plain language. Reviews suggest he's most often engaged at the quote-comparison stage, when homeowners have three to five competing proposals and can't tell whether the differences in inverter specs or panel brands actually matter. He also handles more complex scenarios: at least one retirement village engaged him to run a full solar tender on their behalf, which points to experience with commercial-scale and body-corporate procurement as well as standard residential installs. James is known for following through — several reviewers note he was willing to call installers directly when information was missing from a quote, rather than leaving that back-and-forth to the homeowner. His service suits people who feel overwhelmed by the solar market's noise and want a knowledgeable second opinion before committing to a system that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Best for: homeowners overwhelmed by competing solar installer quotes, anyone wanting independent advice before committing to a battery or solar system, and commercial or body corporate clients needing a neutral party to run a solar tender.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Totally Independent Solar Consultants
What exactly does Totally Independent Solar Consultants do — do they install solar?+
No — James does not install solar panels or sell equipment. He charges a consulting fee to review quotes you've received from installers, assess the technology and pricing on offer, and give you an independent recommendation. His business model means he earns nothing from any installer or supplier, so his advice isn't shaped by who's paying a commission. Several customers describe sending him three to five competing quotes and receiving a clear written report explaining the differences and which to choose.
When in the solar buying process should I contact James?+
Most customers in the reviews contacted James after collecting multiple installer quotes and feeling confused about how to compare them — which is probably the most common entry point. That said, at least one reviewer noted they wished they'd called at the outset before getting quotes, as James can also help frame what to look for before you start. He's also been engaged for battery-only upgrades and full commercial solar tenders, so the service isn't limited to new residential installs.
How quickly does James typically respond?+
Several reviewers specifically mention fast turnaround — one customer received both a written email and a phone call the day after submitting five quotes for review. Other reviews use phrases like 'quick response' and 'prompt, efficient.' Reviews don't describe guaranteed same-day service, but the pattern across the sample suggests responsiveness is a consistent strength rather than an occasional one.
Is this service worth the cost for a standard home solar install?+
Multiple reviewers describe the consulting fee as good value relative to what they saved — one customer says James's advice 'almost definitely saved me thousands of dollars' on a system purchase. The value case is strongest when you're comparing quotes with meaningfully different prices or specifications and can't tell whether the cheaper option is a false economy. Reviews don't disclose specific fee amounts, so it's worth asking James directly what he charges for your specific situation.
Does James work with commercial clients or just homeowners?+
Based on reviews, James works with both. One review specifically mentions he managed a solar PV tender for a retirement village — handling the full procurement process on behalf of the organisation rather than just comparing quotes. For individual homeowners, the service is typically quote review and advisory. If you're a body corporate, business, or strata scheme, reviews suggest he can take on a more comprehensive project management role, though it's worth discussing the scope directly with him.