Solar Coaster
Stuart walks every customer through system design himself — then shows up on installation day too.
That level of owner involvement is rare in a category where many installers send a salesperson for the quote and a subcontracted crew for the job. Customers who describe themselves as having no technical background consistently report feeling genuinely informed rather than rushed, which is particularly relevant right now given rebate deadlines are pressuring homeowners into fast decisions they're not confident making. The business is a GST-registered company with electrical contractor credentials, so battery storage installs — which require licensed electrical work beyond basic panel mounting — are within their formal scope. If you're comparing Solar Coaster to a larger installer, the honest trade-off is that a small, owner-led operation books up quickly; one reviewer noted Stu was in high demand during the rebate period, so contacting early and being flexible on scheduling will serve you better than expecting a fast slot.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (31 total)
“finished the job earlier than expected”
“our power bills have already dropped significantly”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 331 solar panel installations in Hobart
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Solar Coaster
Stuart (Stu) is the owner-operator running Solar Coaster day-to-day, and reviews make clear he personally handles everything from initial site visits and system design through to post-install troubleshooting — meaning homeowners deal with the same person from quote to handover, not a salesperson who disappears once the contract is signed. The business focuses on residential solar panel and battery storage systems across greater Hobart and the broader Tasmanian coast, including outer areas like Dodges Ferry, and Stu has a noted strength in helping technically non-confident customers navigate the genuinely complex decision between battery storage products — multiple reviewers single out his patience in explaining trade-offs without ever pushing the priciest option. The install crew is efficient and tidy, with several customers noting jobs were completed ahead of schedule and sites left clean; one reviewer whose job required work across three separate roofs praised the team's good humour under pressure. Solar Coaster is registered as a GST-registered company and operates as a licensed electrician entity, which matters for battery storage work that crosses into electrical compliance. At roughly three years in, it's a young business but one where the owner's direct involvement appears to be the primary reason customers recommend it — the recurring theme is that Stu treats customers as individuals rather than throughput, which is a meaningful differentiator in a market currently under rebate-driven demand pressure.
Best for: homeowners who feel overwhelmed by solar and battery storage options and want patient expert guidance, households looking to install a combined solar and battery system in greater Hobart, and customers wanting the owner directly involved from consultation through to post-install support.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Solar Coaster
What areas does Solar Coaster service?+
Reviews mention completed jobs across greater Hobart, Sandy Bay, and outer coastal areas including Dodges Ferry — suggesting Solar Coaster covers a reasonable travel radius beyond central Hobart. One reviewer noted a site visit to assess a unique off-grid-style battery setup, indicating Stu is willing to travel for the right project. If you're outside the Hobart metro area, it's worth contacting them directly to confirm whether your location is within their regular service zone. There's no mention of interstate work — this appears to be a Tasmania-specific operation.
Does Solar Coaster handle battery storage as well as solar panels, or is it panels only?+
Battery storage is a core part of what they do — multiple reviewers specifically mention having solar plus battery systems installed, and Stuart is consistently praised for his knowledge of battery products and his ability to explain the differences between options clearly. Because Solar Coaster operates as a licensed electrician entity, they're qualified to carry out the electrical compliance work that battery installs require, not just the panel mounting side. One reviewer had a 12.97kW system with 27 panels installed, suggesting they're comfortable with larger residential setups too. If you're specifically after a battery-only install or an upgrade to an existing system, reviews mention that scenario as well.
What do customers say about Solar Coaster's pricing?+
Reviews don't include specific dollar figures, but several customers mention that Stuart designed systems within their stated budget and explicitly didn't push the most expensive options available. One reviewer described him as 'competitive on not just price but product,' highlighting warranty quality alongside cost. The overall impression from reviews is that value for money is considered strong, with multiple customers noting their power bills dropped noticeably after installation. For an accurate quote, contact Stu directly — he typically does a site visit before recommending a system, which several reviewers said helped them feel confident the design actually matched their needs.
How long does the installation process typically take?+
Several reviewers note that installations were completed in a single day, and a number mention the job finishing ahead of schedule. The overall picture from reviews is that the install itself is fast once it's booked, with clean workmanship and no mess left behind. The bigger timing variable appears to be the booking queue — at least one reviewer noted during a rebate period that Solar Coaster was in high demand, which affected how quickly quotes could be scheduled. Getting in touch early and being flexible with your preferred dates seems to be the practical advice most relevant to lead times.
Is Solar Coaster a one-person operation, or does it have a full install crew?+
Stuart is the owner and the primary point of contact for everything from quotes to post-install questions, but several reviews mention 'the team' or 'the boys' showing up on installation day — so it's not a solo operation. The business appears to be small and owner-led rather than a large company with rotating staff, which reviewers consistently frame as a positive rather than a concern. One reviewer specifically noted the team handled a challenging multi-roof job with good humour and coordinated well. Stuart's personal involvement throughout the process is the most frequently mentioned aspect of the experience.