Recon Energy
Josh turns up, does the work himself, and tells you what you'll need next — before you have to ask.
Multiple reviewers mention going back to him for a second or third job across different service categories, and a handful of commercial clients list Recon as a preferred supplier, suggesting the quality is repeatable rather than variable. Kristy in the office draws her own praise for proactive scheduling and follow-through, and the combination of her communication and Josh's technical reliability makes this a practical choice for Mackay homeowners juggling multi-trade renovations where one dropped ball holds everything up. If you're booking during peak summer heat, reviews suggest calling directly and asking about cancellation slots — Josh has a track record of fitting urgent jobs in earlier than the quoted wait time.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (183 total)
“flat out in this heat and completely booked out for weeks but found time”
“placement of the solar panels gave space for further panels down track if needed”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 459 air conditionings in Mackay
Credentials & background
Sourced from 5 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Recon Energy
Josh Chilmaid runs Recon Energy as the primary electrician and installer, and reviews consistently map him to hands-on work across air conditioning, solar, and general electrical — not a salesperson who subcontracts the actual job. The business covers split system installs, solar panel installation and removal, GPOs, downlights, ceiling fans, switchboard upgrades, and appliance connections like ovens and cooktops, making them a genuine one-stop electrical shop for residential renovations and new builds. Josh is specifically praised for advising on future-proofing — recommending solar panel placement to allow expansion, suggesting smart home-compatible AC units, and planning wiring layouts ahead of multi-stage renovations — a practical mindset that distinguishes him from tradespeople who just complete what's in front of them. Office manager Kristy handles scheduling and communications, and multiple reviewers single her out by name for responsiveness, including one case where she proactively contacted real estate agents on a client's behalf. The team is regularly noted for fitting jobs in ahead of schedule when cancellations open up, testing work before leaving, and cleaning up thoroughly — habits that matter particularly for homeowners mid-renovation where a messy or delayed trade can hold up other contractors. For solar specifically, Josh stocks Australian-made Actron panels and has experience with roof replacement co-ordination, solar fault diagnosis, and full system replacements — not just new installs.
Best for: solar installation and roof-replacement co-ordination, multi-stage home renovations needing a single reliable electrician across trades, urgent split system repairs or replacements in Mackay's peak heat season, and homeowners wanting honest advice on solar system upgrades without a hard sales pitch.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Recon Energy
What areas does Recon Energy service?+
Recon Energy is based in Andergrove and primarily serves the Mackay region. Reviews mention customers from surrounding areas including Finch Hatton, with Josh travelling considerable distances for existing clients. If you're outside central Mackay, it's worth calling to confirm coverage for your specific location.
Does Recon Energy handle solar panel removal for roof replacements?+
Yes — this is one of the more specific niches that emerges from reviews. Multiple customers mention engaging Josh to remove and reinstall solar systems during roof replacement projects, including co-ordinating timing with roofers so work isn't held up. Josh has also been noted for disposing of old panels and decommissioning outdated systems as part of the process.
How long does it typically take to get an appointment?+
During peak summer periods, bookings can stretch to several weeks, but multiple reviewers note being slotted in significantly earlier than the initial estimate when cancellations opened up. Josh and Kristy both receive praise for proactive communication when earlier slots become available. For urgent AC issues, reviews suggest calling directly rather than waiting on a quote form.
What do customers say about Recon Energy's pricing?+
Pricing is consistently described as fair to competitive across both air conditioning and solar. One customer got at least four quotes for a solar system and found Josh's price was the best by over a thousand dollars. Several reviews note that the units supplied — including Australian-made Actron air conditioners — are higher quality than those offered by cheaper competitors, making the price comparison more favourable than it might first appear.
Does Josh advise on future electrical or solar planning, or just complete the immediate job?+
Forward-planning advice comes up repeatedly in reviews as something customers value. Josh is mentioned for recommending solar panel placement that allows future expansion, suggesting smart home-compatible AC units, and helping homeowners structure wiring for multi-stage renovations before the walls are closed up. This makes him particularly useful if you're in the middle of a renovation and want to avoid expensive changes later.