Horan & Bird Solar
Long-term repeat customers and named support staff set this solar-and-battery installer apart from quote-and-disappear competitors.
From the 50 reviews analysed, nearly every reviewer who mentioned a previous installer compared H&B favourably, and several are on their second or third system with the company — a meaningful signal of durable trust rather than a one-time transaction. The sample also shows two reviewers who experienced post-install communication gaps (delayed commissioning, slow follow-up on cracked tiles and missing serial numbers), so it's worth confirming a clear timeline and point-of-contact for the commissioning phase before you sign. Recent reviews in the sample are trending slightly higher than earlier ones, which is a positive direction. Before committing, ask specifically about your install crew, commissioning timeframes, and who to call if the battery app or grid connection needs attention after handover.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (332 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 381 solar panel installations in Townsville
Credentials & background
Sourced from 6 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Horan & Bird Solar
Horan & Bird Solar specialises in solar panel and battery storage installations across North Queensland, with a track record stretching back over a decade for many of their repeat customers — several reviewers mention returning to H&B for a second or third system after positive experiences in 2013 and 2019. On the sales side, James Rogers is consistently singled out for translating complex energy concepts into plain language without pressure tactics, while Paul and Geordie are praised for in-home consultations that work through actual power bills rather than generic pitches. The installation crews — whether H&B's own electricians or contracted partners like Ross River Electrical and Hire a Sparkie — are repeatedly noted for punctual, tidy work and thorough handovers that include app setup and system walkthroughs. Post-installation, the support team (Deb, Rebecca, and Jody are all named in reviews) handles everything from tariff queries to wifi reconnection issues, with one regional Victorian customer describing remote troubleshooting support from Jody despite living thousands of kilometres away. The company also offers access to Brighte solar finance, government battery rebates, and a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program that earns credits for customers who export stored energy — a combination several reviewers credit for dramatically reducing or eliminating their electricity bills. Their sweet spot is homeowners who want a complete solar-plus-battery system with ongoing support, rather than a set-and-forget panel-only install.
Best for: homeowners wanting a complete solar-and-battery system with active post-install support, customers upgrading an existing solar setup to add battery storage, households looking to access government rebates or a Virtual Power Plant program, and anyone who wants a single local company to manage grid connection paperwork and ongoing monitoring.
Location
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Horan & Bird Solar
What areas does Horan & Bird Solar service?+
Their base is Belgian Gardens in Townsville, but reviews mention installations in Mackay, Hervey Bay, and regional areas well outside North Queensland — one reviewer in Gippsland, Victoria, received remote post-install support. For jobs outside Townsville and Mackay, they sometimes partner with local licensed electricians such as Watkins Electrical and Hire a Sparkie. It's worth confirming your location is in their current service area before requesting a quote.
Which team members should I ask for, and what are they known for?+
James Rogers is the most frequently named consultant in reviews and is consistently praised for detailed system explanations, honest advice, and follow-through after installation — multiple reviewers specifically recommend asking for him. Paul and Geordie handle sales consultations and are noted for in-home visits that work through your actual electricity bills. On the support side, Deb, Rebecca, and Jody are mentioned by name for post-install assistance including app setup, tariff queries, and troubleshooting.
Does Horan & Bird Solar offer battery storage, and what brands do they install?+
Battery storage is a clear focus of their current work — a large portion of recent reviews specifically mention battery installs rather than panels alone. Brands mentioned across the review sample include Hinen, Fox, and Tesla (car charger), with system sizes ranging from around 14 kWh to 42 kWh. Several customers also enrolled in a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program that earns credits for exporting stored energy back to the grid, which H&B facilitates directly.
What financing options are available?+
Horan & Bird offer access to Brighte solar loans, which multiple reviewers describe as a straightforward process. Government battery rebates are also available and are flagged during the sales process — one reviewer noted their loan repayment was lower than their original 2010-era system finance because of rebates. It's worth asking your consultant to run through the current rebate eligibility at the time of your quote, as these change.
What should I confirm before installation day?+
Two reviewers experienced delays in post-install commissioning and slow follow-up on minor defects — cracked tiles and missing serial numbers were cited in one case. Before signing, ask for a written timeline covering installation, grid connection, battery commissioning, and app activation, and confirm who your named contact is for each stage. The majority of reviewers report smooth experiences, but having these details in writing protects you if timelines slip.