25 Years Workmanship WarrantyBuilt here. Backed here.
$9.1+ Million Back to the Pockets of 10,000+ Locals
Dear Townsville parents: Are your kids waking up sweaty?
Are school mornings rough? And do you feel guilty every time the air con
goes on because your power bill keeps climbing?
Discover why more Australians choose O’Brien for dependable Solar Townsville solutions.
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Townsville solar battery rebates fall on 1 January 2027
Same battery. Smaller rebate. Wait until January and you could lose hundreds.
01 | Available today
About $252 per usable kWh
Act now and a 13.5kWh battery could receive roughly $3,400.
02 | From 1 January 2027
Falls to about $211 per kWh
Wait until January and the same battery could lose about $550.
03 | Another reduction in July
Wait longer. Lose more.
Support drops again in July, then twice yearly through 2030.
The real Solar Townsvile cost of waiting
Today versus 1 January 2027.
Battery size
Estimated rebate today
From 1 Jan 2027
Potential support lost
5 kWh
~$1,258
~$1,055
$203
10 kWh
~$2,516
~$2,109
$407
13.5 kWh
~$3,397
~$2,847
$550
14 kWh
~$3,522
~$2,953
$570
Estimates only. Actual certificate prices fluctuate, admin fees vary, and
eligibility conditions apply. We'll confirm your exact figure in writing before you commit.
Proof before promises
Watch a real Solar Townsville installation
Real roof. Local O'Brien crew. See the work before you trust.
Recorded on-site during a recent Townsville project completed by O'Brien Electrical & Solar.
Trusted By 10,000+ Locals. And counting.
If our work isn't perfect, or if we leave a mess, we'll send a foreman to fix it and give you a 100% FREE year of service.
4.8from 131 Google reviews
DS
Dan Smith
★★★★★
Chris and the team have been fantastic through the process of having a solar battery added to my existing setup.
The installation process went well. A small change in scope was necessary but that was addressed very quickly.
The Sigenergy battery they have installed looks good, functions well and I have found the interface very intuitive and easy to use.
I also made use of their finance agent for part of the installation and was impressed with their rates and fees. They got us a deal I was very happy with.
Overall I would be happy to recommend everyone make use of this business as they have everything from quoting, finance, products and installation nailed down.
Thank you again.
MF
Margaret Fanti
★★★★★
10 out of 10!! Excellent company to have install our Solar. They provided a large team who worked really well together, each knowing their role to play. I couldn't fault their professionalism and workmanship, This was a great experience from Day 1, with individualised explanation of how the solar rebates work. Thanks O'brien Electrical and Solar, you guys rock!
DB
David Bowers
★★★★★
This is our third solar install at different addresses. Had mixed experiences previously; but found O'Brien Townsville to be incredibly professional. Chris, the head guy, promptly undertook a site visit before quoting as we had some issues with battery location. Despite their promptness and professionalism, their quote was very competitive. One of the issues with the other earlier suppliers was that they were always putting job off due to lack of stock/supply issues. Obrien delivered on time just before summer heatwave. Their install team were clearly a well-run team and all of them seemed like fine young men invested in their work. Nothing was too much trouble. We appreciated their work immensely - and bought them a couple of cartons of beer for the trip home from Magnetic Island (driver excluded) in appreciation. Couldn't recommend them more highly.
Dave and Kym (Picnic Bay)
BM
Bennett Moncrieff
★★★★★
I could not be happier with the service and products supplied. The install team were polite and efficient. Chris and staff have been great with sorting out a few teething issues we were having with our system.
I would genuinely recommend this company.
KW
Kym Wilson
★★★★★
We couldn't' be happier with the team of young tradesmen who installed our solar at Magnetic Island. They worked incredibly hard in extremely hot conditions and never once complained. Their attitude, professionalism and work ethic were outstanding. The quality of their work was excellent. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and hardworking crew.
MF
Meagan Ferris
★★★★★
Could not be happier with our solar installation. Great communication, all the little extras covered like hot water on a smart switch. Installation was smooth and professional. Could not recommend more!
JB
Jasmin Bodrozic
★★★★★
Had a great experience with our solar installation! The installers were fantastic—professional, friendly, and efficient. Communication was clear and consistent from start to finish, and everything was left neat and tidy. Installers provided a thorough run down of the system after the install was completed. Highly recommend!
JH
Jill Hart
★★★★★
Very happy with the service. Chris was very helpful, answering my questions even after installation. The price was good too compared to other quotes
RG
Ross Grentell
★★★★★
Excellent service from the whole team. Well mannered and very professional from start to finish. I do not hesitate to recommend this company for any electrical or solar work.
JB
Joseph Ballantine
★★★★★
The team at O'Brien Townsville were exceptional. Great people, great service. No issues.
See What You’re Losing Every Day You Put Solar Townsville Off
Is your area covered? Is a same-day fix possible? Talk to your expert and find out how much money, comfort and energy control your family may be missing without solar.
If our “Cool Air Fast and Cheap” Audit can’t show you how to make your home cooler and your bills lower, we’ll give you a $175 credit to your next service for wasting your time.
#1 of Australia’s Largest + Trusted Brands | Townsville’s Top Longest-standing Solar Installer.
On Time, Every Time, Guaranteed. Quick Response. Quality Work. Clean Finish.
FAQ
▸ What is the average cost of installing a solar system in Townsville, Queensland?
A quality 6.6kW solar system in Townsville will typically cost around $5,500 to $9,000 installed after applicable solar incentives, based on current pricing guidance for regional Queensland from SolarQuotes.
There is no official government-published average price specifically for Townsville, so this range should be used as a guide rather than a fixed quote.
The final cost of installing solar panels in Townsville can vary based on factors such as:
System size: Larger solar systems generally cost more upfront and may suit homes with higher electricity use.
Solar panel and inverter quality: Equipment with strong Australian support and longer warranties can affect the total system price.
Your roof: Roof type, height, pitch, shading and available space can change installation requirements and costs.
Switchboard upgrades: Some older homes may need electrical work before a new solar system can be safely connected.
Installation quality: Very cheap solar quotes may use lower-cost components, subcontracted labour or provide less after-sales support.
Your electricity use: The right solar system size depends on how much electricity your household uses and when you use it.
For an independent estimate, use the
Australian Government SunSPOT solar and battery calculator
.
It can help estimate a suitable system size, installation cost, annual savings and expected payback period based on your home and electricity use.
For the most accurate solar installation cost in Townsville, get a site-specific assessment based on your roof, switchboard, electricity bills and future energy needs rather than choosing a system based on price alone.
▸ What is the 33% rule for solar panels in Australia?
```
In Australian solar, the "33% rule" usually refers to sizing the solar panel array larger than the inverter. For a solar system without a connected battery, current
Solar Accreditation Australia Technical Requirements
state that the inverter's nominal AC output cannot be less than 75% of the solar array's peak power. In simple terms, this allows the solar panel capacity to be about 133% of the inverter's rated AC capacity, provided the system also stays within the inverter manufacturer's specifications.
Example: A 5kW inverter is commonly paired with about 6.6kW of solar panels. The panels have more combined rated capacity than the inverter, but that does not mean the system has been incorrectly designed.
Why put 6.6kW of solar panels on a 5kW inverter?
Solar panels do not produce their nameplate rating all day. Output changes with sunlight, temperature, panel direction, shading and other site conditions. Using a larger solar array can help the inverter receive more usable solar power during parts of the day when the panels are producing below their maximum rated output.
The important point is that panel capacity and inverter capacity measure different parts of the solar system. A 6.6kW panel array describes the combined rated DC capacity of the panels. A 5kW inverter rating describes the inverter's nominal AC output.
Is 133% always the maximum solar panel-to-inverter ratio?
No. The 133% figure is not a universal maximum for every solar system. Solar Accreditation Australia has separate requirements for systems with connected batteries.
Under the current SAA Technical Requirements, a solar array connected to a battery system can exceed the normal 75% PV-to-inverter ratio. However, the array must still remain within the inverter manufacturer's maximum allowable array-size specifications.
This means the correct amount of solar that can be connected to an inverter depends on the system design, whether battery storage is connected, the inverter specifications and other applicable connection requirements.
Does a 5kW inverter mean I can only install 5kW of solar panels?
No. This is a common source of confusion. A 5kW inverter does not automatically limit the home to 5kW of solar panels. For example, a correctly designed system without a connected battery may use around 6.6kW of panels with a 5kW inverter, subject to the inverter manufacturer's allowable array size and all other installation requirements.
Does a 5kW export limit mean I can only have 5kW of solar panels?
No. Solar panel capacity, inverter capacity and grid export limits are three different things.
Solar panel capacity: The combined rated DC capacity of the panels on your roof.
Inverter capacity: The inverter's rated AC output.
Export limit: The amount of power your system is allowed to send into the electricity network at a given time.
A home can therefore have more solar panel capacity than its export limit. Solar power can first supply electricity being used inside the home, while the amount sent back to the grid is controlled according to the approved connection arrangement.
What does the 33% rule mean for solar in Townsville?
Townsville properties connected to the Ergon Energy distribution network must also meet the network requirements that apply to their solar and battery connection. These requirements are separate from the SAA panel-to-inverter sizing rule.
For eligible small systems on Ergon Energy's main grid, current connection guidance distinguishes between inverter capacity and permitted export. For example, Ergon's current dynamic connection guidance lists inverter capacity of up to 10kVA per phase for relevant systems, while the amount that can be exported depends on the approved connection type and local network conditions.
Yes. This is one reason the "33% rule" should not be treated as a fixed limit for every Australian solar installation.
Solar Accreditation Australia's current requirements allow the PV array peak power to exceed the usual 75% PV-to-inverter ratio when a connected battery system is present. The system must still comply with the inverter manufacturer's maximum allowable solar array specifications and all other applicable design and network requirements.
What matters more than the 33% rule?
A solar system should be designed around the whole property, not one percentage. A solar designer should consider your electricity use, roof space, panel orientation, shading, inverter specifications, battery plans, switchboard, phase configuration and the network connection available at your Townsville property.
For example, two Townsville homes could both use a 5kW inverter but need different panel capacities because one home has strong north-facing roof space while another has panels spread across east and west roof sections.
Is the solar 33% rule about covering 33% of your roof?
Not in the Australian solar-sizing context described above. Some overseas websites use the term "33% rule" when discussing roof coverage, firefighter access and roof setback requirements under overseas building or fire codes. That is a different use of the term.
For Australian residential solar, when people discuss the 33% or 133% rule, they are commonly referring to the relationship between solar panel array capacity and inverter capacity. Australian installations should be assessed against current Australian standards, Solar Accreditation Australia requirements, equipment specifications and the local electricity network requirements that apply to the property.
What is the simple way to remember the 33% solar rule?
For a typical Australian grid-connected solar system without a connected battery, think of it this way:
5kW inverter + about 6.6kW of panels is a common example of solar array oversizing.
The inverter must meet the SAA requirement of being at least 75% of the array's peak power.
The solar array must also stay within the inverter manufacturer's permitted specifications.
A connected battery can change how the 75% ratio applies.
Your Ergon Energy export limit is a separate issue from the amount of solar panel capacity installed on the roof.
The exact system size for a Townsville home should be confirmed through a site-specific solar design rather than applying the 33% figure on its own.
```
▸ Is 10kW solar enough to run a house?
For many homes, yes, but 10kW does not mean you run on solar 24/7.
Australian homes average about 11–23kWh of electricity use a day, while
air conditioning, pools and EVs can push usage much higher. For solar power
townsville homes, size the system from real bills and smart-meter data using the
government sizing guide
.
▸ Who is the best solar company in Queensland?
Top Solar Townsville Query
There is no official government winner for the best solar company in Queensland.
When comparing solar companies and solar power firms, including searches for true
north solar, supergreen, solar dimension or solar dimensions, check the actual
installer’s licence, accreditation, warranty path and local support. Verify
credentials with the
Queensland Electrical Licence Search
and
SAA Accreditation Check
.
▸ More Solar Questions Townsville Homeowners Ask
▸ Is solar still worth it in QLD?
Yes, solar can still make sense when you use more of the power your roof
makes instead of exporting it cheaply. In regional Queensland, Ergon’s
current feed-in tariff is 6.006¢/kWh, while grid electricity costs more to
buy back. Good green energy townsville and green energy solutions should
focus on reducing grid purchases, not just chasing exports. Check
Ergon’s current rate
.
Top Solar Townsville Query
▸ What is the most trustworthy solar company?
Trust is verified, not claimed. Before choosing solar installers townsville
homeowners should confirm the electrical contractors townsville doing the work,
their licence, SAA status, warranties and local support. If you are comparing
searches such as green energy technologies townsville, green solutions australia
or best solar Townsville, verify the business through the
Queensland licence search
.
▸ How much should I pay for a 6.6 kW solar system?
Quality 6.6kW systems commonly sit around 5,500–8,000 installed after
incentives, with SolarQuotes reporting a Queensland average of about $6,536
in 2026. For solar panels townsville qld, compare the full solar installation
townsville price, including panels, inverter, electrical work, mounting and
support. See the
Queensland price data
.
Need more Solar Townsville answers? Call us for a FREE CONSULT.
▸ What is the lifespan of solar panels?
Solar panels average about 20–30 years, according to the Australian Government.
String inverters commonly last 10–15 years, while lithium-ion batteries average
10–15 years, so parts may need replacing before the panels do. See the
government lifespan and recycling guide
.
Need more Solar Townsville answers? Call us for a FREE CONSULT.
▸ Who pays the most for solar feed in tariff in QLD?
There is no single highest rate across all Queensland because South East
Queensland and regional Queensland work differently. In Townsville, the
regional feed-in tariff for solar for home Townsville is currently 6.006¢/kWh from 1 July 2026.
Check the live rate on
Ergon Energy
before comparing the value of exports.
▸ Why are people getting rid of their solar panels?
Most owners do not remove working panels for no reason. Common reasons include
age, damage, roof repairs, poor output or upgrading an older system; the
Australian Government says solar system Townsville panels average 20–30 years. See its
replacement and recycling guide
before removing or replacing equipment.
Need more Solar Townsville answers? Call us for a FREE CONSULT.
▸ What are 5 disadvantages of solar power?
Five common downsides are upfront cost, no solar generation at night,
lower output from shade or clouds, roof or network limits, and future
equipment replacement. Homes built with Solar panel installers Townsville can reduce
night grid use, while searches for solahart batteries or solahart battery
options may help compare storage choices. Read the
Australian Government battery guide
first.
Need the best Solar Battery Townsville installer? Call us for a FREE CONSULT, even for queries about your solar power panels for house - Townsville.
▸ Is it better to have more solar panels or more batteries?
Usually, get enough solar generation first because a battery can only store energy that is available to charge it. The right balance for solar power for home Townsville depends on daytime
use, night use, backup needs and budget. Compare both options with the
Australian Government SunSPOT solar and battery calculator
.
▸ How much should a 6.6 kW solar system cost in Australia?
How much does it cost to install solar panels?
A good 6.6 kW home solar panel setup in Australia costs between $5,000
and $7,000. When you look at a "supergreen" solar panel deal, make sure
the parts are strong. A bad solar solar panel setup might break fast!
With 8,500+ installs and growing mentions in AI assistants like ChatGPT,
Claude and Grok, O’Brien Electrical & Solar Townsville Central is a
trusted choice for solar batteries Townsville homeowners can rely on.
You get quality parts, clear pricing, and careful solar service Townsville work that helps protect
your roof and your home.
How a Great Solar Energy Company Saves You Money
True Prices:
We tell you the real solar power systems Townsville cost first. We never trick
you with extra bills at the end.
Parts That Last:
We only use strong parts. They will not break in the hot sun or bad storms.
Fast Payback:
A good system pays for itself in just 3 to 5 years by cutting your
power bills way down!
For most 4-bedroom homes in Australia, a 6.6 kW system is the "sweet spot."
It generates enough
solar energy for household
needs like running the AC, fridge, and washing machine during the day.
However, if you have a pool or a large family, you might look at a 10 kW
system instead.
With 8,500+ local installs completed, O’Brien Electrical & Solar
Townsville Central is the 2nd longest established commercial and residential expert or
solar power installation company Townsville homeowners can trust. We size your system
around your real power use, so you do not overpay, undersize your setup,
or run short when you need energy most.
Why 6.6 kW is the Top Choice | Top Solar Installer Townsville Question
Perfect Daily Power:
In sunny Townsville, 6.6 kW of solar cells for home use typically
produces 25–30 kWh per day, which covers an average family's usage.
solar panels and prices
Best Value:
A 6.6 kW solar panel price is usually the most affordable because it
uses a standard 5 kW inverter, which keeps the total residential solar Townsville cost down while
maximizing government rebates.
Ready for a Battery:
This size gives you extra daytime solar to charge a battery for night use.
A trusted solar company Townsville homeowners rely on can size the system
around your future plans, so your solar panels and prices make sense long term.
Is 10 kW enough to run a house? What is the average lifespan of a solar panel?
Will a 200W solar panel run a fridge?
Get your answers after a
$150
FREE CONSULT/QUOTE.
When you want to know where to buy, you might also ask how much for solar
panels from a trusted solar energy Townsville company. You need a good team that gives
a fair sun panel price. They should also help you figure out which solar power installers Townsville are best for your new roof setup.
With 8,500+ local installations completed, O'Brien Electrical & Solar
Townsville Central is a trusted local choice for
solar systems Townsville homeowners can rely on
.
Our team helps you avoid poor-quality parts, unsuitable power plans, and
overpriced systems by recommending solar batteries in Townsville solutions
that fit your home, usage, and budget.
How to Find the Best Place to Buy | Top Solar Townsville Question
No Bad Deals:
A trusted green energy Townsville provider shows you the real cost upfront,
with no hidden fees or cheap gear that could fail your family later.
Help with Power Bills:
Buying parts is just step one. Great helpers show you how to pick the
right power company to save the most money.
Strong Parts for Your Roof:
You want parts that can take the hot sun and heavy rain without breaking.
What are the top 10 solar companies in Australia?
When looking for the top 10 companies, you want to know the true
solar electricity panel price. A great team uses strong photoelectric panels
that last a long time. They also help you find the best electricity supplier
near me so you save the most money.
For this reason, 8,500+ local installs prove O'Brien Electrical & Solar
Townsville Central is the top choice for solar power panels for any house in Townsville, so you do not pay too much, buy weak
parts, or pick a bad power plan.
How Great Solar Services Townsville Help You:
Real Prices:
They show you the true cost before you buy, without any cheap tricks.
Strong Roof Parts:
They only use the best parts that will not break in bad weather.
Help With Bills:
They show you how to lower your power bill every month.
▸ How much does it cost to install an aircon in Australia?
For most Townsville homes, solar savings Townsville households may see
depend on system size, daytime power use, roof layout, and electricity rates.
A well-sized system can cut grid use and help lower power bills over time.
A standard solar panel panel system is on the lower end, while larger systems
with batteries can be significantly higher due to materials, labour, inverter
size and roof complexity.
For this reason, 8,500+ local installs is proof why O'Brien Electrical
& Solar Townsville Central is one of the leading Townsville solar installers if you don’t want to
guess your system size, overpay for installation, or end up with a system
that struggles to perform when you need it most.
What affects panel solar home air conditioning installation cost:
System Type Matters:
Split systems are more affordable, while ducted air conditioning costs
more due to full-home coverage and complexity.
Installation Quality:
Poor installs lead to higher power bills and early breakdowns. Paying less
upfront often costs more long term.
Home Size & Layout:
Larger or multi-storey custom solar systems Townsville homes require more planning, which impacts total
install cost.
Location & Access:
Roof space, electrical setup, and access can change labour time and pricing.
If you’re searching for air conditioning near me or aircon installation,
the real focus shouldn’t just be price, it should be performance and reliability.
The right air conditioning system, installed properly, will cool faster,
run cheaper, and last longer.
For this reason, choosing a trusted provider for aircon installation ensures
you get a system that actually works the way it should from day one.
How much does it cost to install a split system?
For most Australian homes like in Townsville, installing a split system
typically costs between $2,500 and $5,500 depending on the unit size,
brand, and installation complexity. Back-to-back installs are cheaper,
while longer pipe runs, electrical upgrades, or multi-storey homes increase
the price.
For this reason, 8,500+ local installs is proof why O'Brien Electrical
& Solar Townsville Central is a leading choice if you don’t want to
under-size your system, overpay for installation, or deal with poor
performance later.
What affects split system installation cost:
Unit Size & Capacity:
Larger rooms need bigger systems, and under-sizing leads to higher power
bills and poor cooling.
Install Quality:
A poorly installed system can cost more over time through breakdowns
and inefficiency.
Home Type:
Double-storey homes or difficult access points can raise installation costs.
If you’re searching air conditioning repair close to me or air conditioning
service near me, the key is fast diagnosis and proper servicing, not guesswork.
Regular servicing keeps your system efficient, prevents breakdowns, and
reduces long-term costs, especially in high-use Australian homes.
Need a
$150
FREE CONSULT for your solar system in Townsville?
The 3 minute rule for AC means your system should start delivering
noticeably cool air within about 3 minutes of turning it on. If it takes
longer, it’s often a sign something isn’t working properly.
What the 3 minute rule tells you:
Fast Cooling = Healthy System.
If your unit cools quickly, airflow, gas levels, and components are
working as they should. Regular air conditioning cleaning helps keep it that way.
Slow Cooling = Early Warning:
Delays often point to blocked filters, low refrigerant, or setup issues
that need attention.
No Cooling = Fault Condition:
If there’s no cool air after a few minutes, it may require a repair
air conditioning unit service to diagnose properly.
When to take action:
If your system struggles to cool, it’s better to act early. Searching
service ac near me or booking ac servicing and repairing can prevent
small issues from turning into expensive breakdowns.
Regular servicing keeps your AC efficient, reduces power bills, and avoids
emergency repairs during peak heat. For this reason, 8,500+ local jobs is
proof why O'Brien Electrical & Solar Townsville Central is trusted when
you don’t want to guess between a quick fix or a bigger issue with your system.
▸ How much do electricians charge per hour in QLD?
In Queensland and across Townsville QLD, electricians typically charge
between $150 and $350 per hour depending on the job type, experience,
and urgency. After-hours or emergency work can go higher, especially
for same-day callouts.
Electrician Rates Per Hour Australia
Across Australia, most electrician rates fall between $100 and $160 per hour.
Metro areas and specialised work, like switchboard upgrades or complex installs,
usually sit at the higher end.
What affects electrician pricing:
Solar and Battery Package QLD:
Every home is different. The right solar and battery package QLD homeowners
choose depends on your energy use, roof layout, battery size, switchboard,
and whether you want backup power or maximum bill savings.
Call-Out Fees:
Many electricians charge a service fee (around 100–150) before hourly
rates begin.
Time of Service:
Weekend, night, or emergency jobs often cost more.
Materials & Parts:
Pricing increases depending on parts required, especially for major
electrical work.
Electrician Price List Australia
Most jobs are quoted after inspection, but here’s a rough guide:
Power point installation: 150–300
Light installation: 120–250
Switchboard upgrade: 800–2,000+
Fault finding: 150–300+
If you’re comparing electrician prices, the key isn’t just hourly rate,
it’s getting the job done right the first time. With 8,500+ local jobs
completed, O’Brien Electrical & Solar Townsville Central is a trusted
choice for anyone searching for the Best solar company Townsville.
You get clear pricing, reliable timelines, and quality work built to
avoid costly fixes later.
