Meet our solar power installers and the rest of our team

Everyone at First Choice Solar Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast is working toward the same goal: empowering communities with sustainable energy options while helping them save on costs. 

Founded in 2010 on the Gold Coast, our solar power installation company has enjoyed continuous growth and expansion, and we’re just getting started. Learn more about the people that form part of our dedicated team.

Management

Matt McKinley

Owner/Director

Matt joined the residential and commercial solar power company over a decade ago, fuelled by a deep-rooted passion for renewables and a vision for the industry's potential growth. He brought with him a wealth of expertise: a knowledgeable sparky, and fully accredited designer/installer of solar and battery solutions with an obsession for customer service.

He now uses all these skills and more to run the ever-growing, successful First Choice Solar. Matt thrives in helping homeowners and businesses achieve their clean energy goals, always aiming to exceed the expectations of those who deal with him.

He is dedicated to supporting the wider community, too, with charitable initiatives. And, like any great leader, he understands that the strength of any organisation lies in its people, so he nurtures a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration within his company, prioritising a happy, safe, and enjoyable working environment for all. Matt now leads the operations and ongoing growth of First Choice Solar, combining technical expertise with a people-first approach to deliver outstanding outcomes for customers and team alike.

Guided by the mantra, "The teacher appears when the student is ready," he remains committed to lifelong learning and personal growth, embracing every opportunity for self-improvement. He champions a culture of continuous learning and development with his active involvement in industry events and educational opportunities, ensuring he and his team always stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving renewables industry.

Outside of work

Matt spends most of his time out of the office with his loving wife and children, watching his NRL favourites, the Sea Eagles, or out fishing on his boat.

Returning home from a busy day at the office, he slips quickly into dad/husband mode, cooking up the family dinner himself before putting the tribe to bed. He then finds solace in casting a line off the boat out on the creek, relishing in a reflective moment of peace and quiet.

On his bucket list is a seven-day fishing expedition to the Tiwi Islands in the beautiful Arafura Sea just north of Darwin. And amid a sea of professional accomplishments and community contributions, Matt's greatest accomplishment, either professionally or personally, with pride, remains his four beautiful boys, who serve as a daily reminder to him of his purpose in life.


Operations

Nick

Energy Solutions Consultant

Nick works closely with customers to help them understand their energy needs and choose solar solutions that will genuinely make a difference to their household running costs.

He was drawn to First Choice Solar because of its outstanding reputation and strong values, as well as the people behind the business.

Nick loves the variety of his role, meeting people across the region and helping them make informed, positive changes. He stays engaged in the industry by keeping up with market trends, technical updates, and attending world-class conferences.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys anything near the water, staying busy around the house, cooking, playing guitar, and following rugby league. A interesting chapter in his story thus far; he previously owned and operated a craft brewery that supplied supermarkets across New Zealand!

Nick’s dreams right now of travelling through Europe and East Asia, taking in new cultures, food, and experiences along the way.


Keagan

Accounts and Administration

Keagan has been the beating heart of the First Choice Solar family for the past three years, running our accounts and administration department.

Drawn to our company by its longstanding reputation as a family-run business, Keagan sought a work community where she could really ingrain herself and develop. Keagan thrives in the hustle and bustle of busy days, finding fulfillment in their friendly interactions with her colleagues and the variety of tasks that come her way.

Keagan loves spending quality time with her family and friends and unwinding with a little Netflix binge session. With a world of adventures waiting to be explored, Keagan's ultimate bucket list item is to embark on a trip around the world, soaking in the sights and sounds of different cultures from across the globe.


Miranda

Administration

Miranda keeps things ticking behind the scenes at First Choice Solar with her contagious calm, can-do attitude and a warm sense of humour that makes her a favourite around the office. Drawn to the team’s supportive culture and the chance to be part of a progressive business, she loves that no two days are ever the same.

Before stepping into admin, Miranda worked as a qualified pastry chef,  a skill that shows in her attention to detail and her knack for keeping things perfectly balanced! She takes pride in helping wherever she can, always bringing care and precision to every job.

Away from the desk, Miranda’s happiest spending time at the beach or camping with family and friends. She’s a loyal Gold Coast Titans fan, dog lover, and travel dreamer with Turkey and Croatia next on her list. Recently ticking off a huge life goal by buying her dream home on the Coast, she’s proof that hard work and heart go a long way.


Kristin

Administration

Kristin is part of the engine room at First Choice Solar, supporting customer bookings and keeping the office running smoothly day to day. She’s been with the team for a while now and has quickly become known for her attention to detail and calm, friendly approach.

She joined First Choice Solar looking to learn something new and explore opportunities, and found exactly that, along with a supportive work environment and leadership she genuinely admires. What she enjoys most is the team culture, describing it as a place where people truly look after one another.

Outside of work, Kristin loves getting outdoors. You’ll often find her swimming at the beach, exploring hiking trails, or taking her dog for long walks. When she’s winding down at home, Modern Family is her show of choice.

A surprising fact about Kristin is that she used to compete in road cycling, something most people don’t expect or know! And one of her biggest dreams is to see the wonders of the ancient world.

She’s incredibly proud of maintaining a healthy balance between work, university, and life, and is a dedicated community member who spends her time fostering dogs and puppies, giving them a loving home until they find their forever families.


Laura

Administration

Laura is one of the friendly faces you’ll encounter at First Choice Solar, supporting the front office and helping create a welcoming experience for customers from the moment they get in touch.

She was drawn to First Choice Solar for the opportunity to learn, grow, and be part of a team that genuinely supports each other. Laura enjoys being in an environment where no two days are the same and where collaboration is part of everyday work life.

Outside of work, Laura values balance and downtime, using her evenings to reset and recharge after busy days.

What people might not realise is how much Laura enjoys learning new skills and finding better, more efficient ways of doing things. Her focus for the future is continuing to build confidence, develop professionally, and grow alongside a business that values people as much as performance.


Solar power installers and roofers

Warren

General Manager

Warren oversees the trades and installation team, drawing on his extensive experience as a lead electrician. Initially attracted to First Choice Solar for its strong reputation and emphasis on teamwork, Warren deeply values the collaborative spirit and mateship that exists when working alongside a dedicated crew.  Whether he's tackling complex technical issues or mentoring fellow team members, Warren is always ready to offer his expertise and support, making him an integral part of the team.

After a busy day, Warren shifts his focus to family time and getting outdoors. He’s passionate about being active, being outside, and spending quality time with his loved ones— and, of course, watching English football too - he never misses a match.  With a bold sense of adventure, Warren has set his sights on conquering Mount Everest one day, reflecting his drive and determination in all aspects of life.