Meet the team that powers First Choice Solar

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.

Our wider First Choice Solar team brings together over 40 dedicated Energy Consultants, Tradespeople, Administrators, Apprentices, Labourers and Warehouse staff. Every person plays a valued role in keeping our business running and delivering quality solar solutions for our customers.

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.


Management

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.


Nick

Energy Consultant Lead

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.


Miranda

Office Manager

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.