Port Macquarie has strong sunshine, a large population of retirees and families on fixed budgets, and plenty of installers keen to quote. This guide is for households in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Lake Cathie and the Camden Haven who want to shortlist a solar or battery installer with confidence. We reviewed seven companies with a local base: SolaXs, Wauchope Solar & Electrical, MNC Solar Power, SolarBright Port Macquarie, Harelec, G & A Martin Solar and Electrical, and Solahart Port Macquarie.
This is independent desk research based on company websites, public records, accreditation information, Google and SolarQuotes review patterns and published pricing. We did not visit, phone or request quotes from any company, and no company paid to be included. You will learn each company’s strengths and weaknesses, what NSW incentives are available now, what coastal conditions mean for your quote, and which red flags to avoid.
Quick winners
- Best Overall: SolaXs for the largest local review base on both Google and SolarQuotes, and an in-house team.
- Best Long-Established Local: Wauchope Solar & Electrical for more than 40 years in business and premium hardware options.
- Best for Tesla Batteries and Off-Grid: MNC Solar Power for Powerwall installs, off-grid systems and a no-subcontracting policy.
- Best Larger Company Backing: SolarBright Port Macquarie for a local showroom backed by a business with 16,000-plus installs since 2008.
- Best for Commercial and Large-Scale Solar: Harelec for council, hospital, school and megawatt-scale experience.
- Best for the Camden Haven: G & A Martin Solar and Electrical for a Laurieton base and trading history back to 1988.
- Best for Solar Plus Hot Water: Solahart Port Macquarie for panels, batteries and hot water under one national brand.
Comparison at a glance
| Company | Base | Experience | Panel brands (published) | Battery options | Workmanship warranty | Google rating (Oct 2026) | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SolaXs | Port Macquarie | 5,000+ installs (claimed) | Trina, Tindo, REC, Jinko, Canadian Solar | Sigenergy, BYD, Sungrow, GoodWe | Not published | 4.9 (about 190) | Most homes |
| Wauchope Solar & Electrical | Wauchope | Since 1983 | Winaico, REC, Tindo | BYD, Sigenergy | Not published | 5.0 (about 25) | Quality-first buyers |
| MNC Solar Power | Port Macquarie | 30 years combined | Canadian Solar | Tesla Powerwall | Not published | 4.9 (about 70) | Powerwall, off-grid |
| SolarBright Port Macquarie | Port Macquarie branch | Company since 2008 | MaxPower, REC | Powerwall 3, Sungrow, SolaX | Not published | 4.8 (about 100) | Brand-backed installs |
| Harelec | Port Macquarie | Decades (see review) | Seraphim, LONGi (per SolarQuotes) | BYD | Not published | 4.6 (about 10) | Commercial and large sites |
| G & A Martin | Laurieton | Since 1988 | Not published | Yes, brands not listed | Not published | 4.5 (about 60) | Camden Haven homes |
| Solahart Port Macquarie | Port Macquarie | Brand since 1953 | Silhouette, SunCell | Powerwall 3, Enphase, GoodWe, SolarEdge | Not stated in years | 4.8 (about 50) | Hot water plus solar |
Ratings are rounded from Google Maps as of October 2026. “Not published” means we could not find it on the company’s own website.
Best Overall: SolaXs
SolaXs is a locally owned Port Macquarie company that says it has completed more than 5,000 installations, with a licensed in-house team and “no subcontractors.” It has the strongest combined review record in the area and covers a wide stretch of the Mid North Coast and New England.
Pros
- 4.9 stars from roughly 190 Google reviews and 4.7 from about 285 SolarQuotes reviews as of October 2026
- SolarQuotes reviewers score installation 4.9 and customer service 4.8 out of 5
- Broad range: Trina, Tindo, REC, Jinko and Canadian Solar panels; Sigenergy, Fronius, Sungrow and GoodWe inverters; Sigenergy, BYD, Sungrow and GoodWe batteries
- Offers annual or twice-yearly service plans and says it is a New Energy Tech Approved Seller
Cons
- A small number of low SolarQuotes reviews describe unresolved inverter connectivity and overvoltage problems with slow follow-up
- No published founding year or workmanship warranty, and a service area stretching to Tamworth and Armidale means asking which crew covers your job
Get a quote via SolaXs, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie (warehouse, not a showroom). NSW contractor licence 310008C. Serves Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tamworth, Armidale and 40-plus other locations.
Why we selected them. No local rival matches its review volume, and the scores are high across installation and service.
Products and brands. As above. The Sigenergy SigenStor is among its battery options. It also lists SMA inverters, which have left the Australian home inverter market, so ask what is actually supplied.
Installation quality and reputation. Reviewers describe punctual, polite installers who explain everything and clean up. The company also handles grid connection and smart meter coordination.
Pricing and value. Not published. SolarQuotes reviews describe systems from about $4,000 to over $20,000 for 6 to 20kW.
Warranty and after-sales. Workmanship period not published. Paid service plans add inspections and maintenance.
What customers say. Praise for communication, tidiness and after-sales help. The complaints that exist concern inverter faults and slow resolution.
Best for / look elsewhere. Most Hastings homes wanting a well-reviewed, full-range local. Look elsewhere if you need published warranty terms upfront.
Best Long-Established Local: Wauchope Solar & Electrical
Wauchope Solar & Electrical was established in 1983 and installs solar, batteries and electrical work across Wauchope and the Port Macquarie region. It says its in-house team installs with no subcontractors, and its brand list leans to premium and Australian-made panels.
Pros
- More than 40 years in business, the longest record in this review
- Premium panel options including Winaico, REC and Australian-made Tindo (see our Tindo panel review)
- Says it is a Platinum Enphase installer, useful for shaded roofs (see our Enphase IQ8 review)
- Off-grid capability with Selectronic inverters, per its site and customer testimonials
Cons
- SolarQuotes reviewers score value for money 3.9 out of 5, and some say it was dearer than competitors
- A small Google review base (about 25 reviews) gives less evidence than the larger players
Get a quote via Wauchope Solar & Electrical, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. 19 Trade Circuit, Wauchope. Established 1983. Says it is SAA accredited, a NECA member and an approved Winaico retailer.
Why we selected them. Four decades of local trading, in-house crews and premium hardware make it a strong choice for buyers who prioritise longevity.
Products and brands. Winaico, REC, Tindo and TW Solar panels; Fronius, Sungrow, Enphase and Selectronic inverters; BYD and Sigenergy batteries; Zappi EV chargers.
Installation quality and reputation. SolarQuotes reviewers give installation 5.0 out of 5 and describe polite, clean, helpful installers.
Pricing and value. Not published. Expect to pay more than budget operators.
Warranty and after-sales. Workmanship period not published. Long-term customers report returning for system additions.
What customers say. Praise for workmanship and technical knowledge. The recurring criticism is price.
Best for / look elsewhere. Buyers wanting premium panels and a business with a long local history. Look elsewhere if you want the lowest quote.
Best for Tesla Batteries and Off-Grid: MNC Solar Power
MNC Solar Power is a Port Macquarie business on Hastings River Drive that cites 30 years of combined experience. It installs residential, commercial (300kW and beyond), off-grid and 12V vehicle systems, and markets itself as Tesla battery specialists. Its policy is blunt: “We do not sub-contract out our installations.”
Pros
- 4.9 stars from roughly 70 Google reviews as of October 2026
- Advertises Tesla Powerwall 3 installation, with Powerwall 3 jobs visible in SolarQuotes reviews
- Off-grid and 12V lithium systems for rural blocks, caravans and trade vehicles
- Services Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Taree
Cons
- Narrow published brand list (Canadian Solar panels, Sungrow inverters), so you may not get a premium or Australian-made panel option
- It describes itself as “Tesla battery experts” but its website does not state Tesla certification, so ask, and its SolarQuotes sample is only 4 reviews
Get a quote via MNC Solar Power, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. 1/99 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie. NSW licence 349133C. Founding year not published.
Why we selected them. A strong review record plus genuine off-grid and commercial range from a no-subcontracting local.
Products and brands. Canadian Solar panels, Sungrow inverters, Tesla Powerwall, EV chargers and 12V lithium systems.
Installation quality and reputation. Reviewers praise neat installs placed where they asked and no sales pressure.
Pricing and value. Not published. SolarQuotes reviewers score value 4.5 out of 5.
Warranty and after-sales. Not published. Ask for the workmanship period in writing.
What customers say. “Customer service top notch” sums up the theme. No complaint pattern is visible.
Best for / look elsewhere. Powerwall buyers and off-grid properties. Look elsewhere if you want a wide brand menu.
Best Larger Company Backing: SolarBright Port Macquarie
SolarBright is a family business founded in Sydney in 2008 by Paul and Ximena Yako, with more than 16,000 installations and two showrooms: Prestons in Sydney and Jindalee Road in Port Macquarie. It is listed in our directory as SolarBright. The Port Macquarie branch gives local buyers a showroom with a larger company’s systems behind it.
Pros
- 4.8 stars from roughly 100 Google reviews for the Port Macquarie branch as of October 2026
- Says it is a Tesla Certified Powerwall Installer and a New Energy Tech Approved Seller
- Battery range includes Powerwall 3, the Sungrow SBR and SolaX
- A separate Port Macquarie licence (299114C) and showroom
Cons
- It is the exclusive retailer for MaxPower panels, a brand few rivals sell, which makes like-for-like price comparison harder
- Its site mentions “10+ installation teams” but does not say whether they are employees or subcontractors, so ask who installs your job
Get a quote via SolarBright Port Macquarie, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. 1/2 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie. Company founded 2008. Head office in Prestons, Sydney.
Why we selected them. Buyers who want a larger organisation’s scale with a local showroom have a credible option here.
Products and brands. MaxPower and REC panels; Sungrow, SolaX, Fronius and SolarEdge inverters; Powerwall 3, Sungrow and SolaX batteries.
Installation quality and reputation. Branch reviews are broadly positive. EUPD named it a Top Brand PV Installer in 2023, per the company.
Pricing and value. Not published. Solar loans are offered.
Warranty and after-sales. Workmanship period not published.
What customers say. Positive overall at 4.8 stars. We found no dominant complaint theme for the branch.
Best for / look elsewhere. Buyers who value a larger company and a showroom. Look elsewhere if you want only widely sold panel brands.
Best for Commercial and Large-Scale Solar: Harelec
Harelec is a long-established Port Macquarie electrical and solar business on Blackbutt Road. Its website describes residential grid-connect, off-grid, commercial systems for councils, hospitals, schools and shopping centres, and large solar plants over 1MW with power purchase agreement administration. One SolarQuotes reviewer describes it as “40 years in business and over 10 in solar.”
Pros
- Commercial and utility-scale experience no other Hastings installer in this review advertises
- 4.6 stars from about 35 SolarQuotes reviews, with reviewers praising competitive pricing
- Off-grid systems feature on its website and in customer reviews
- Publishes its NSW licence (12057C) and CEC accreditation number
Cons
- Only about 10 Google reviews as of October 2026, so recent residential feedback is thin
- Brands in its SolarQuotes profile (Seraphim, LONGi, SolaX, SMA) look dated, and its website’s company history figures are inconsistent, so confirm current equipment and experience
Get a quote via Harelec, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. 4/9 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie. Website claims more than 4,000 residential systems installed.
Why we selected them. Businesses and institutions need an installer with large-system design and approval experience, and Harelec is the local specialist.
Products and brands. Per SolarQuotes: Seraphim and LONGi panels, SolaX and SMA inverters, BYD batteries.
Installation quality and reputation. Reviewers describe neat, tidy work and knowledgeable staff.
Pricing and value. SolarQuotes reviews describe systems from about $3,000 to over $12,500.
Warranty and after-sales. Not published.
What customers say. Praise for longevity, price and responsiveness. Older complaints mention wanting more communication.
Best for / look elsewhere. Commercial, institutional and larger rural projects. Homeowners wanting current-generation batteries may find more choice elsewhere.
Best for the Camden Haven: G & A Martin Solar and Electrical
G & A Martin Solar and Electrical is based in Laurieton and says it has operated since 1988. It installs residential, commercial and rural solar, batteries and upgrades across the Camden Haven, Port Macquarie and the wider Mid North Coast.
Pros
- Trading history back to 1988, according to the company
- Laurieton base suits Camden Haven, Lakewood and North Haven homes
- Covers residential, commercial and rural jobs, plus upgrades to existing systems
- Publishes its NSW contractor licence (502841C)
Cons
- 4.5 stars from roughly 60 Google reviews as of October 2026, the lowest Google score in this review
- No panel, inverter or battery brands and no workmanship warranty published
Get a quote via G & A Martin Solar and Electrical, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. 3 Seymour Street, Laurieton. Since 1988.
Why we selected them. The only established solar business we found based in the Camden Haven.
Products and brands. Not published.
Installation quality and reputation. Its site suggests in-house installation, but this is not stated outright.
Pricing and value. Not published.
Warranty and after-sales. Not published.
What customers say. We could not identify a clear praise or complaint theme from public sources, so read its recent Google reviews before engaging.
Best for / look elsewhere. Camden Haven residents wanting a nearby installer. Look elsewhere if you want detailed product information before quoting.
Best for Solar Plus Hot Water: Solahart Port Macquarie
Solahart Port Macquarie is operated by Mid Coast Solar & Electrical Pty Ltd, the local dealer for the Solahart brand that has made solar hot water since 1953. Its territory runs from South West Rocks and Crescent Head down to Bulahdelah and west to the Barrington Tops.
Pros
- One contractor for panels, batteries, solar hot water and heat pumps
- Silhouette panels carry 30-year product and performance warranties, per the dealer
- Battery range includes Powerwall 3, Enphase IQ, GoodWe Lynx Home and SolarEdge
- 4.8 stars from roughly 50 Google reviews as of October 2026
Cons
- Panels are mostly Solahart’s own Silhouette and SunCell, so open-market comparison is harder
- Promoted “$0 upfront” deals run through Zip finance, where fees and conditions apply
Get a quote via Solahart Port Macquarie, or browse all Port Macquarie installers in our directory.
Key facts. Bellbowrie Street, Port Macquarie. NSW contractor licence 379700C.
Why we selected them. Hot water upgrades are common in Hastings homes, and Solahart combines them with solar under one brand.
Products and brands. Silhouette and SunCell panels, GoodWe inverters, four battery brands, Solahart hot water and heat pumps.
Installation quality and reputation. A 4.8 Google average from about 50 reviews.
Pricing and value. Not published. Dealer pricing on straight solar is rarely the lowest.
Warranty and after-sales. A workmanship guarantee is included, but its length is not stated.
What customers say. Ratings are positive overall. The structural trade-off is limited hardware choice.
Best for / look elsewhere. Households replacing hot water and adding solar together. Look elsewhere for the widest panel choice.
How we reviewed
We built a long list from Google Maps searches around Port Macquarie, Google results, SolarQuotes and our installer directory, then kept companies with a Hastings base and a meaningful review record. Installers serving the area from Newcastle, Kingscliff or Nambucca Heads were excluded because we could not confirm a local office or crew.
We compared reputation and experience, equipment, installation model, pricing transparency, warranty terms, customer service and after-sales patterns. Ratings come from Google Maps and SolarQuotes as of October 2026, rounded. We did not request quotes, contact companies or accept payment for placement, and there is no hidden scoring system.
Choosing a solar company in Port Macquarie
Check accreditation yourself. Installer accreditation moved from the Clean Energy Council to Solar Accreditation Australia in 2024. Retailers should be New Energy Tech Approved Sellers. Check both registers yourself.
Plan for the coast. Homes near the beach and river mouth face salt spray. Ask whether panels, racking and fixings are rated for coastal conditions and whether the warranty excludes salt corrosion within a set distance of the ocean.
Know your network. Port Macquarie is on the Essential Energy network. SolarQuotes notes most homes here are limited to 5kW of export, so ask what limit your design assumes and whether a battery makes more sense than more panels.
Use the NSW zero-interest loan. NSW has no panel rebate, but the Home Energy Saver program offers owners with household income up to $210,000 a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000, repayable over up to 10 years, for upgrades including solar and batteries. Discounts of up to $4,000 for lower-income households are due to open.
Batteries. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts eligible batteries by around 30 per cent. The NSW upfront battery discount was suspended from 1 July 2025, but NSW still pays an incentive for connecting a 2 to 50 kWh battery to a virtual power plant. See our battery rebate guide.
STCs. The federal STC discount applies to every quote and declines each year until 2030 (see our STC guide).
Compare properly. Get three quotes and use our quote comparison guide, installer checklist, NSW top 10 and NSW directory listings.
FAQ
How much does solar cost in Port Macquarie in 2026? Local SolarQuotes reviews describe systems from about $3,000 to over $20,000 depending on size and storage. SolarQuotes lists 6.6kW price ranges from installers serving the area of roughly $3,600 to $12,400.
How many quotes should I get? Three, compared on brands, warranties and export limit.
Which warranties matter most? Workmanship, because it covers the installation. None of the seven companies publishes a period, so get it in writing.
Are cheap installers safe? Not always. Very cheap quotes often come from out-of-area companies that subcontract. Ask who installs and who you call for warranty work.
What happens if my installer goes out of business? Product warranties stay with the manufacturer; workmanship cover usually ends with the company. Long local records like Wauchope Solar’s are worth something.
Should I add a battery now or later? With the federal discount and NSW VPP incentive, many homes can justify one now, especially with a 5kW export limit. If you wait, choose a battery-ready inverter.
How much deposit is normal? Ten per cent or less is common. Treat large upfront demands as a warning.
What are red flags in a quote? No brand or model numbers, no workmanship period, no coastal suitability information, pressure to sign today, or rebate claims that do not match government pages.
Related guides
- We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Coffs Harbour (2026)
- The 7 Best Solar Installers in Newcastle and the Hunter for 2026
About this review
Written by the Solar Cobber editorial team. Last updated October 2026. Solar Cobber is a free, independent Australian solar directory. We may earn referral or advertising fees from installers listed on this site, but commercial relationships never affect rankings or awards, and no company in this review was contacted, paid for placement or given notice. Sources: the seven companies’ websites, Google Maps ratings, SolarQuotes installer profiles, NSW Climate and Energy Action and federal energy department pages, all accessed October 2026. Solar Cobber does not verify or track any company’s accreditation; check the Clean Energy Council approved retailer list and the Solar Accreditation Australia installer register yourself.