Client: Gold Coast Fresh Meat Centre
Industry: Food Production and Processing
Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
System Size: 78 kW Solar PV
Gold Coast Fresh Meat Centre, a locally owned wholesale meat supplier operated under a partnership between Managing Director Darren Burchell and Financial Director Tom Johnson, recently took a major step toward energy independence with the installation of a 78 kW solar system by GEM Energy. We sat down with Tom to learn more about the business’s journey, their decision to invest in solar, the importance of choosing local and that price isn’t everything.
With refrigeration, processing, and distribution running daily, electricity costs have always been a major part of the business’s overheads. For Tom, investing in solar was a practical way to manage rising costs and secure long-term stability, but finding the right installer was just as important as the system itself.
Tom first came across GEM Energy during an industry discussion where GEM’s Founder and Director, Jack Hooper, shared his thoughts on the state of the solar industry. In that conversation, Jack shed light on the growing number of “cheap solar installers”, many of which are overseas-based or lack the technical expertise, compliance knowledge, and long-term accountability required to safely deliver commercial systems.
“Jack was talking about knowing who you’re partnering with, who’s going to be there in ten or twenty years when you need them. That really stuck with me,” Tom said.
Hearing this insight helped Tom recognise the risks behind lower-cost quotes and the importance of working with a reputable local provider. “GEM wasn’t the cheapest, but they were the right choice,” Tom said. “It’s about knowing you’re dealing with a local business that will still be here if you ever need them.” The installation, managed by GEM Energy’s in house project team, ran seamlessly alongside daily operations.
“It was invisible, it just ticked along in the background of our business,” Tom said. “Everything was handled safely and professionally.”
During the design stage, GEM’s engineers also identified issues in competitor proposals that hadn’t properly accounted for the building’s structure or roof load requirements, reinforcing the value of GEM’s engineering depth and local accountability.
“It’s not always about who’s cheapest,” Tom added. “It’s about reliability, knowing you’re safeguarded when you’re investing this kind of money into your business.”
For Gold Coast Fresh Meat Centre, partnering with GEM Energy delivered more than just solar savings. It provided confidence, knowing the system was installed correctly, compliant with Australian standards, and supported by a team that will be around for the long haul.
Gold Coast Fresh Meat Centre’ experience is a reminder for other Queensland businesses while cheaper quotes might look appealing, the true value lies in working with a trusted local partner who prioritises quality, safety, and long-term support.
We look forward to revisiting Tom and the Gold Coast Fresh Meat Centre team down the track to see the real dollar savings their solar investment has achieved.