Page 12 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 9 2024

ESTATE MATTERS
HOME FRONT

FROM PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO EMPOWERING A COMMUNITY

OS JOUBERT’S

SOLAR PANEL

CLEANING

JOURNEY

hat began as a practical necessity
for Os Joubert has evolved into
something far greater. Living in
WRooihuiskraal, Pretoria, Os was
one of many South Africans forced to confront
the challenges of load shedding. Seeking
independence from the unreliable grid, he
installed solar panels at his home. Yet, he soon
discovered that keeping those panels clean was
no simple task.

With dust, debris, and bird droppings frequently
reducing the panels’ efficiency, Os took matters
into his own hands. He developed a cleaning
method using a mop, soap-based solution, and
his own ingenuity to ensure the panels operated
at their peak. This personal frustration became
the foundation for what is now a thriving business.
Os’s story is even more remarkable because his
journey reflects his commitment to helping others.
By 2022, as solar installations increased
nationwide, it led to knock on needs such as
maintenance and cleaning. Os’s business
quickly became full-time earlier this year, with
his reputation for quality work spreading by word
of mouth. But this wasn’t simply about efficiency
and clean panels for Os—it was about empowering
others. Having experienced the uncertainty of
retrenchment, Os made it his mission to create
jobs for those in his community. He has already
taken on a full-time worker and is eager to expand
his team further.

While Os takes pride in his work, he also stresses
the importance of safety and compliance. His
close encounter with improperly earthed panels,
where he narrowly avoided electrocution, has
been a lasting reminder of the risks involved
in working with solar technology. Os urges all
his clients to prioritise ensuring all installations SOLAR PANEL CARE TIPS
comply with safety standards and have valid
certificates of compliance.
TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SOLAR
With his background as a paramedic in the South
African National Defence Force (SANDF), Os is PANELS, OS OFFERS THESE ESSENTIAL TIPS:
no stranger to emergencies. This experience,
coupled with his deep care for people, has even 1. Inspect Regularly: Look for dirt, scratches, and bird nests that could
seen him assist in a medical emergency while reduce efficiency.
working on the job. His natural connection with 2. Certificates of Compliance: Ensure your solar system has a valid
his community has only grown through these compliance certificate to minimise risks.
encounters, cementing his place not just as a 3. Proper Installation: Always hire qualified installation professionals,
service provider but as someone who truly cares ensuring safety standards are met.
about the well-being of those around him. 4. Safety First: If your panels are on the roof, use proper safety gear or
hire professionals certified to work at heights.
Os remains focused on delivering high-quality, 5. Bird Deterrents: Install spikes, netting, or reflective devices to keep
safe, and efficient solar panel maintenance as his birds away.
business expands. His story is one of resilience, 6. Use Distilled Water: For the final rinse, use distilled water to avoid
community support, and the belief that even small mineral residue.
actions can have a profound impact on the lives
of others. Contact Os Joubert for a quote: 082 926 4790

12 DPL issue 9 2024