Page 16 - Irene Issue 10 2024

Estate News

FROM PERSONAL CHALLENGE TO EMPOWERING A COMMUNITY:
OS JOUBERT’S SOLAR PANEL

CLEANING JOURNEY

W hat began as a practical

necessity
Os
for
Joubert
has
evolved
into something far greater. Living
in Rooihuiskraal, Pretoria, Os was Photo by Vivint Solar on Unsplash
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. has been a lasting reminder of the panel maintenance as his business
With dust, debris, and bird droppings risks involved in working with solar expands. His story is one of resilience,
frequently reducing the panels’ technology. Os urges all his clients community support, and the belief that
efficiency, Os took matters into his own to prioritise ensuring all installations even small actions can have a profound
hands. He developed a cleaning method comply with safety standards and have impact on the lives of others.
using a mop, soap-based solution, and valid certificates of compliance.
his own ingenuity to ensure the panels With his background as a paramedic Solar Panel Care Tips
operated at their peak. This personal in the South African National Defence To help you get the most out of your
frustration became the foundation for Force (SANDF), Os is no stranger to solar panels, Os offers these essential
what is now a thriving business. Os’s emergencies. This experience, coupled tips:
story is even more remarkable because with his deep care for people, has even 1. Inspect Regularly: Look for dirt,
his journey reflects his commitment to seen him assist in a medical emergency scratches, and bird nests that could
helping others. while working on the job. His natural reduce efficiency.
By 2022, as solar installations connection with his community has 2. Certificates of Compliance:
increased nationwide, it led to knock only grown through these encounters, Ensure your solar system has a valid
on needs such as maintenance and cementing his place not just as a service compliance certificate to minimise
cleaning. Os’s business quickly became provider but as someone who truly risks.
full-time earlier this year, with his cares about the well-being of those 3. Proper Installation: Always hire
reputation for quality work spreading around him. qualified installation professionals,
by word of mouth. But this wasn’t simply Os remains focused on delivering ensuring safety standards are met.
about efficiency and clean panels for high-quality, safe, and efficient solar 4. Safety First: If your panels are on
Os—it was about empowering others. the roof, use proper safety gear or
Having experienced the uncertainty of hire professionals certified to work
retrenchment, Os made it his mission to at heights.
create jobs for those in his community. 5. Bird Deterrents: Install spikes,
He has already taken on a full-time netting, or reflective devices to
worker and is eager to expand his team keep birds away.
further. 6. Use Distilled Water: For the final
While Os takes pride in his work, he rinse, use distilled water to avoid
also stresses the importance of safety mineral residue.
and compliance. His close encounter
with improperly earthed panels, where Contact Os Joubert for a quote:
he narrowly avoided electrocution, 082 926 4790

14 • Issue 10 2024 • The Villager