Yes, surprise, surprise - power prices are up again. This means that now, more than ever, you need to maintain your solar panels to ensure you are getting the best performance out of them. This will help negate the price hike and minimise the impact on your weekly budget.
Winter is now here and we are using more power on heaters and hot water to keep warm – your power usage tends to go up in the peak expensive times in the morning and early evenings.
You well know that the big electricity companies don’t care about you – only about how much money they can extract from you. We as consumers need to act and take control, at least look after our little patch and keep our power bills down as much as possible.
So how can we do this? Take the time to make sure that your solar panels are always clean and shiny to be able to take best advantage of the sunlight available. This is especially important at this time of year as the sunlight hours are a lot less than in the summer months.
Grime builds up quickly on the panels from over head plane fuel, car fumes and general pollution especially near busy roads. Rain does not take off the grime – only the light dust. You also need to ensure that your inverter is working well by checking it once a week.
Beat the massive power price hikes now! Call David for a solar panel wash and free advice to keep your expensive investment performing at its best for longer and shun those greedy power companies.
Safety Tip
Please do not clean your solar panels yourself. Keep off ladders and keep off roofs. Your health and safety is worth far more than the small amount it will cost to employ a professional to do the job.
Ladder Safety
Last year Alfred Health released a study into ladder-related falls, which found a sharp increase in serious injury resulting from a ladder fall, particularly among the ‘baby-boomer’ generation.
Below are some tips to follow for safe ladder use. Note that if you are over 55 or inexperienced, that the recommendation is to hire a professional. So remember, I am your man when it comes to cleaning solar panels and gutters.
Follow these tips to remain as safe as possible when using a ladder ...
Avoid climbing a ladder if possible
If over 55 years of age, hire a professional
If inexperienced in ladder use, hire a professional
Ladder inspection
Do not use a ladder if timber steps are splintered or cracked, or if metal steps are twisted or warped
Check the ladder for any loose screws, hinges or rungs
Clean off any mud, grease, oil, or other slippery liquids that may have accumulated on the ladder
Do not make temporary repairs of broken or missing parts, as these may fail during climbing
Ladder set-up
Never place a ladder on uneven ground or flooring
Use the 4-to-1 rule: ensure that the ladder is 1 metre away from the wall at the base for every 4 metres that the ladder rises. The upper and lower sections of an extension ladder should overlap to provide stability
Do not place stepladders or single/extension ladders on boxes, countertops or unstable surfaces to gain additional height
Before using a stepladder, ensure that it is fully open and that the braces between the two sections are fully extended and locked
Ensure that the ladder is leaning against a stable structure, which cannot break or move away
Ladder safety
Wear a helmet when climbing a ladder
Ensure that shoes have slip-resistant soles
Maintain 3 points of contact on the ladder at all times ie. two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot
Do not over reach – descend and move the ladder if required
Leaning too far to one side, or reaching too far overhead can destabilise the ladder. Your umbilicus should not go beyond the sides of the ladder
Have someone stand at the base of the ladder to brace it and observe the climber
On a single or extension ladder, never stand above the third rung from the top and never climb above the point where the ladder touches the wall or vertical support
The highest standing level on a stepladder should be two steps down from the top
Do not stand on the top plate, side braces or back section of a step ladder
Do not overload the ladder. Use only light weight hand tools whilst standing on the ladder
Avoid using a ladder after drinking alcohol
Avoid using a ladder if prone to fainting, or are taking medications that predispose to dizziness
So beware of the ladder. It might seem like a simple job, but is it worth the risk? Remember if you are over 55 or inexperienced - hire a professional. We can help with cleaning your solar panels and cleaning your gutters.
Show us your plight. We'll manage the height.
Phone David on 0409 483 645.
Article courtesy of Alfred Health