by Dan Carpenter | Sep 14, 2022 | Solar Panels
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular because it is seen as a clean, renewable form of energy. However, there are some things you need to know about the technology behind the panels themselves. One thing that can affect the performance of solar panels is dirt. This includes dust, bird droppings, pollen and insects. If left unchecked, these elements can reduce the efficiency of solar cells; this can also lead to overheating, short circuits and corrosion.
Why Do I Need To Clean Solar Panels?
Cleaning solar panels can improve energy efficiency by 5-10%. This might not make a big difference in your energy bills for a small residential setting, but this raise in energy production can be significant on a large-scale commercial or industrial operation.
Solar panels are installed at a tilt for a reason. Of course, it directs the angle towards the sun, but the angle allows falling rain to wash the panels clean. Unfortunately, in Australia’s sometimes harsh weather conditions, long periods of drought, strong winds or wildfires can cause the type of dust build-up and other air pollution that accumulates on your solar panels over time.
To ensure that you’re generating your maximum solar energy output, be sure to regularly inspect and keep your solar panels clean.
Solar Panel Cleaning Guideline
Depending on the size and amount of solar panels installed, the cleaning thereof can be a simple DIY job if done correctly:
- For optimal results and to avoid scratches or damage to your solar panels, use water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean away dirt and debris.
- Similar to cleaning glass or a car exterior, a squeegee chamois is great for drying as it avoids leaving residue behind.
- If you need to use soap, don’t use anything stronger or harsher than dishwashing detergent.
- Environmentally friendly and chemical-free soaps are best to use to avoid harm to plants or animals from the dirty, run-off water.
- Always use appropriate safety equipment such as a safety harness and hard hat when doing a solar panel cleaning.
How Often Must I Clean Solar Panels?
Given the harsh Australian climate, you want to aim to clean your solar panels at least every six months.
However, should extreme weather conditions prevail or excessive wildfires occur in your area, you may need to consider cleaning your panels more often.
When To Turn To The Professionals?
The average bit of dust build-up can be self-cleansed by rain or wind, or a quick DIY job. However, consider calling in the help of a professional in the following cases:
- You live within a heavily polluted or coastal area.
- You have trees nearby your solar panels which cause a lot of debris.
- A particularly tough buildup on your panels such as bird droppings.
- You are elderly or simply not confident getting up on your roof.
- The sheer size of the solar panel operation requires the need for professional cleaning (large commercial or industrial sites).
The experts at Dan the Sparky Man can handle tough solar panel cleaning while ensuring your safety. We have knowledge in using the best cleaning products and methods to keep your solar panels clean and working efficiently for decades to come.
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Dan Carpenter has built his business to be one of the most successful and trusted electrical businesses on the Gold Coast. He completed his apprenticeship in Adelaide at a young age. With a passion for self-driven success, he established his own enterprise on the Gold Coast at 22, quickly becoming a leader in the local building and solar industries. His dedication led him to win the Gold Coast Small Business Award and earn the title of Accredited Master Electrician.
by Dan Carpenter | Jul 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
Some information about Mylky Space
Here is the latest photography and event hire space on the Gold Coast. Located in Mermaid Waters, welcome to Mylky Space.
Working alongside the power team of @hwd_constructions & @__txture, the craftmanship & attention to detail here is next level. The natural light and raw finishes make this the perfect blank canvas for your next photo shoot or event, only limited by your own imagination.
Challenges of this project:
- The original space was originally an old factory
- Different ceiling heights throughout meaning pendant lighting had to be customised to work around this
- Ceiling was solid concrete meaning we had to work in with existing cabling whilst ensuring everything was up to current Australian Standards.
Products Used:
- Customised LED Strip from Rapid LED intricately installed in the rendered façade for the hero piece in the room.
The finished product
- The minimal aesthetic leaves no room for error, All lighting was installed with absolute precision
- The lighting plan was created by the owner and we were happy to bring her vision to life.
Dan Carpenter has built his business to be one of the most successful and trusted electrical businesses on the Gold Coast. He completed his apprenticeship in Adelaide at a young age. With a passion for self-driven success, he established his own enterprise on the Gold Coast at 22, quickly becoming a leader in the local building and solar industries. His dedication led him to win the Gold Coast Small Business Award and earn the title of Accredited Master Electrician.
by Dan Carpenter | Jun 15, 2022 | Uncategorized
The award-winning master electricians at Dan the Sparky Man have assisted in creating some astonishing spaces over the years. We are proud to showcase the custom lighting and electrical work our team has done for these three unique projects based across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Rosé Gelateria, Sanctuary Cove
Known for its boutiques and fine dining, Sanctuary Cove is the ideal destination for Rosé Gelateria – the home of unique flavour profiles and all things sweet. Dan the Sparky Man provided Rosé Gelateria with custom lighting, electrical and refrigeration to create a super cool cafe aesthetic that customers love. It’s an Instagram-worthy finish for sure, and one that our team is proud to have produced.
Bear Boy Espresso, Helensvale
Bear Boy, named for owners Brodie and Andy Howard’s love of the name Bjorn (“bear” in Scandinavian), opened its doors in Helensvale in 2019, and has since enjoyed resounding success. The northern Gold Coast cafe offers seasonal eats with an Asian twist. Dan the Sparky Man completed the full electrical and lighting work to highlight the peach tones on the walls and countertops. Our team also installed an eye-catching illuminated wall feature, designed to make the distinctive Bear Boy logo stand out for all the right reasons.
Bear Boy Espresso, Windsor
An established Gold Coast favourite, Bear Boy Espresso is bringing a taste of the wild to suburban Brisbane in the town of Windsor. Modelled on their wildly successful Helensvale cafe, which was also completed by Dan the Sparky Man, Bear Boy Espresso Windsor embodies the same style with soft, inviting features and the adorable backlit logo on the wall. Dan the Sparky Man installed the cafe refrigeration and lighting for an end result so tempting to passersby that they can’t help but stop for a coffee or a meal.
Get your electrical projects done right with Dan the Sparky Man
With more than two decades of experience in the industry, the team behind Dan the Sparky Man delivers custom electrical and lighting solutions that shine, and specialise in electrical, solar and air conditioning. If you have a project that needs a little something extra, contact us on (07) 5522 4444 or send us a message today!
Dan Carpenter has built his business to be one of the most successful and trusted electrical businesses on the Gold Coast. He completed his apprenticeship in Adelaide at a young age. With a passion for self-driven success, he established his own enterprise on the Gold Coast at 22, quickly becoming a leader in the local building and solar industries. His dedication led him to win the Gold Coast Small Business Award and earn the title of Accredited Master Electrician.
by Dan Carpenter | Sep 14, 2021 | Blog
We were proud to be recognised at the recent July Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards, where we got a win in the Student Engagement category.
These Awards are the Gold Coast’s most comprehensive and prestigious business awards & we are thrilled to receive this acknowledgement.
It can be really hard to secure yourself an Apprenticeship as a teenager or later in life if you are looking for a career change. We’re proud to have employed over 80 apprentices during our time in business of all different ages and stages of life. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and supportive yet challenging environment for people wanting to enter the electrical industry and I love that I am in the position to provide this for our next generation of sparkies.
Study Gold Coast were the sponsors of our Award Category and they have very kindly written a profile piece on our business titled, Gold Coast Business Develops Bright New Sparks. The article touches on some of the approaches we take to training, with a focus on training, upskilling and developing the team.
Our approach to training sparkies of the future
This is a summary of the main points in the article, some of the actions we take from a training perspective:
- Train employees early to avoid problems later.
- All employees go through a comprehensive induction program.
- Apprentices and less experienced employees are provided with on-the-job training.
- New employees are sent out on jobs under full supervision, with the time spent on training dependent on the new employee’s experience.
- Apprentices are given the opportunity to learn very quickly early on, and we make sure they cover many areas of electrical work from new homes, service work, to air conditioning, solar and much more.
The article also highlights the value mature aged apprentices can bring to a business, with Jeremy Dosser our Head of Operations a case in point. He started his electrical apprenticeship with us at age 30 and has come a long way. He believes the business is doing the right thing as a lot of our apprentices start and finish their apprenticeships here, which is rare in this industry.
We also highlighted the value in doing TAFE’s pre apprenticeship course (Cert II in Electro Technology) before you start on the tools. It gives you a good grounding in the maths and the technical aspects of the job, so when you know you can do that from day one. It’s the ideal way for apprentices to start their career.
Dan Carpenter has built his business to be one of the most successful and trusted electrical businesses on the Gold Coast. He completed his apprenticeship in Adelaide at a young age. With a passion for self-driven success, he established his own enterprise on the Gold Coast at 22, quickly becoming a leader in the local building and solar industries. His dedication led him to win the Gold Coast Small Business Award and earn the title of Accredited Master Electrician.
by Dan Carpenter | Sep 3, 2021 | 2013, Blog
Dan The Sparky Man are the winners of the Trades, Professions & Services Category in the June round of the 2012 Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards!
In six short years Dan the Sparky Man has grown from sole trader to incorporated company. Accredited by Master Electricians and the Clean Energy Council they provide tailored solutions and professional advice, designed to save their customers money and reduce their carbon footprint. Dan the Sparky Man have experienced substantial growth despite local construction downturn and are lighting the way as leading Gold Coast energy efficiency specialists.
Winning the Gold Coast Business Excellence Award is recognition of the work Dan The Sparky Man does in the local community; providing employment and training to apprentices, supporting local charities, supporting the building and construction industry, being leaders in energy efficiency, and most of all providing exceptional service and quality workmanship to their customers.
“We are so pleased to have won this award. We have worked hard on continually improving our standards to meet and exceed all of our customers’ needs whilst maintaining the highest level of safety for our employees.” Said Dan Carpenter Director of Dan The Sparky Man
“Our main focus is to reduce consumer’s daily power costs and educate them on the most energy efficient way to run their homes and businesses. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards for this fantastic award.” Said Dan Carpenter
The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards commenced in 1996 and are celebrating their 16th year of operation. Over the past sixteen (16) years, the Awards have grown to be recognised as the region’s most comprehensive and prestigious awards scheme, offering specific and meaningful benefits to the wider Gold Coast business community.
Dan The Sparky Man would also like to congratulate all of the June category winners:
Dan and Kelly Carpenter the Directors of Dan The Sparky Man being presented with the award on Wednesday evening 27th June on the Gold Coast at KPMGby Sponsors Michael Sing Lawyers.
Come and join the Dan The Sparky Man social pages for the latest information, tips and products or even join in to the conversation:
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DantheSparkyMan
Twitter page: https://twitter.com/DanTheSparkyMan
Blog: https://www.danthesparkyman.com.au/blog
Website: http://www.danthesparkyman.com.au/ – try out our LED calculator to see your cost savings
For more information or to arrange a consultation, contact us at Dan the Sparky Man on (07) 5578 3481 or info@danthesparkyman.com.au
Dan Carpenter has built his business to be one of the most successful and trusted electrical businesses on the Gold Coast. He completed his apprenticeship in Adelaide at a young age. With a passion for self-driven success, he established his own enterprise on the Gold Coast at 22, quickly becoming a leader in the local building and solar industries. His dedication led him to win the Gold Coast Small Business Award and earn the title of Accredited Master Electrician.
