Cleaning and Stain Removal - Plastic Solar Panals Fogged Over
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The Big E
06-01-05, 07:41 PM
I have a high end solar powered garden lamp from 'The Sharper Image' with 4 small solar panels on top that continue to fog over white from water.Any long lastings clues on how to keep them clear once I have cleaned the water stains? I tryed Rain-X and it did work for a few days but I still had to drag the puppy in the house to clean agian.I am just looking for a way to keep it in the yard and enjoy for longer then a week before it foggs over.Thank you!
twelvepole
06-01-05, 08:54 PM
Fogging is usually thought of as a deposit of contamination left on the inside surface of a sealed insulating glass unit due to extremes of temperatures or failed seals. You state that your fogging is occurring on the exterior of the lense. Some solar cell products have special anti-fogging coatings. The anti-fogging effect is achieved by water being drawn into the pores as it condenses on the coated surface. Water is prevented from forming droplets and so the condensed water does not scatter light and fogging is not observed on the surface.
All fogging on the surface is caused by a difference in temperature and humidity. Fogging on the surface of glasses, goggles, and face shields is a common problem. If the outside temperature is 60 degrees & your body temperature is 98.6 degrees, that's a 40-degree difference. This is ideal for a fog or mist to occur on the surface. On 100 degree days when outside temperature is near body temperature, the skin beneath the goggles heats up, perspires, evaporates and causes fogging on the inside of lenses. If you breathe on a mirror, the warm moist air creates condensation which will disappear after the air cools. If you breathe on the mirror and wave it around, the condensation quickly disappears. So, differences in temperature and humidity and lack of air movement are factors in condensation on surfaces.
In regard to the solar lights, when cooler outdoor evening temperatures and little or no breeze greet the warm, solar light, condensation can form. Anti-fogging agents applied to surfaces tend not to be long lasting. You can find a huge selection of plastic cleaner which contain anti-fogging agents at most auto parts stores. They work reasonably well as anti-fogging agents. They have the added benefit - in some cases - of reducing scratches and extending lens life if you clean plastic with soft cloth and not paper towels. Make sure lenses are clean and dust free before polishing. Wash with mild soap and water and buff dry with soft cloth before applying polish.
Or, you can pick up Clarity Fog Eliminator cloths (available in a three-pack for about $5.99) at your local Lenscrafters, Adventure 16 outdoor shops, Wal-Mart Optical, and other eyewear retail stores. These coat the surface and spread water molecules across it so they don't condense and form fog. These reportedly provide about two weeks' protection.
All fogging on the surface is caused by a difference in temperature and humidity. Fogging on the surface of glasses, goggles, and face shields is a common problem. If the outside temperature is 60 degrees & your body temperature is 98.6 degrees, that's a 40-degree difference. This is ideal for a fog or mist to occur on the surface. On 100 degree days when outside temperature is near body temperature, the skin beneath the goggles heats up, perspires, evaporates and causes fogging on the inside of lenses. If you breathe on a mirror, the warm moist air creates condensation which will disappear after the air cools. If you breathe on the mirror and wave it around, the condensation quickly disappears. So, differences in temperature and humidity and lack of air movement are factors in condensation on surfaces.
In regard to the solar lights, when cooler outdoor evening temperatures and little or no breeze greet the warm, solar light, condensation can form. Anti-fogging agents applied to surfaces tend not to be long lasting. You can find a huge selection of plastic cleaner which contain anti-fogging agents at most auto parts stores. They work reasonably well as anti-fogging agents. They have the added benefit - in some cases - of reducing scratches and extending lens life if you clean plastic with soft cloth and not paper towels. Make sure lenses are clean and dust free before polishing. Wash with mild soap and water and buff dry with soft cloth before applying polish.
Or, you can pick up Clarity Fog Eliminator cloths (available in a three-pack for about $5.99) at your local Lenscrafters, Adventure 16 outdoor shops, Wal-Mart Optical, and other eyewear retail stores. These coat the surface and spread water molecules across it so they don't condense and form fog. These reportedly provide about two weeks' protection.