solarex solar panel

[johnsampson]

I have an MSX-Lite, a few years old now but still working. It has two small holes in the plastic front membrane which will lead to failure of the unit if it gets wet. Has anyone successfully repaired such a unit? If so, what did you use.

 

[jerryat]

Hi William,

Yes, I've repaired mine. Like you it got a couple of tiny splits in it (NOT due to damage but poor quality IMHO) that did let the waterin and corroded the circuits.

I very carefully removed the kevlar film, gently scraped the foil circuits and re-solderd them. I them cleaned the 'splits' with acetone before applying a thin film of clear silcone mastic.

That was three years ago and the repair has shown no sign of further deterioration and the panel outputs its full voltage. So well worth your having a go at repairing yours.

As I indicate above, I am NOT impressed with the sealing of these units. I think they should last a lot longer than the 6 years I had mine before problems occurred, especially as mine is in a fixed position well clear of any traffic or damage risk.

On the other hand it has been used in the Med/Caribbean full time during 7 several years of cruising and many thousands of miles.

 

[LadyInBed]

I would recomend Stormsure
£5.90 here

 

[maxi]

Captain Tolleys Creeping Crack Cure. Every boat should have some of this. Silcone sealant that it thinner than water, penetrates all tiny holes & then dries to a clear mass.

Fixed my Solarex with nil fall-off in performance - so far.

 

[jerryat]

Blimey!! Do be careful using this stuff. I used it many moons ago on a previous boat to seal a tiny leak in the windows. It was only later that we found that it reacted with the acrylic causing major crazing that eventually lead to us having to replace them.

Unlike you I'm afraid, I would never allow the stuff aboard again!! It is not silicon based but acrylic solution based, hence my being happy to use it in the past. Certainly wouldn't again, though I'm glad it appears to have worked on your panels.

I suspect however, that should you sail in a warm/hot climate, you'd find the stuff would break down.

 

[maxi]

jerryat

Well, you learn something every day. Thanks for that, I will keep it clear of acrylic in future, but it can still do a great job on stanchion bolts etc &, it's still ok for the solar panel.