L'Eau Commotion Westabout

I had noticed it before but the solar panel output was definitely down and fixing it had drifted its way to the top of the to do list. Removing the covers for the connections displayed a pretty miserable state of affairs with rust and corrosion evident everywhere . To work on them required removal and this morning was the perfect weather for it with sunny blue skies a long rolling swell and just the gentlest of a steadying breeze. Starting with the port panel and easing of the junction box which is Sikaflexed to the underside of the panel showed a pretty concerning sight - the thin conductor strip had corroded completely away. Having no option the backing was prised open and a piece of shiny metal revealed. A dob of solder took and an insulated wire soldered on. Similarly for the other terminal which was just poking through. Next the terminals and wire were secured with 5 minute Araldite and then overlaid with silicone, the hope being that the insulated wire will prevent the gradual wedging effect of surface galvanic corrosion. The next panel was less of a concern once the first was shown to be producing power, though it was almost as badly corroded. It took most of the day to to do this but both panels are now secured in place and are both producing power. I had no idea whether opening up the panel would destroy it so it was most satisfying to feel the junctions will be better than the original.