345/348 - Solar Panel

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Solar Panel

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 345/348
Forum Description: 345/348 Hints, Tips and News
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15031
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:40
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Solar Panel

Posted By: Magicol
Subject: Solar Panel
Date Posted: 25 March 2025 at 09:35

Any experience of fixing a solar panel on a dimpled area of decking? I have managed to get the wiring in place on my 345 and want to locate the panel in front of the mast but I’m not sure of the best way to secure it.

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Hanse 345 #237 based on the Clyde

Replies:

Posted By: sgrhma2
Date Posted: 25 March 2025 at 17:23

The way I attached my solar panels (semi flexible ones) to the dimpled areas was with sika flex or a similar pu sealant. I masked off with masking tape, cleaned the area with alcohol and then applied the sealer to the underside of the panel. I put a continuous bead of mastic about 8mm in from the edge along three sides, leaving the lower side clear to let any moisture out, and then a line of sealer every 40mm from the top to lower side. Place the panel onto the area masked off and push down firmly and evenly until the mastic extrudes from the three continuous sides and a bit from the bottom. Place weights onto the panel (diving weights are ideal) to hold the panel to the contour of the deck, use something to scrape the excess mastic off that was extruded and tissue to clean any off the panel. Once the excess is removed peal off the masking tape, pulling it away from the panel. Then after approximately 5 minutes, using very soapy water smooth the edge with your finger.

I’ve used this method for the past 18 years with my own boat and never had a panel lift. The issue comes when trying to replace a defective panel, which can be done by using a fish filleting knife and soapy water to lubricant it as you cut the old mastic and ease the old panel off.

Hope this was useful

Simon

Posted By: Magicol
Date Posted: 25 March 2025 at 21:27

Thank you Simon. Yes, this is really helpful and reassuring. I was beginning to think that it might not be possible to locate my panel in this location.

I am particularly grateful for the step by step process which I guess has been improved and adapted over time. Really helpful for someone like me doing this work for the first time!

Thank you.

Colin

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Hanse 345 #237 based on the Clyde