As title. AC stopped working, blown fuse, replaced and blew straight away. Ran 12v direct and the clutch engaged but I could hear it arcing internally and got a whiff of electrical burning.

So what are my options? Can I repair the solenoid? Can I replace it? Are they available separately? Can I bypass it so it's permanently engaged?

Cheers.

First check the wires from the plug and socket to the solenoid , make sure insulation isn't worth through causing a short.

If you have room in wheel arch , the clutch , pulley and solenoid can all be removed in situ.
Don't know where you could source a solenoid , perhaps an air con specialist could help with parts.
Lots of good videos on YouTube.

Google - air con clutch
Replacement
There is video on YouTube that's just over 8 mins that covers what last you need to know regarding dismantle and re assemble.

Cheers guys, looks simple enough. I've bought a used compressor off eBay for £22

Good decision.

Just an update.

The bearing had died. The extra play meant the pulley was using the coil casing as it's new bearing. This caused extreme heat which completely evaporated the glue in the coil windings causing the short.

I swapped the bearing, coil and pulley from the donor unit and bingo all fixed.

Ladies and gentlemen we have a winner!