Abstract: An inflatable solar energy collector utilizes flexible materials and is adapted to be inflated by a flow of pressurized gas therethrough. Inflation positions a solar energy collecting panel at an appropriate predetermined angle for effectively collecting solar energy. The solar collector includes an enclosure defining a generally tubular configuration, and the energy collecting panel extends in a planar and chord-like manner through the interior of the enclosure. Wall portions of the enclosure comprise solar radiation transparent material to allow incident solar radiation to pass therethrough onto the energy collecting panel. A second panel of solar radiation transparent material is operatively sealed to the energy collecting panel in selected positions to define a gas conducting conduit extending over the energy collecting panel. A flow of pressurized gas is conducted into the gas conducting conduit and removes the solar radiation absorbed by the energy collecting panel in the form of heat.

Abstract: An elongated inflatable tubular housing is provided including front and rear wall portions. The front wall portion is constructed of solar radiation transparent material and a panel of solar radiation absorbing material is mounted in the housing and extends between opposite sides thereof dividing the interior of the housing into front and rear compartments between the panel and the front and rear walls, respectively. Air inlet structure is operative to introduce air to be heated into the front compartment at one end of the housing, air pass structure is provided and operative to pass air from the front compartment into the rear compartment at the other end of the housing and air outlet structure is provided and operative to exhaust heated air from the rear compartment. The air inlet structure and air outlet structure include structures for conveying air from the interior of an enclosure to be heated into the front chamber and from the rear chamber back into the enclosure to be heated.