Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fabricating a solar collector panel including providing a thermal conductive, heat absorbing plate having a plurality of grooves therein, feeding discrete lengths of solder strips having transverse curvatures into said grooves, respectively, placing a tube assembly having a plurality of conduits into said grooves of said plate is superimposed relation on said solder strips, holding said loose assembly together, and heating the loose assembly to melt the solder and effect a thermal conductive bond between said tube assembly and said plate.

Abstract: A flexible solar energy collector of unitary, one-piece, self-supporting construction provided with substantially true-round manifolds and secondary manifolds interposed between the primary manifolds and a multiplicity of fluid flow passages extending transversely therebetween. The opposite end portions of the primary manifolds are provided with inserts for reinforcing the same. Means are provided for coupling adjacent collectors together to form an array of such collectors in a solar heat collecting system.

Abstract: A system including at least a pair of mounting spars supported in a spaced-apart parallel relationship by modular sections constructed of standardized hardware for mounting one or more solar collector panels in predetermined positions on stationary surfaces. The system includes provisions for accommodating expansion and contraction of the collector panels and insulating the manifold pipes employed in a solar installation for preventing radiation heat losses.

Abstract: A resilient sealing member for use about the marginal edge of a glazing panel mounted in a solar energy collector. The sealing member is cup-shaped for receiving the marginal edge portion of the panel and is formed with a sealing lip bearing against the outboard surface of the glazing panel to provide a fluid tight, pressure seal adjacent the entire periphery thereof. The sealing member is advantageously used in combination with a retainer assembly having a retainer cap that exerts pressure on the sealing member to urge the lip into uniform, pressure sealing contact with such outboard surface.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for fabricating a solar collector panel including providing a thermal conductive, heat absorbing plate having a plurality of grooves therein, feeding discrete lengths of solder strips having transverse curvatures into said grooves, respectively, placing a tube assembly having a plurality of conduits into said grooves of said plate in superimposed relation on said solder strips, holding said loose assembly together, and heating the loose assembly to melt the solder and effect a thermal conductive bond between said tube assembly and said plate.

Abstract: A solar energy collector including an enclosure provided with a glazing closure or panel and a detachable retainer assembly securing the glazing panel in place. The retainer assembly includes a retainer cap mechanically interlocked with internal protrusions formed on the enclosure walls and a spring clip associated with the retainer cap for urging the same in such interlocked relation with the enclosure wall protrusions.

Abstract: A solar energy collector formed of a black plastic material in a rigid, unitary, one-piece self-supporting construction. The collector is formed with inlet and outlet manifolds and a multiplicity of fluid flow passages extending therebetween. Each passage is provided with at least one flow restriction to provide a uniform distribution of flow through all passages. A series of such collectors are connected to form an array incorporated in a multipurpose, collapsible structure for heating swimming pool water.