Abstract: A solar system with a thin film absorber envelope, so constructed and arranged as to have a peristaltic type action in the direction of flow of fluid passing therethrough whereby to cause bubbles in the fluid to be flushed out of the envelope. The absorber envelope is of relatively thin flexible plastic film with a support arrangement being provided for supporting the envelope at spaced positions such that the envelope is loose and ruffled between the positions. A transverse tension is applied to the envelope at these positions. The envelope is divided into parallel longitudinally disposed channels extending between an input section and output section. The input section includes a manifold coupled to and distributing the fluid to the channels. A venting arrangement is provided in an associated glazing to prevent the temperature between the glazing and envelope from exceeding a value at which the absorber envelope might be damaged.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a solar panel of different interior and exterior materials to utilize the structural and heat absorbing properties of the exterior material and the corrosion resistance of the interior material. The materials are intimately wedded along the entire length of the same by applying a fluid pressure internally against the interior material and simultaneously throughout the entire lengths of the same to displace the interior material into intimate contact with the exterior material. The fluid pressure is applied with a force which permanently deforms the interior material but which is within the elastic limit of the exterior material so that when the pressure is relieved, the exterior material contracts against the interior material causing it to deform inwardly due to compression. The resultant dimensional excursions of the interior material results in the work hardening of same.