Abstract: An apparatus for collecting radiant solar energy to provide solar heating which may be used singly or in multiples as modular units. The apparatus is constructed as a self-contained unit having an insulated base, an energy receiving surface positioned adjacent the insulated base, and a heat exchange fluid conduit for circulating a heat exchange fluid in contact with the energy receiving surface. Other conduits are provided to introduce a heat exchange fluid and to receive or collect the fluid after it has been in contact with the energy receiving surface. The top or cover of the collector module is positioned in spaced relationship adjacent the energy receiving surface. The cover is transparent to solar energy and is provided with a plurality of spaced raised structures having surfaces angularly disposed to transmit radiant solar energy to the energy receiving surface. Side walls provide a self-contained unit and permit mounting of the unit on a surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting radiant solar energy upon an energy receiving surface comprising a solar energy collecting module having a base and a plurality of radiant energy collector module units angularly disposed to said base. The collector units consist of a raised surface or surfaces transparent to incident solar energy. The configuration and angles of the collector module unit surfaces with respect to the base and the energy receiving surface are varied to provide optimum collection of solar radiation. The invention also provides for a plurality of reflective surfaces angularly disposed to the base and energy receiving surface where a combination of transparent and reflective surfaces provide for optimum collection of radiant energy. The reflective surfaces are angularly disposed to the base to reflect incident radiant energy to an adjacent transparent surface for transmission to the energy receiving surface.