Abstract: The specification discloses a solar energy collector having a manifold with a manifold supply tube and a manifold return tube disposed therein. Fluid is supplied to the apparatus through the manifold supply tube and is received from the apparatus through the manifold return tube. A plurality of spaced apart riser U-tubes extend away and upwardly from the manifold with one end of the U-tube being in fluid communication with the manifold supply tube and the other end of the U-tube being in fluid communication with the manifold return tube. Dimples are formed in spaced apart positions along the supply tube and an orifice is formed in the center of the dimple. The U-tube is connected to the supply tube at the dimple, covering the orifice so that the orifice meters the fluid flow to the U-tube. A solar energy absorber tube encompasses each of the U-tubes.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for collecting solar energy. A housing is provided with an open top, and a solar radiation-transmissive cover is removably mounted on the top of the housing. A plurality of elongated open-ended troughs are mounted side-by-side in the housing, the troughs having reflective inner surfaces. A fluid-carrying tube system is provided, and has a plurality of branches which respectively extend along each trough near the bottom thereof. A pair of end panel assemblies are mounted in the housing at opposing ends of the row of troughs and form the ends of the troughs. Each of the end panel assemblies includes adjacent elongated upper and lower end panels which are removably coupled to each other and have a common elongated edge. The surface of each of the upper end panels which faces the troughs is reflective of solar radiation. Preferably, the surface of each of the lower end panels which faces the troughs is also reflective of solar energy.