Abstract: Solar collector apparatus equipped with self-contained illumination means. The apparatus comprises a generally spherical collector forced from upper and lower hemispherically shaped halves coupled together. A generally spirally wound heat exchange disposed interiorly of the collector at the center thereof warms a fluid with solar energy. A mirror disposed below the heat exchanger reflects solar energy toward it to improve efficiency. Incandescent lights disposed below the mirror within the spherical collector may be actuated to provide an aesthetically pleasing and useful lighting effect.