Abstract: A solar energy collecting assembly consisting of a rectangular supporting frame with a plurality of vane structures mounted in parallel relationship therein. Each vane structure consists of a generally Z-shaped bar member of extruded aluminum with an integral conduit at the corner between the lower flange and the web of the bar member. The conduit has extended end portions pivotally engaged through the front and rear supporting frame elements and these end portions are clampingly communicatively connected to respective inlet and outlet liquid manifolds located outwardly adjacent the front and rear frame elements. Each vane structure has a top flange provided with a blackened surface acting as a radiation absorber which generates heat, this heat being conducted to the associated conduit via the adjacent web portion of the bar member.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly consisting of a shallow rectangular housing with a glass top cover, the housing enclosing a plurality of side-by-side metal plate members with depending longitudinal webs connecting the plate members to longitudinal liquid flow tubes, the plate members, webs and flow tubes being integrally formed by extrusion. Respective enlarged transverse header tubes are connected by coupling sleeves to the opposite ends of the flow tubes, the header tubes extending through and being secured in opposite side walls of the housing, so that the metal plate extrusions are supported in the housing. The plate members are interlocked in coplanar relationship by slidable tongue-and-groove connections at their longitudinal edges. Silicon photovoltaic cells are mounted in row-and-column arrays on the plate members.