Abstract: A low profile solar collector collects solar energy as heat, while limiting possible peak stagnant temperatures in the collector in summer months. The collector has a plurality of reflectors, each having longitudinal edges parallel to an adjacent reflector such that the reflective elements are arranged in a fixed offset parallel array, which forms a staircase of upwardly facing reflective surfaces in use. Absorber elements are located between adjacent pairs of reflectors. The absorber elements each have an exposed surface located between each pair of reflective elements, and arranged to extend between a first edge of one reflector and a second edge of an adjacent reflector. The exposed surfaces of the absorber elements are disposed at an angle to each of the reflective elements to thereby form a fixed parallel array of exposed surfaces of the absorber elements. A transparent top cover extends over the reflective and absorber elements.