Abstract: A solar energy collector includes an absorber and connecting pipes which are to go to a utilization installation. A cover for the absorber is provided by a first shell, which is transparent and has a peripheral flange. The absorber is carried on a sheet of thermally insulating material which is positioned over a plate of phenol foam. The plate is positioned in a second sheet, which may be molded in the same mold as the first shell and also as a peripheral flange. The sheet of insulating material is sufficiently large and so shaped so that its edges may be clamped between the peripheral flanges of the two shells. Joining members extend along the peripheral flanges of the shells and hold the edge portions of the sheet of insulating material between them.