Abstract: An symmetric solar collector system is disclosed which comprises one or more reflectors in the shape of an asymmetrical vertically-biased parabolic trough, which allows for the reflectors to be stacked vertically, and have a zero footprint. The reflectors each include a reinforced absorber comprising two or more tubes attached to each other in truss-like fashion, with a sag to length ratio of less than about 1/500. In addition, although the vertically-biased trough shape lessens the amount of surface area available for water or ice to accumulate, the reflector surface is partially coated with a material that is highly absorptive of solar wavelengths, and thus, heats any accumulated water/ice to the point of evaporation.