Abstract: A manifold of a solar water heating system having an offset mechanism formed on an outer surface thereof that allows articulated airflow between the manifold and a mounting surface. For one embodiment the offset mechanism is implemented as flanges formed at each end of the manifold. For one embodiment the manifold has a male end and a female end that provide a compression fit for interconnecting two manifolds. One embodiment provides a means for securing a manifold to a mounting surface such that rotation of the manifold relative to the mounting surface is significantly reduced or prevented. For one embodiment the means for securing the manifold includes a clamp bolted to the mounting surface and a means for removably coupling the manifold to the clamp. For one such embodiment the clamp has channels formed on the interior thereof that receive a corresponding flange formed on the manifold.