Abstract: A solar energy collection system including a collector having an absorber structure in the form of a closed chamber defined between an upper sheet comprised of a thin metal sheet or foil and an under layer. The under layer includes a plurality of supports that extend upwardly to provide support for the upper sheet and define flow paths for the heat exchange medium. The support can be in the form of a plurality of protuberances around which the heat transfer medium can pass or a plurality of ribs that extend across the width of the collector to define flow paths for the transfer medium between them. If ribs are used, grooves can also be placed across the flow paths to effect some degree of turbulence to the flowing medium. The medium is directed to and collected from the absorber through a header arrangement provided on each side of the absorber.