Abstract: The basic structure is a solar radiation collector of the type having an enclosed cavity. A spray of water in this cavity is directed against a solar absorption sheet to heat the water. This structure may be used as a cooler by directing a flow of air through the cavity.

Abstract: A modular unit collector for collecting radiant solar energy to heat a fluid such as water is adapted to be mounted at an inclination to better receive radiant solar rays and to permit gravity drainage of the fluid from the unit. The components include an upper surface and a lower surface forming a cavity. The upper surface includes an outer radiation transmission sheet and an inner radiation absorption sheet spaced from the transmission sheet and the lower surface includes a drainage pan formed to facilitate drainage to a lower end of the unit whenever it is inclined. The upper and lower surfaces are interconnected at the side edges and upper and lower end cap means at each end of the unit close the cavity. A spray means extends into the cavity to spray fluid against the undersurface of the radiation absorption sheet and there is a drainage outlet means adjacent to the lower end cap means.

Abstract: A structure for collecting solar energy and storing the same as heat in a body of water. An inclined southerly wall is provided with a solar absorption surface protected from convection losses by a transparent membrane overlaying the absorption surface. The absorption surface is also formed as a membrane which is wetted at its underside within the structure by water spray and as solar radiation is absorbed and converted to heat at the membrane, the water at the underside of the membrane is heated. This heated water drops from the membrane and flows to a reservoir.