Abstract: A solar energy system for collecting solar energy in the form of solar radiation and for storing and utilizing the energy collected including stationary solar energy collecting units each comprising a generally concave reflective surface for reflecting solar radiation onto a plurality of energy collectors positioned within the surface, the surface and the energy collectors positioned with respect to each other to provide varying concentration of solar radiation on each of the energy collectors depending on the angle of incidence of the solar radiation on the solar energy collecting unit. Each of the energy collectors is associated with a pipe for fluid circulation and solar energy absorption through which fluid to be heated by the solar radiation is circulated. The pipe may be surrounded by a glass enclosure and the space between the pipe and the glass enclosure may be evacuated to provide insulation.

Abstract: For use in heating or cooling a building, there is provided a solar energy collecting system which includes a solar energy collecting device comprising a trough having internal surfaces for reflecting the rays of the sun onto solar energy collecting plates positioned in the trough, the internal reflecting walls of the trough and the positioning of the plates therein being such that the concentration of the sun's rays on the collecting plates varies depending on the angle of the sun with respect to the solar collecting device which itself is stationary. Each of the collecting plates is associated with a pipe which carries fluid which is heated by the sun's rays. The system includes thermostatically controlled valves associated with each of the collecting plates for selectively transferring to storage only that fluid which has been heated to a predetermined and sufficiently high temperature.