Abstract: A solar panel includes: a rectangular space frame constructed from timber members 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d; a sheet of plasterboard 2 beneath the timber frame; a foil backing 3 on the plasterboard; and a shaped bed 4 made of polyurethane foam which is moulded into position in the housing constituted by the timber frame and the sheet of plasterboard 2, and which adheres in an air-tight manner to the housing. A foil cover 5 is provided on top of the shaped bed 4. Above the foil cover 5 is a solar radiation absorber 6, comprising a matrix of glass fibre which is bonded by a phenol formaldehyde resin, seated in a recess 4a in the bed 4; and a housing cover 7 comprising a sheet of toughened glass. Cover retention means comprising aluminium extrusions 21 and silicone gaskets 22 secure the housing cover 7 in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a space heating system comprising an air cooled solar collector, a heat store, air ducting, a forced draught mechanism valves, auxiliary heating means and a control system. According to the invention the auxiliary heating means includes a heat pump. The heat pump and heat store are located in a thermally insulated air-tight housing divided into different regions for the evaporator, condenser and heat store. The heating system is operable in a mode in which it circulates air from the heat store to the heat pump evaporator and back in a closed air-tight circuit while simultaneously circulating air from the heat pump condenser to the space to be heated and back. The arrangement minimizes heat loss and defrosting of the heat pump evaporator. The invention also provides air ducting made from seamless lengths of foamed plastics material and provided with a vapor-proof lining.