Abstract: A solar heat collector includes a trough extending along the ground. The solar heat collector further includes a first region within the trough. The first region extends along a length of the trough. The first region is configured to absorb solar radiation and to heat a fluid flowing within the first region with thermal energy resulting from the absorbed solar radiation. The solar heat collector further includes a second region between the first region and the ground. The second region is substantially thermally insulating the first region from the ground.