Abstract: An improved solar apparatus for heating above 100.degree. C. is disclosed. Said apparatus comprises a solar collector means for heating a heat transferring gas, ducting means extending from said solar collector means for permitting moving of said gas past a heat storage medium whereby heat in said gas will be transferred to said heat storage medium by directly contacting said heat storage medium, flow control means provided in said ducting whereby to permit said gas to flow to said heat storage medium when said solar collector means is radiated by the sun, and to permit said gas to pass through said heat storage medium for recovery of heat therefrom when said solar collector means is not radiated by the sun.