Abstract: An integrated, completely automatic solar heating and cooling system for buildings is disclosed. The system includes a first and a second interconnectable cooling/heating subsystem each of which includes a group of solar heat collecting panels, a heat storage reservoir, and a piping network for transferring the heat exchange media, preferrably water, therebetween. A third subsystem transfers the media from one or both of the reservoirs to a heat exchanger which transfers heat to or from the building's heating and cooling distribution system. Cooling for the building is accomplished by using a fourth subsystem to chill the media in the first subsystem. In the cooling mode, the solar panels of the first sybsystem are covered and used as a heat exchanger, and the second subsystem, isolated from the first heating subsystem, is used to heat the building's hot water system and to provide building heat if required.

Abstract: A concentrating/tracking solar energy collector comprised of a rotatable reflective trough assembly having a heat absorber assembly integrally therein. A heat exchange tube supports the absorber assembly in the trough and also serves as an axis point about which the collector rotates.

Abstract: An integrated, completely automatic solar heating and cooling system for buildings is disclosed. The system includes a first and a second interconnectable cooling/heating subsystem each of which includes a group of solar heat collecting panels, a heat storage reservoir, and a piping network for transferring the heat exchange media, preferably water, therebetween. A third subsystem transfers the media from one or both of the reservoirs to a heat exchanger which transfers heat to or from the building's heating and cooling distribution system. Cooling for the building is accomplished by using a fourth subsystem to chill the media in the first subsystem. In the cooling mode, the solar panels of the first subsystem are covered and used as a heat exchanger, and the second subsystem, isolated from the first heating subsystem, is used to heat the building's hot water system and to provide building heat if required.