Abstract: An improved integral storage solar heating system is described which comprises an integral storage solar collector comprising an absorber means, a heat storage medium of large heat capacity and high thermal conductivity directly heated by the absorber means and a water flow path in heat exchange relationship with said heat storage medium such having a water inlet and water outlet; and a primary pressurized water supply line connected to the water inlet, where pressurized water from the supply line into the water inlet forces fresh water through the water flow path as heated water is removed through the water outlet. The improvement comprises covering the integral storage collector with a collector cover essentially transparent to solar radiation, the cover and storage collector are connected by at least one panel. Solar radiation passes through the transparent cover and is absorbed by the absorber means of the collector. The collector is oriented substantially parallel to the horizon.