A solar collector includes a copper plate and copper tubes for the collection and harnessing of solar energy. The copper tubes are thermally coupled to the copper plate by a copper alloy fillet. The copper tubes, the copper plate and the copper alloy fillet preferably are brazed in a controlled atmospheric furnace at a temperature in the range from approximately 1700 to about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The solar collector includes a housing for the plate and the tubes having two side walls, two end walls, a rear wall and a removable cover closing an open front side of the housing. One of the end walls and each of the side walls have a slot defined therein generally parallel to a plane of the rear wall for releasably receiving the cover which is formed of a glazing material. A solar collector according to this invention provides enhanced thermal conductivities, increased durability and the concomitant advantages associated with improved manufacturing economies.
The invention concerns a panel comprising a front plate exposed to solar radiation and whereof the rear face is adjacent to an insulating layer, for example made of a synthetic foam. A conduit network for heat transferring fluid is inserted between the front plate and the insulating layer. A conducting lap such a fine and flexible aluminum grille is also inserted between the front plate and the heat insulating layer to collect the heat generated in the front plate and conduct it towards the conduit network. The invention is useful for collecting solar energy in the form of heat particularly in roofs.
