Solar thermal roofing system

A solar thermal control system, comprising:

• a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure by coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy is configured to heat air within the cavity;
• a thermal collection unit configured to be coupled to the outer surface about an opening formed in the outer surface of the structure, covered by the membrane, and connected to the cavity;
• and
• a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of the structure and a vent;
• wherein the membrane comprises a plurality of overlapping tiles, each of the plurality of overlapping tiles comprising a plurality of support structures;
• wherein each of the plurality of support structures is integrated within one of the plurality of overlapping tiles;
• wherein the plurality of support structures of one of the plurality of overlapping tiles are arranged in a plurality of columns, each of the plurality of columns arranged so as to have one of the plurality of support structures that is offset relative to one of the plurality of support structures of another of the plurality of columns;
• wherein each of the plurality of support structures includes an upstream face having a rounded leading edge and each of the plurality of support structures is approximately U-shaped to reduce air drag within the cavity;
• wherein the thermal collection unit comprises a hood having flanges configured to attach to the outer surface;
• and
• wherein the thermal collection unit is configured to be coupled to the outer surface via the flanges.

A method of heating a building having an outer surface using a solar thermal control system having a plurality of feet disposed on the outer surface along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a membrane supported by the plurality of feet above the outer surface and forming a cavity between the membrane and the outer surface, the membrane including a plurality of overlapping tiles and each of the plurality of feet includes a rounded leading edge and is approximately U-shaped to reduce air drag within the cavity, and a thermal collection unit including a hood having flanges configured to attach to the outer surface and configured to be coupled to the outer surface via the flanges, the method comprising:

• routing air from the cavity through a first gap formed between the plurality of feet disposed along the first direction to the thermal collection unit;
• routing air from the cavity through a second gap formed between the plurality of feet disposed along the second direction to the thermal collection unit;
• and
• directing air from the thermal collection unit that is received from the cavity, underneath the outer surface and into an interior of the building.