Solar Collecting System Using a Rock Mass

A solar collecting system in combination with a natural rock mass having an upright face with a substantially direct exposure to the sun, the solar collector comprising:

• a solar passage formed in the rock mass to extend between an opening in the upright face of the rock mass and an internal collection area in the rock mass;
• a target in the collection area in communication with a surrounding portion of the rock mass so as to be arranged to transfer heat from the target to the surrounding portion of the rock mass;
• at least one converging element in alignment with the solar passage and arranged to focus solar rays from the sun onto the target;
• and
• a heat transfer fluid conduit arranged to communicate a heat transfer fluid between the surrounding portion of the rock mass and an auxiliary device so as to be arranged to transfer heat from the surrounding portion of the rock mass to the auxiliary device.