Freeze protection apparatus for solar collectors

Structure which comprises:

• a support member for holding at least one heating element and at least one heat motor, said support member having a first end and a second end containing respectively a first face and a second face, said first and second faces being substantially parallel to each other, said support member comprising a thermally conductive material and including a first cylindrical opening extending from said first face to said second face thereby forming a cylindrical hole through said support member, said first cylindrical opening being adapted for receipt of said at least one heat motor, and at least one second cylindrical opening formed through said support member from said first face to said second face parallel to said first cylindrical opening, said second cylindrical opening being adapted for receipt of at least one heating element;
• at least one heat motor mounted in said first opening, said support member supporting said at least one heat motor such that when said at least one heat motor is heated and thus expands, it is retained to expand along the axis of said first cylindrical opening;
• and
• a resistive element mounted in said second cylindrical opening to serve as said at least one heating element.