Integral storage solar heating system

In a solar heating system for heating water comprising

• a. an integral storage collector exposed to solar illumination said collector including absorber means, a heat storage medium of large heat capacity and high thermal conductivity directly heated by said absorber means and a water flow path in heat exchange relationship with said heat storage medium;
• said water flow path having connected thereto a water inlet and a water outlet;
• and
• b. a primary pressurized water supply line connected to said water inlet, whereby line pressure from said primary pressurized water supply line into said water inlet forces fresh water through said water flow path of the collector, as heated water is removed through said water outlet;
• the improvement comprising a collector cover essentially transparent to solar illumination, said collector cover forming an angle of about 5.degree. to about 40.degree. with respect to said integral storage collector;
• said collector cover and said integral storage collector connected by at least one support means wherein a solar radiator reflecting means is at an outer edge and substantially perpendicular to the absorber and said integral storage collector positioned substantially parallel to the horizon.

In a solar collector for heating water comprising absorber means for absorbing solar energy;

• heat storage medium directly heated by said absorber means and having a fusion temperature which is about the same as but not less than the fusion temperature of water;
• water flow path in heat exchange relationship with the heat storage medium;
• and thermal insulation insulating the side of the heat storage medium opposite the absorber means;
• the improvement comprising covering said solar collector with a collector cover essentially transparent to solar illumination, said collector cover forming an angle of between about 5.degree. to about 40.degree. with said absorber means, and a support means positioned between said collector cover and said absorber surface wherein a solar radiator reflecting means is at an outer edge and substantially perpendicular to said absorber and said absorber is positioned substantially parallel to the horizon.

An improved method of heating water comprising providing a solar collector having a heat storage medium therein and a water flow path in heat exchange relationship with said heat storage medium;

• exposing the solar collector to solar illumination;
• and directing line water at line pressure through the water flow path of the solar collector;
• the improvement comprising covering said solar collector with a collector cover essentially transparent to solar illumination said collector cover at an angle of between about 5.degree. and about 40.degree. to the solar collector;
• at least one support means connecting said solar collector and said collector cover and positioning a solar radiator reflecting means at an outer edge and substantially perpendicular to said collector;
• and positioning said solar collector substantially parallel to the horizon.