Solar collector apparatus and method

A solar collector system, comprising in combination:

• an extruded solar collector composed of a ceramic material produced by an extrusion process and composed of a vitrified ceramic material with a plurality of orifices longitudinally extending therethrough;
• an input manifold having a plurality of nipples corresponding to the plurality of orifices;
• an output manifold having a plurality of nipples corresponding to the plurality of orifices;
• means for positioning said nipples of said input manifold into one end of the plurality of orifices and for positioning said nipples of said output manifold into the other end of the plurality of orifices such that a fluid flowing into said input manifold flows through said nipples of said input manifold into the plurality of orifices and then through said nipples of said output manifold into said output manifold;
• a sheet of transparent material affixed in a spaced-apart position above said solar collector by means of a stand-off material;
• said stand-off material comprises strips of insulated material adhered to said solar collector and said sheet of transparent material;
• said strips of material comprise closed cell glass foam;
• an insulated material positioned about said manifolds;
• and
• an arcuate member adhered between said sheet of transparent material and said strip of material and positioned over one of said manifolds to prevent debris from being deposited between said manifold and said solar collector