Solar Collector

A device used to collect, absorb, and transfer solar energy to a working fluid. Flat plate collectors are the most common type of collectors used for solar water or pool heating systems. In the case of a photovoltaics system, the solar collector could be crystalline silicon panels or thin-film roof shingles, for example.

A component of a solar energy facility that receives solar energy and converts it to useful energy forms, typically heat. Major components include the mirrors or reflectors, additional features designed to further concentrate the incident sunlight (in some facilities), and a receiver containing a heat transfer fluid.