Structural solar collector assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With the above objectives in mind, it is among the primary objectives of the present invention to provide a support system which is adaptable to be utilized as a structural component of the roof or sides of a building and which has incorporated therein a solar collection assembly and an insulating reflective panel which are pivotable with respect to the glass portions of the assembly as desired depending upon whether light is to be received through the glass portion or the glass portion is to be insulated from heat loss or gain.
The assembly includes a further glass portion for cooperation with the solar collector assembly to accumulate solar energy for distribution and use within the building.
The system is designed for attachment with additional similar assemblies or members to form part of the overall frame structure of the building without the need for additional structural attachments to the assembly for solar collection purposes or for control of light and heat loss and gain with respect to the building.
A further objective is to provide an assembly which is designed for attachment to further similar assemblies to form the roof structure or the side wall structure of a building and the members include appropriate solar collection assembly means and a skylight panel for maximizing natural illumination and control of light received and heat loss or gain with respect to the building.
The basic assembly of the present invention is designed to provide a base for containing appropriate electrical and mechanical elements such as lighting, heating, ventilating and air conditioning distribution equipment by providing an appropriate mechanical trough exposed to the interior of the building.
A further objective is to provide a support system of the above type with a solar collection assembly which is rotatable with respect to a glazed surface of the assembly so that the angle of maximum efficiency can be maintained to maximize or minimize solar gain as desired.
A further objective is to provide a pivotable light weight panel which is of an insulating material and can be pivoted toward and away from a glass portion of the support member for controlling heat gain or loss and transmission of light