A solar energy collector having panel assemblies for absorbing solar energy and transferring heat to moving air. Each panel assembly has a heat insulated housing carrying a plurality of side-by-side solar energy collector units. Each unit has a base plate carrying upwardly directed longitudinal ribs providing solar energy collector surfaces and downwardly directed longitudinal fins providing heat dissipating surfaces. A longitudinal foot along one side of the plate supports the collector unit on insulating material located within the housing. A coating tongue and groove structure supports the opposide side of the plate on the adjacent collector unit. A light transparent sheet member mounted on the housing covers the collector units and forms therewith a dead air chamber. Air is moved through longitudinal passages between adjacent feet with air moving apparatus whereby heat is transferred to the air moving along the fins. In one embodiment of the collector unit, pipes carrying liquid are mounted between adjacent fins whereby heat is transferred from the base plate and fins to the liquid flowing in the pipes.
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