An integrated system for collecting and storing solar energy

An integrated system for collecting and storing heat energy, comprising a modular green-house- effect solar collector having a selective energy-receiving surface 4, each module comprising the selectively-absorbing receiving surface, a duct (6) for conveying a heat-conveying fluid, and a material (5) which undergoes a reversible thermochemical reaction (with or without a change of physical state) at a high specific density of energy storage, wherein the material is disposed in close contact with the surface and surrounds the duct which, at the ends of the module, is connected to common collectors into and from which the fluid is supplied and withdrawn, respectively. In a second embodiment, Fig. 3 (not shown), each module comprises a double-walled, generally cylindrical vessel containing the heat storage material through which the duct passes. The outer wall is transparent and the inner wall is blackened. <IMAGE>