System for collecting and storing solar energy

A system for collecting and storing solar energy which includes solar panels which are installed between the joists of the roof so that the collector surface of each panel acts as part of the roof of each panel, and also includes a heat storage system connected to the back side of each panel. Each heat storage system has a plurality of heat storage cylinders containing a phase change, heat storage mixture and a heat pipe for conducting the heat collected by the collector surface to the heat storage material. The containers of heat storage material extend into ductwork connected to a conventional forced air heating system so that the air is heated when it is circulated around the heat storage cylinders. The heat storage system can be used with a flat solar collector surface as well as with a parabolic reflector for focusing sunlight on the end of the heat pipe. An alternative embodiment uses individual solar absorbing panels for each heat pipe which permits alignment of the collector surface in the most efficient direction.