Illuminated solar energy collector

Claim 1

An illuminated solar energy collection unit comprising: a generally spherical collector adapted to be exposed to sunlight, said collector comprising upper and lower generally hemispherically shaped, flanged halves adapted to be coupled together; heat exchange means disposed within said spherical collector substantially at the center thereof for warming fluid passing therethrough with solar energy, said heat exchange means including fluid input means and fluid output means; means for supporting said heat exchange means within said collector, said supporting means including at least a portion thereof secured between said flanged collector halves; mirror means disposed within said collector for reflecting solar energy toward said heat exchange means; lighting means disposed interiorly of said collector for selectively providing illumination, said lighting means disposed between said mirror means and a lowermost portion of said collector whereby heat generated by said lighting means will warm the collection unit thereby resisting build-up of the moisture and accumulation of snow, ice and the like; and, pedestal means adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface for securely mounting said collector at an elevated position above said surface.