- The prototype has been manufactured using materials that can be easily found on the market and easily assemblying together.

- The manufacturing process adopted is the following one:-first of all we have chosen a parabolic antenna of large size (110 cm. ), Fig. 2 ;-afterwards we have built a copper pipe network to set on the back side of the antenna, Fig. 3; this pipe network enables the heat exchange between the antenna and the exchanger liquid. These two elements (antenna-pipe network) in case of industrial manufacturing should be incorporated in a single body. using the. so called"roll bond system", that is to say aluminium melted in moulds where the canalizations form through air immission; otherwise any other means can be used (compression, welding, etc.) in order to get an higher heating power. -Subsequently we have inserted some insulating material, in this prototype it was rock wool, Fig 4. In case of future industrial production the said material should be replaced by a high density foamed element injected by pressure.-The next step was to add another antenna on the rear side of the assembled body as support and <BR> <BR> container for the various elements, Fig. 5. -In the end, in order to get both a higher heating power and a transparency for satellite signals, a plastic panel, ultraviolet rays resisting has been placed in front of the antenna, Fig. l.-A basic factor is the painting of the front side of antenna; the coating must be done with black high temperature resisting paint and opaque retouching dye which increases sunbeams input. -The whole unit has been equipped with a support for<BR> mounting on a pole for satellite laying. -This unit can be manufactured both offset and prime<BR> focus. -The prototype has been realized on offset antennas; the two components, electric and thermic, have been tested with good results. As far as the thermic element, in this prototype we have used a system with a separate exchanger accumulator, equipped with a differential thermostat wich starts circulating the exchanger liquid only when the temperature of the solar panel is higher than the accumulator temperature.

Anyway the system can also be used with a direct storage thus getting a better result as any heat loss is avoided. From an electric point of view, to have placed a plastic element in front of the antenna has not brought prominent attenuation of the signal, therefore this antenna can be used in every satellite reception system, fixed and motorized. The latter can be used also as a sun pursuer thus greatly improving thermal efficiency. The project is aimed at creating an effective means to exploit solar energy, takinwvantage of the increasing use of satellite antennas.