This document discusses solar energy technology and solar thermal collectors. It explains the key principles of heat transfer through radiation, conduction and convection. It then describes different types of solar thermal collectors, including flat plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors, and concentrating collectors. These collectors absorb solar radiation and transfer the heat to fluids like water, glycol or oil for uses such as heating pools, buildings or generating power. The document provides details on characteristics of different collector materials and coatings to optimize absorption and transfer of solar energy.