NOVELTY - The panel assembly is configured as a truss, and has a non-rigid thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area similar to the thin-sheet component, and risers of selected height and configuration. The thin-sheet component serves as first chord of the truss, while the backer serves as second chord of the truss. The risers are the diagonal elements of the truss, and configured to have substantial rigidity in selected direction in the thin-sheet component. A bar is coupled to the backer, and extends between at least one pair of adjacent risers.    USE - Rigid thin-sheet panel assembly for use in solar collector applications. Can be used in e.g. solar collector troughs of solar concentrator assembly (SCA), solar power generation, science, structural or decorative architecture and industry.    ADVANTAGE - Provides a thin-sheet panel assembly that maintains a thin panel, such as a thin sheet of glass or other reflective material, in a rigid or substantially rigid configuration, that has light weight, and that includes less costly reflective surfaces. Ensures that the thin-sheet panel assembly has reduced manufacturing cost, has improved accuracy when used in SCA, ensures easy installation, has reduced transportation cost, ensures reduced breakage resulting from heavy wind forces applied against the thick-glass structures, has improved reflective performance, allows moisture to drain or evaporate, and prevents or deters accumulation of moisture between assembly components.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Each riser extends from the back to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component. The risers are of uniform height from the backer so that the thin-sheet component and the backer have essentially concentric curvature. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for the support structure used for supporting a thin panel.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows the perspective schematic view of the SCA using the thin-sheet panel assembly.    SCA (20)    Troughs (22)    Heat collection tube (25)    Trough frames (30)    Torque plates (35)    Supporting pylons (40)    Bearings (45)