NOVELTY - The solar collector apparatus comprises a first passive solar collector unit having a reflective collector surface disposed at an inclination angle, a first active solar collector unit having an active collector surface disposed at the same inclination angle and moving in unison with the reflective collector surface, and a tracking control system controlling the inclination angle of the reflective collector surface and the active collector surface. The control system comprises a receiver element located in a focal area of the reflective collector surface carrying a heat transfer fluid.    USE - Used as a solar collector apparatus.    ADVANTAGE - The solar collector apparatus exhibits improved performance.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The solar collector apparatus comprises a first passive solar collector unit having a reflective collector surface disposed at an inclination angle, a first active solar collector unit having an active collector surface disposed at the same inclination angle and moving in unison with the reflective collector surface, and a tracking control system controlling the inclination angle of the reflective collector surface and the active collector surface. The control system comprises: a receiver element located in a focal area of the reflective collector surface carrying a heat transfer fluid; first heat sensors proximate to the receiver element; a first single motor; and a control unit that unit is adapted to obtain a comparison of measurements obtained from each of the heat sensors and to provide a signal to the motor to adjust the inclination angle on the basis of the comparison. The passive solar collector unit comprises a reflective collector surface in the shape of a parabolic trough having a straight longitudinal side with an edge, and a first receiver carrying heat transfer fluid located on the focal line of the parabolic trough. The active solar collector unit comprises a flat photovoltaic panel extending from the edge of the reflective collector surface. The heat transfer fluid exiting the first solar collector apparatus provides a heat transfer fluid input to an attached identical second solar collector apparatus. The single motor adjusts the inclination angle of the first solar collector apparatus and the inclination angle of the second solar collector apparatus at the same time. The solar collector apparatus further comprises a second passive solar collector unit having a focusing reflector surface and an associated receiver element, where the receiver element carries the heat transfer fluid in a focal area of the reflector; a second motor for adjusting an inclination angle of the focusing reflector surface; and second heat sensors positioned proximate to the receiver element and operatively connected to a control unit for controlling the motor, where solar radiation is focused on the receiver element following the apparent movement of the sun in the sky. The flat photovoltaic panel is attached to the passive solar collector unit so that a surface of the flat photovoltaic panel moves with the inclination angle of the reflector such that a line normal to the surface of the photovoltaic panel is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the focusing reflector surface. The tracking control system comprises a second elongated receiver with a longitudinal axis in a north-south direction carrying the heat transfer fluid. The first heat sensor is positioned proximate to the receiver on an east side of the receiver. The second heat sensor is positioned to proximate the receiver on a west side of the receiver. The control unit is further adapted to adjust the inclination angle of the collector surface to the east or west responsive to a comparison of measurements from the first and second heat sensors. The reflective collector surface comprises a curved foam support on which a reflective material is adhered, the foam support has alignment rods extending along its length, and the curved surface is open to the elements. The curved foam support placed in a cradle having a transparent cover. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (1) a tracking control system for a solar collector; and    (2) a method for managing an error condition in a solar collector apparatus.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic view of a hybrid solar collector.    Rigid support (10)    Receiver (20)    Active panels (30)    Frame elements (40)    Foam support. (50)