Solar concentrator with Stirling engine receiver. (Source: © mipan / stock.adobe.com)

A device at the focal point of a concentrating solar power plant that processes the heat generated by concentrated sunlight. It may be located in the focal point of a parabolic dish, in the linear focal point of a parabolic trough, or at the top of a central solar tower where the solar radiation is concentrated by flat mirrors. In the latter case, the term absorber is more commonly used. A receiver either contains a tube or container of heat transfer medium which, when heated, is passed on for further use, or it contains a Stirling engine which generates electricity directly.