- Linear Fresnel Reflector (IFR): The system is named as such because of its similarity with the Fresnel lens. It uses flat mirrors (or slightly curved ones) to reflect a linear concentration of sunlight.
- Central Receiver: The system has a central receiver at the top of a tower placed as a point of solar energy concentration. The solar tower is surrounded by reflective mirrors (heliostats), which concentrate the sunlight into the heat-transfer fluid in the receiver.
- Parabolic Dish: This mechanism is composed of parabolic mirrors, all very similar to a satellite dish. It concentrates the sunlight onto the thermal receiver placed at the focal point.
- Parabolic Trough: Follows the same principle as the Parabolic Dish system, but instead of a dish-shaped surface, the mirrors have a U-shaped parabolic trough pattern.