| Absorber type | detail | mechanical | coomon usage | environment |
| CPC vcuum tube | with mirror 6,5,4,3,2 | direct heated heat transfer fluid | closed loop DHW, RAD, FAH |
winter weather |
| Vacuum tube | with out mirror 6,5,4,3,2, | indirect heated - reciever | closed loop DHW, RAD, FAH |
|
| flat fin | with reflective glasing and selctive coating 5,4,3,2 |
harp design | closed loop systems DHW , RAD, FAH |
|
| flat fin | with cover 4,3,2 | diagonal flow | closed system DHW preheat, RAD |
winter weather |
| unglazed | no cover 1 | diagonal flow | pool drain back | non freeze |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| usage | DHW | DHW | Heating Radiant | Hydronic Heating | Forced air heat | Cooling absorption |
| remark | preheat | 70 % @ 120F | up 30 % @ 140 F | up 20% @ 160 F | up to 10 % @ 160F | chilled water |