As an old man with lots of time on my hands I've devoted a few years to studying solar thermal energy the old fashioned way: by building prototypes as I study my subject. I've built huge reflectors out of satellite dishes, and am now experimenting with small solar thermal absorbers in a corner of my backyard. I'd love to integrate all the proven solar thermal energy tech I can find. Man's kind has been explicitly tinkering with solar thermal ever since the Romans used the Greek discovery of glass to heating Roman rooms by using glass windows facing south. Then the Syracuse genius Archemides returned the favor by burning Roman ships with solar thermal reflectors.