In recent years a considerable amount of research has been directed toward devising methods of utilizing solar energy. Many types and configurations of devices have been conceived and developed. Each has, perhaps, an application where it is particularly suitable. The type of device which is particularly well adapted to the generation of high temperatures is the paraboloidal reflector-absorber. This thesis considers this type only. It is not the intent of this thesis to provide a detailed analysis of the many parameters involved in the design of a solar energy collector. Rather, it is the intent to provide a compilation of the work of' various researchers in the areas concerned directly with the paraboloidal collector. This information has been arranged in an orderly manner to provide a systematic approach and outline to the problem. References have been made and a bibliography has been included of the detailed work accomplished by researchers in each particular field. The engineer who needs more than just an introduction to this subject is referred to these references.