This graphic illustrates linear concentrating solar power (CSP) collectors that capture the sun's energy with large mirrors that reflect and focus the sunlight onto a linear receiver tube. The receiver contains a fluid that is heated by the sunlight and then used to create superheated steam that spins a turbine that drives a generator to produce electricity. Alternatively, steam can be generated directly in the solar field, eliminating the need for costly heat exchangers. In a parabolic trough system, the receiver tube is positioned along the focal line of each parabola-shaped reflector.