Parabolic dish geometry concentrates light in a single focal point, i.e., all sun rays that are parallel to the axis of the parabola are directed towards the central receiver. This allows this type of collector to achieve the highest concentration ratios among all other type of solar collectors. The dish concentrator must be oriented towards the sun.
Concentrated solar energy at the focal point is used for thermal Applications including conversion to electricity. This technology can be used for both large-scale power plants (with many dishes grouped in arrays) and autonomous small-scale thermal generation systems that would provide energy to off-grid remote facilities.