[berkes]

That only talks about lenses and optics.

I'm still convinced the electrical energy collected on a few acres of solar panels fields, could be used to heat a small piece of metal hotter than the surface of the sun. Or am I understanding this problem entirely wrong?

I mean, I do understand why a large array of mirrors and/or lenses won't heat a surface up more than the source. But if we convert and then "upgrade" it (probably with a lot of efficiency loss) i'd think it possible.

And if we collect over time and store that (e.g. as hydrogen, or in batteries) I'm pretty sure we can get it even hotter.

[pbmonster]

Oh, for sure. Using photovoltaic panels and electric heating, none of this applies.

But the comment you replied to initially talks about the limit of solar thermal collectors.