An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy; an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat; and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert. The insert enters the receptacle substantially at a cross-sectional center of the receptacle, and further inside the receptacle, the insert shifts to become closer to the absorption fin.