Parabolic solar Grill

Building a parabolic solar grill helps to understand the principle of sunlight concentration.
 
This technique is already used in experimental solar power plants. Parabolic mirrors focus the Sun's rays on black pipes in which water circulates. The heated water expands and turns into steam creating a pressure that can be used to power turbines and, with the help of generators, produce electricity.

A gigantic project called Desertec  plans to build solar power plants of this kind in North Africa to supply Europe with electricity.