Solar power collection systems and methods thereof

A solar power collecting system, comprising:

• two or more lenses arranged in a configuration adapted to form a collimated or otherwise concentrated beam of solar radiation;
• a thermal storage medium contained within a thermal storage capsule;
• and
• a ceramic solar heating element, forming a cap of the thermal storage capsule, the ceramic heating element comprising:
• a top surface exterior to the thermal storage capsule and forming a generally conical or concave depression having a solar radiation absorption surface;
• and
• a bottom surface interior to the thermal storage capsule and forming a generally conical protrusion on the bottom surface,
• wherein, when the beam of solar radiation is directed at the depression, the ceramic solar heating element collects heat energy from the beam of solar radiation striking the solar radiation absorption surface, and wherein said solar heating element transfers heat energy to the thermal storage medium through the protrusion on the bottom surface which extends into the thermal storage medium and which is in direct contact with or very near to the thermal storage medium.