This article proposes a model for estimating the effect of the overall thermal resistance of the absorber and the coolant on a solar thermal energy system utilizing advanced heat transfer mediums. Two equations can be used to model a dynamic system: one for the maximum conversion efficiency and one to specify the constraint that, in quasi-steady state, the net energy collected must be transferred to the coolant. These two equations define a constrained optimization problem in two variables, the fluid and the absorber temperatures. The results present interesting implications for liquid metal, direct absorption, and solar evaporating systems.