The process of selecting and designing the major components for a hybrid solar collector/ CHP system is described. Particular attention was given to the design of. the solar collector and a number of options, including thin membrane heat pipe solar collectors (both 'normal' and 'artery' types) and hybrid heat pipe solar collectors (both wicked and wickless types), were considered. Performance comparisons were made using theoretical and experimental data and a hybrid solar collector was selected as the best option for the System. Micro impulse-reaction turbine using n-pentane as its working fluid was selected for the system although further work is being carried out on a compressed-gas driven turbo alternator. A prototype hybrid solar collector/CHP system has been constructed and the results of its theoretical and experimental testing are presented in Part 11 of this paper. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.