This paper provides a theoretical investigation on the optimum absorber temperature of a once-reflecting full conical concentrator for maximizing overall efficiency of a solar-powered low temperature differential Stirling engine. A mathematical model for the overall efficiency of the solar-powered Stirling engine is developed. The optimum absorber temperature for maximum overall efficiency for both limiting conditions of maximum possible engine efficiency and maximum possible engine power output is determined. The results indicated that the optimum absorber temperatures calculated from these two limiting cases are not significantly different. For a given concentrated solar intensity, the maximum overall efficiency characterized by the condition of maximum possible engine power output is very close to that of the real engine of 55% Carnot efficiency, approximately. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.