The Monte-Carlo ray-tracing method is applied and coupled with optical properties to predict radiation performance of dish solar concentrator/cavity receiver systems. The effects of sunshape and surface slope error have been studied and the corresponding probability models are introduced in this paper. Taking into account the above-mentioned factors, we show that the directional features of the focal flux affect the radiation flux distribution of cavity receiver, present criteria for the characterization of directional attributes, and describe a method for their calculation. Based on the concept of equivalent radiation flux, an upside-down pear cavity receiver is proposed in view of directional attributes of focal flux. Receiver design and modelling guidelines are presented. The uniformity performance of the wall flux is compared with five traditional geometries. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.