This paper presents the theoretical analysis and experimental validation on the transient behaviour of a proposed combined solar water heating and thermoelectric power generation system. The proposed system consists of concentrated solar thermal device that provides a high heat flux source for thermoelectric generators. Thermoelectric generators are passively cooled using the heat pipes that are embedded inside a heat spreader block. The heat pipe condenser is immersed in a water tank. The immersed liquid cooling technique offers high heat transfer coefficient for cooling of the thermoelectric generators as well as a way to scavenge the heat through water heating that can be used for domestic or industrial purpose. Theoretical analysis develops the governing equations for the proposed system. Results from a scaled down lab setup are used to validate the theoretical analysis. For a flux of 50,000 W/m(2) a temperature difference of 75 degrees C across the thermoelectric generator can be achieved and the hot water can be heated up to 80 degrees C which can be used for domestic or industrial applications. With 75 degrees C temperature difference across the TEG hot and cold side, an open circuit voltage of 3.02 V can be generated for each thermoelectric generator with dimensions of 40 mm x 40 mm. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.