Under the consideration of the solar energy potential of Turkey, a V-type Stirling engine having two heaters was designed, optimized and then manufactured. The prototype engine was tested in laboratory condition using an electrical heating system. Tests were conducted within the temperature range of 650-1000 degrees C with 50 degrees C increments. The pressure ranged from the ambient value to 2 bar with 0.5 bar increments at each stage of temperature. The maximum power was obtained at 950 degrees C and 1.0 bar charge pressure as 118 W. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.