This paper presents an in-depth analysis of various aspects of small-scale Linear Fresnel Concentrators (LFCs). As we shall see, the influence of the lateral study of the actual absorbed power is very important in this type of LFC. In order to consider the end-effect of the absorber tube, two types of losses need to be taken into account: the end loss and the reflected light loss. Focussing on the optimization of the length and position of the absorber tube, a new mathematical method is presented. The method based on a geometric algorithm allows the straightforward deduction of the optimal design of a small-scale LFC. Numerous numerical simulations are presented for different configurations. This study constitutes the basis of the prototype that is being constructed at a vocational training centre (CIFP-Mantenimiento y Servicios a la Produccion) in La Felguera, Asturias, Spain. Asturias, Spain. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.