A Performance Prediction Model was adapted to evaluate the use of ceramic materials in solar receivers for point-focusing distributed applications. TPS system requirements were determined including the receiver operating environment (such as concentrator performance and environment/natural occurrences) and system operating parameters for various engine types. Preliminary receiver designs evolve from these system requirements. Specific receiver designs evaluated in this report to determine material functional requirements include the NRL solchem converter/heat exchanger, MIT/LL ceramic dome. Black and Veatch/EPRI ceramic tube receiver, and the Sanders honeycomb matrix Brayton receiver. Status of the first phase of a continuing task of evaluation and reporting on high temperature ceramics for solar thermal receiver applications is described. Subsequent reports will develop the Performance Prediction Model in more detail and provide data on its use in the several high temperature receiver and reactor designs planned for or under development.