By maximizing the net exergy flow gained within a solar collector, the collector configuration can be optimized with regard to high useful heat and low friction losses. The results of numerical optimization are presented for different types of collectors. By using finned absorbers with optimized flow duct geometry, the thermal efficiency can be increased and the friction power can be reduced strongly, compared to an absorber without fins. A high fin density is not thrifty, the differences between various types of fins are small. The heat transfer characteristics of the absorber are less important if highly insulated solar air heaters are considered. The influence of varying operating conditions on the results of the optimization is analyzed. The results of the optimization are presented within an appendix in a way that the optimum absorber geometry can be found simply for cases of technical interest.