A method for optimization of a tube-type solar receiver panel to achieve minimum receiver cost is presented. The method is based on a straightforward algorithm for sizing a solar receiver based on independent design variables. A family of designs can readily be derived from this algorithm by varying the design variables. A cost formula is then applied to the designs, allowing a search for the most economic design. The cost formula includes a term proportional to the receiver size, and another proportional to the receiver pressure drop. A relative minimum cost receiver is sought by varying the number and size of the tubes that make up the receiver panels. 'Conventional' tube-type molten salt receivers, designed using this approach, have employed a configuration of multiple passes of fairly large diameter tubes with high velocity salt flow and relatively high pressure drops. A larger but lower pressure drop receiver is favored, however, if the cost of pressure drop is higher than previously considered. By exploring a wider range of design parameters in the optimization, a significantly different design emerges. This design employs small diameter thin walled tubes. The design has the potential to be significantly smaller and have a lower pressure drop. The use of small diameter, thin walled tubes creates some practical problems that have not been fully addressed, but the resulting design represents a significant improvement worthy of further exploration.