In this study a model-based control designed for the operation of a solar power plant is discussed. The simplified physically based model of the plant was developed on the basis of the energy balances including the solar insulation as an input, the heat transferred by the flow of the oil as a working media and the overall heat loss from the plant. The outlet temperature of the collector field is the reference (set-point) value while the volumetric flow rate of the oil is the manipulating variable to the controller. The solar radiation, the ambient temperature and the inlet oil temperature to the collector field are assumed as the disturbances. The model developed and identified is an internal part of the controller. The initial control experimental results are also presented.