Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composite material for use as a selective solar absorber with a carrier layer (1), wherein at least the following layers are present on a side (B) of the carrier layer: A reflection layer (3), an absorber layer (5) and a dielectric and/or oxidic antireflection layer (7), wherein a layer (4) consisting of a nitride, a carbide or a carbonitride of a metal or of a mixture of two or more metals from subgroup IV, V or VI is located between absorber layer (5) and reflection layer (3), and an optically active layer (6) consisting of a metal compound with stoichiometric composition is located between absorber layer (5) and the dielectric antireflection layer (7).