Solar cooking is the practice of preparing food using only the energy of the sun. Unlike traditional stoves, solar cookers are designed to take advantage of the sun’s heat to cook meals. For those who would prefer not to use fossil fuels or natural gas, solar cookers offer a convenient and eco-friendly option. It’s for these reasons that a growing number of individuals are switching to solar cooking. Millions of people around the world still use wood or dung as their primary source of fuel for cooking, despite the fact that doing so requires them to travel long distances and spend a disproportionate amount of their limited resources for fuel. In India, A woman’s usual workweek includes spending over half of it searching for and collecting firewood. Low-quality wood found on the streets is burned, contributing to an increase in local children with respiratory illnesses due to the smoke. Therefore, solar cookers have been a fantastic alternative that have greatly decreased demands for materials like firewood. [4] Numerous people’s daily lives are being enhanced by solar cookers. America, Africa, and India are just a few of the places that have used solar ovens. Even yet, some entrepreneurial individuals have found success in the business of manufacturing and reselling solar cookers as a method of generating income. [1] 

Solar cookers around the world

The use of solar cookers has become increasingly common in many parts of the world. More than 4 million solar cookers have been manufactured worldwide, according to the SCI (Solar cookers international). They also stated that this has an effect on 14.3 million individuals directly. Moreover, there has been an annual reduction in CO2 emissions amounts to more than 5.8 million metric tons, which is the same as removing almost 1.25 million cars from the road. Finally, over the lifetime of these solar cookers, almost 30 million metric tons of CO2 emissions are avoided. If you eliminated all of those pollutants, it would be like not using 76 billion miles of highway or 34 billion pounds of coal. They estimated that by adopting solar cooking nationwide, governments might save hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars yearly in health and environmental expenses. Every year, over a trillion dollars, might be saved around the world if everyone who presently uses polluting fuels switched to solar cookers for only a quarter of their cooking needs.

Different types of solar cookers

Panel cookers, box cookers (also known as box ovens), parabolic cookers, and tube cookers are the four most common types of solar cookers. All of these solar cooker variations serve a unique purpose in cooking.

1. Panel Cookers

The items you would normally cook in a covered pot on the stovetop can be prepared in a panel cooker. They employ reflectors to “collect” sunlight from a wider region and direct it into a black cooking pot within a high-temperature oven bag. The insulation is the air within the bag, which surrounds the pot. A panel cooker has the ability to reach and maintain a boiling temperature inside the pot. [2]

2. Box Cookers

Cooking in a box cooker (or box oven) is similar to using a conventional oven. They have a compartment (or “box”) on the inside as the name suggests, although this box need not be square in shape. In order to maximize the amount of heat retained, reflectors are used to focus light into the box, glazing is used to let light in while trapping the heat, and insulation is used to keep the heat in. On a bright day, a box oven may achieve temperatures of 400 degrees. Lastly, it is possible to create a box oven from recycled materials or other low-cost building supplies. 

3. Parabolic Cookers

For the maximum temperatures, try using a parabolic cooker, which can also be used for grilling and doesn’t require any special equipment like a lid or a bag. A parabolic cooker is a solar oven that uses mirrors to focus a great quantity of sunlight onto a small area, heating it to temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  However, the temperature can get very high therefore, when preparing food, it’s important to take all necessary precautions.

4. Tube Cooker

The tube cooker is the most recent innovation in solar stoves. Their benefits, however, are swiftly spreading the word about them. A giant evacuated glass tube serves as the solar oven’s core and is encased in reflective panels on all sides. High temperatures of 290 degrees Celsius or more can be achieved inside the evacuated tube. It’s plenty for cooking meat and vegetables in the oven, as well as baking bread and sweets. Tube cookers have the distinct benefit of being effective even when the sky is overcast. [3]

How does a solar cooker work?

Solar cookers use both photovoltaic panels (also known as solar panels) to convert the sun’s energy into electricity and direct sunlight. Solar stoves that use direct sunlight use heat-concentrating lenses, heat-absorbing materials, and heat-retaining chambers. Panels, reflectors, and other reflective surfaces made of metal or metallic foil are usually used to cook the food. Focusing the sun’s rays on a single spot, which is typically a black insulated vessel is also very important. These reflectors are strategically placed throughout the oven to increase its heating efficiency (Reflectors are seen in the images above. The placement of the reflectors depends on the type of cooker). A dark-colored pot is preferable for cooking because it will retain heat better. In addition, a thin pot facilitates the transfer of heat to the meal. The stove then uses a heat retention mechanism. The transparent heat trap is necessary for solar ovens to generate the “greenhouse effect.” It can be anything from a glass bowl to a woven cooking sack. [3]

Did you know a Box solar cooker may be constructed in your own home? How? Read on!

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

1. File storage box, or other box approx. 12″ x 15″ x 10″
2. Foil backed foam insulation board, approx. 1/2 sheet per oven
3. Plexiglass, pre-cut to 12″ x 15″
4. Aluminum duct tape, 20 feet
5. Black construction paper, 12″ x 15″
6. Aluminum foil, 18″ x 21″
7. Scissors
8. Wooden dowel, stick or pencil

Procedure:

1. Cut insulation material. Each oven requires:

• (1 piece) 12″ x 15″
• (2 pieces) 12″ x 9 1/2″
• (2 pieces) 15″ x 9 1/2″

2. Ensure that the bottom of the box is well insulated by placing a sheet of insulation there.
3. Wrap the inside of the box with insulating materials.
4. Seal the box’s bottom, sides, and interior top with tape.
5. Use aluminum foil to create a reflector on the interior of the box lid.
6. Put a sheet of black construction paper on the oven floor.
7. Glaze the dish and put it in the oven’s highest rack.
8. You can use aluminum tape to create a hinge and fasten the box’s lid to the oven along one of its long sides. This lid may be slanted to allow more light in by using the rod or stick provided.

You don’t want to bother making one, do you? Here are a few examples of solar cookers you can buy online:

Solar Cooker + Link	Pros	Cons
GoSun Fusion https://www.amazon.com/GOSUN-Fusion-Electric-Portable-Outdoor/dp/B07WRF6PN4?crid=1II0Z8W6R96H8&keywords=GoSun&qid=1646402431&sprefix=gosun,aps,338&sr=8-9&linkCode=sl1&tag=greencitizena-20&linkId=f17c734d533e6b40d7f6f03df1a746c3&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl	– Combines solar and electric heating – Bake, cook, and steam food – Portable design Works in cloudy conditions	It’s not the cheapest one available
GoSun Original Solar Kitchen https://www.amazon.com/GOSUN-SolarTable-PowerBank-Portable-Equipment/dp/B08H5Z7146?crid=1II0Z8W6R96H8&keywords=GoSun&qid=1646402473&sprefix=gosun,aps,338&sr=8-7&linkCode=sl1&tag=greencitizena-20&linkId=e8aae2880f0d7866f5145a3e65d36485&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl	– Ideal for larger groups of people – Integrated cooling compartment – Charges electronic devices  – Available with additional solar panels	It’s not as portable as the Fusion model above
MrMapMax Solar Oven Portablehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZJNBLDX/?tag=greencitizena-20	– 4.5-liter capacity – Includes a convenient storage bag – Max temperatures up to 550 degrees  – Suitable for bread, meatloaf, and roasted veggies	No backup power source
Haines 2.0 SunUp Solar Cooker and Dutch Oven Kit https://www.amazon.com/Haines-Solar-Cooker-Dutch-Oven/dp/B07B5KX18D/?tag=greencitizena-20	– Folds down into a small and light package – 2 or 3 of them are great for groups – Heat focuses on the center within 30 minutes – Reaches temperatures up to 180 degrees	It’s limited for adjusting the heat
LiuWHweiXunDa Outdoor Ovens, Solar Cooker Stove Kits https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0972GQLDR/?tag=greencitizena-20	– Small and practical device  – Gets hot enough to boil water – Easy to adjust reflective panels – Allows you to track the sun	It’s quite a small device
GoSun Sports Pro https://www.amazon.com/GoSun-Barbecue-Cooking-Camping-Hiking/dp/B00LD84EQE?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=greencitizena 20&linkId=11ea4391ace3f531fca8a7715fd926fd&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl	– It’s portable for hiking and beach trips – Cook meals in less than 30 minutes  – Works when it’s cloudy – Comes with baking cups	Could do with a lock on the handle
Sunflair Portable Solar Oven Deluxe with Complete Cookware https://www.amazon.com/Sunflair-Portable-Complete-Dehydrating-Thermometer/dp/B008SGB2KU/?tag=greencitizena-20	– Comes with cookware and thermometer – It includes dehydrating racks  – Weighs only about 1 lbs  – Large enough for up to eight people	Doesn’t reach very high temperatures

How convenient is solar cooking?

Food cooked in a solar cooker doesn’t need to be checked on for hours, as the low temperatures used in solar cooking prevent it from burning. You may set a solar cooker up in the morning and have a hot lunch waiting for you when you get home from work in the late afternoon, provided the weather cooperates.

When using solar energy to cook, the pots may be cleaned quickly and easily, which is very helpful for those who must travel long distances to obtain fresh water.

Numerous solar cookers are lightweight and portable, making solar cooking possible on construction sites and when picnicking, hiking, and camping. [3]

It’s true that solar cookers have some drawbacks—you can’t use them at night, some of them are too big to fit in a backpack, and the sun doesn’t shine in every kind of weather—but these issues can be overcome. Despite these challenges, environmental issues can be mitigated by using solar cookers anytime the sun is out.

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Benefits of using a solar cooker

Environmental benefits:

In order to cook their food, two billion people use wood and charcoal. The use of solar cookers helps people meet their basic requirements without putting increased pressure on the world’s decreasing forest resources. Air pollution and climate change are both caused or exacerbated by cooking fires fueled by biomass or petroleum. Solar cookers produce no pollution and, if widely adopted, might aid in the fight against climate change.Less energy is consumed indoors because meals are cooked outside. As a result, less fossil fuel is consumed by air conditioners and freezers throughout the summer (and lowering utility bills). [8]

Health and Nutrition benefits:

Nutrient retention is enhanced by the low to moderate temperatures used in simple solar cookers. In this way, people who cannot afford expensive fuel can prepare healthy foods like lentils and various types of whole grains. In order to get enough fuel to cook with, many families must barter for food. They may improve their diet and preserve more food by using solar cookers. Damage to the respiratory system and the eyes is just one of the many health problems associated with using an open fire for cooking. Solar ovens produce no smoke. The smoke from open fires used for cooking accounts for a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Children are especially vulnerable to the dangers of cooking fires, which, if left unchecked. In contrast to conventional stoves, solar ovens don’t require any kindling or fire to cook with. Every day, millions of people trek miles to acquire firewood for cooking. Long journeys to collect fuel put people at risk of harm from animals and criminals, as well as being physically taxing. These dangers and hassles are mitigated by using solar cooking, which also frees up time for other pursuits. The refugees at the Chad Refugee Camp claimed it was simple to prepare meals without the need to gather firewood. If there is enough sunlight during a crisis, solar cookers can be utilized to prepare food even if other fuels and power sources aren’t accessible. [8]

Economic Benefits:

Around the world, around 30% of low-income households spend at least a quarter of their food budget on fuel for their stoves. Sunlight is both free and plentiful. All kinds of necessities like sustenance, schooling, medical care, and retirement can be funded through these savings. The solar cooker industry has the potential to generate supplementary income. Solar restaurants and bakeries, as well as cooker production, sales, and maintenance, are viable options. Consumers in industrialized nations can still cut their heating and cooling bills significantly by adopting solar cookers. Solar cookers cut families’ fuelwood demands by 30-50% in areas where forests are disappearing, and many people suffer from fuel shortages. If power plants are struggling to keep up with peak demand because of widespread use of electric stoves and air conditioners, encouraging the switch to solar cooking could help. [8]

 Health care benefits:

According to the WHO approximately seven million people each year lose their lives due to respiratory illness brought on by exposure to toxic smoke from cooking fires in their homes. Solar ovens produce no smoke. In the impoverished world, 80 percent of illness and mortality are caused by waterborne diseases. Safe drinking water and milk can be produced with the help of solar cookers used in the home. Pasteurization consumes about half the energy required for sterilization. Heating compresses and sterilizing tools can be done using several different types of solar cookers. [8]

 Did you know that other than cooking food, solar cookers can purify water?

Extreme heat and humidity are favorable circumstances for the proliferation of waterborne diseases and microorganisms in many regions of the world where fossil fuels are in short supply. Diseases like typhoid and cholera are a real threat when even well water quickly becomes contaminated.

According to the Solar Cookers International Network, every type of solar oven is capable of reaching sufficient temperatures for water purification under the right conditions, and pasteurizing water in a solar cooker before consumption by raising the temperature to 151 degrees Fahrenheit (66 degrees Celsius) is an effective way to purify it (as opposed to heating to 212 F/100 C as you would in a kettle on a stove).

Even while solar cookers can be used for this purpose, solar stills are more prevalent since they gather water vapor from boiling water, condense it, and then deposit it in clean containers. The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Sciences and Technology suggests an even easier approach for water purification called SODIS, which entails putting water in clean, clear PET bottles and placing them in the sun for six hours.

Boiling water for at least 10 minutes is recommended in regions where it is common for people to get sick due to consuming contaminated water. For many individuals in these communities, the cost of fuel to do this consumes a sizable portion of their daily income, whereas solar energy is completely free. Conventional cookers can only purify a small amount of water at a time, but scientists have invented deep-dish box cookers that can handle up to 3 gallons of water on a sunny day. [3]

Solar cookers VS Traditional Cookers

In the past, solar stoves had a poor reputation for being faulty, which was undeserved. They were once seen as more than just a passing fad in the world of outdoor and survival gear.

But since then, we’ve learned a lot more about solar power, and today’s solar ovens use the cutting-edge technology for converting solar energy into heat.

Stoves that use fossil fuels like gas, coal, wood, or even non-fossilized fuels like kerosene to generate heat are in stark contrast. This type of fuel is problematic because it requires a constant supply every time you want to prepare food.

Stoves that need fossil fuels have the additional drawback of producing greenhouse gas emissions during fuel combustion. Last but not least, traditional stoves leave you with the unpleasant task of cleaning up smoke, soot, and ash.

Cooking with a solar cooker is possible whenever there is sunlight. They pose no threat to the natural world whatsoever. They produce zero emissions since they need no fuel.

A solar oven greatly reduces the amount of time needed to prepare food.

Common ovens have a knob that may be turned to the desired heat setting. Did you know, though, that a solar cooker’s temperature may be readily modified? There are a number of techniques to control the heat output of a solar camp stove. Simply moving it out of direct sunlight or covering the major sun catcher panels will significantly reduce the internal temperature. Increasing the temperature is as easy as ensuring your solar cooker is towards the sun.

Contrast that with the time and effort required to acquire firewood, chop it up, and then clean and dispose of the ash when you’ve finished cooking. [8]

For whom would a solar cooker actually be helpful?

1. People who live off the grid

The use of solar stoves is ideal for those who choose to live independently. Without access to the electricity grid, people must rely on alternative energy sources such as renewables and fossil fuels. Here’s where solar cookers come in handy. Compared to conventional stoves, solar cookers are far more effective at producing high heat from the same source of energy. Moreover, every day, solar cookers get more efficient and cheaper.

2. Campers

There are a variety of solar cooker designs available, and solar cookers are compact enough to fit in a backpack or at the very least be mounted on a car. There are a number of benefits to using solar cookers over other methods when camping. First, you won’t have to go out in the rain looking for dry twigs and branches. After a refreshing shower or on a sunny day, a camp stove is just as effective as ever. Second, there is no need to risk having a kitchen fire by using an open flame for cooking.

3. Eco-conscious people

Solar ovens are useful for eco-conscious individuals who are continuously looking for new ways to lessen their impact on the planet.

Why not assemble your family in the backyard, set up the camp stove, and enjoy the sun while it cooks dinner instead of using your gas or electric stove or oven?

Ultimately, you should remember that a solar cooker can help you with your electricity expenditures. Lastly, solar cooking emits no pollution and requires no electricity.

In conclusion, solar cookers are not only simple to install and operate, but they are also kind to the environment, which can be beneficial to both one’s health and the economy. Therefore, utilizing solar cookers is something that I believe should be considered since it is an excellent idea.

Appendix

Meals that can be prepared with the use of a solar cooker:

Potato soup, French cassoulet, mahi mahi soft tacos, cupcakes, and bread pudding are just some of the dishes that may be prepared with the help of a solar cooker.

Here are a few recipes you can try:

1. Potato Soup (Suitable for all cookers) [2]

Ingredients:

–   1 lb Yukon potatoes (smaller ones are best) 2 packages pre-cooked bacon, crumbled

–   1 Tablespoon butter

–   1 cup green onions, sliced

–   1 can (10 1⁄2 oz) chicken broth

–   2 cups water

–   1⁄2 cup instant mashed potato granules 2 cups Gruyere cheese, finely grated 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

–   1/4 teaspoon pepper

–   2 cups heavy cream

You can use a cooker to bake potatoes until they are tender (Box cooker – place potatoes directly in cooker; Panel cooker – place in pot with high temperature bag; Parabolic – place in covered pot with 1/4′′ water).

Cube it up and put it aside. Combine crumbled bacon with melted butter and onions. Make sure the onion is soft enough to eat after being cooked. Water and chicken broth should be brought to a boil. Turn off the heat and slowly incorporate in the instant potatoes until a smooth consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk in the cheese and the baked potatoes you set aside earlier. Reheat in oven until cheese has melted. Combine cream and the remaining ingredients and mix well. Crumble some bacon and sprinkle it on top.

2. Lemon cupcakes with strawberries (Suitable for box cookers) [2]

Ingredients:

–   1/4 cup softened butter Heaping 1/4 cup sugar Rind of 1/4 lemon, grated 1 egg

–   1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1⁄2 cup flour

–   1⁄2 Tablespoon milk

–   1⁄2 cup sliced strawberries Whipped cream

–   Orange slices for garnish

Melt butter, then add sugar and lemon zest. Fluffy results can be achieved by mixing thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract gradually. Substitute flour and stir until all ingredients are incorporated. To the bowl, pour the milk and stir to combine. The ideal consistency of cupcake batter is smooth. Wait 40–45 minutes before serving. Wait around for the cupcakes to cool off. The cupcakes should be halved horizontally, and the strawberries and whipped topping should be layered in the middle. Put whipped cream on top of a cupcake. Strawberry and orange slices make a beautiful garnish. Enjoy!

References:

1. What is solar cooking? One Earth Designs Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from http://www.oneearthdesigns.org/what-is-solar-cooking/
2. Solar cookers. FSEC®. (2022, March 18). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://energyresearch.ucf.edu/education/k-12/resources/solar-cookers/
3. Gemeš, N. (2022, July 19). 11 best solar stoves (2020 review) Buyer’s Guide. GreenCitizen. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://greencitizen.com/blog/solar-stove/#t-1605299505502
4. Leigh-Hewitson, N. (2021, October 21). ‘whole forests will be saved’: Is solar cooking more than just a flash in the Pan? CNN. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/21/asia/janak-palta-mcgilligan-solar-cooking-c2e-spc-intl/index.html
5. Sci Blog. SCI Blog :: Solar Cookers International. (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.solarcookers.org/about/blog
6. 21, O. (1999, October 21). How exactly does light transform into heat–for instance, when sunlight warms up a brick wall? I understand that electrons in the atoms in the wall absorb the light, but how does that absorbed sunlight turn into thermal energy? Scientific American. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-exactly-does-light-tr/
7. Treehugger. (2020, April 7). Treehugger. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.treehugger.com/
8. Why solar cooking is important. Solar Cooking. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2022, from https://solarcooking.fandom.com/wiki/Why_solar_cooking_is_important
9. Deziel, C. (2019, March 2). Solar ovens vs. conventional ovens. Sciencing. Retrieved October 16, 2022, from https://sciencing.com/solar-ovens-vs-conventional-ovens-5079.html
10. Otte, P. P. (2014, November 27). Warming up to solar cooking – a comparative study on motivations and the adoption of institutional solar cookers in developing countries. Energy Procedia. Retrieved October 16, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610214015215
11. Distribution of solar cookers. Distribution of Solar Cookers :: Solar Cookers International. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.solarcookers.org/partners/distribution-solar-cookers 
12. Robert Laswell Robert is a renewable energy and sustainability specialist with 10+ years of experience in the solar and renewable energy space. With experience in different organizations in the industry. (2022, March 9). The Pros and cons of Solar Cookers. Semprius. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.semprius.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-solar-ovens-and-cookers/ 
13. Pullman, W. (2019, February 5). Casio Tough Solar Instructions. Our Everyday Life. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://oureverydaylife.com/casio-tough-solar-instructions-12207215.html 
14. Solar cookers: Pros and cons of the different types. Solar Cooker – Solar Cooking. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.solarcooker-at-cantinawest.com/solarcookers-prosandcons.html 
15. Advantages and disadvantages of using a solar cooker. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.doityourself.com/stry/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-using-a-solar-cooker 
16. says, T., Tara, says, K. B., Brown, K., Says, S. P., & Pearsall, S. (2020, May 15). 10 benefits of solar cooking. Sailing Britican. Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://sailingbritican.com/benefits-of-solar-cooking/ 
17. Unfccc.int. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/activity-database/momentum-for-change-using-solar-ovens-in-rural-communities-in-nyakach-region-to-mitigate-climate-change 
18. Benefits of solar cooking – sun oven®: The Original Solar Oven & Solar Cooker. Sun Oven® | The Original Solar Oven & Solar Cooker. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2022, from https://www.sunoven.com/sun-cooking-usa/why-use-it/benefits-of-solar-cooking/