Solar Cookers: They’re not just for Greenpeace :: Essays Papers

Solar Cookers: They’re not just for Greenpeace Solar cookers are not only part of our solar history, but quite possibly, part of our solar future as well. Solar cookers are thought to have originated around 1767. A Swiss naturalist named Horace de Saussure is believed to be the first solar cooking pioneer. Since the solar cookers invention, it has taken on three basic forms; the box solar cooker, the panel solar cooker, and the parabolic solar cooker. Like many renewable energy applications, each design has distinct advantages and drawbacks over traditional cookers as well as other solar designs. The box solar cooker is the simplest in design and therefore, the easiest to recreate. Directions on building one’s own box solar cooker can be found easily with an internet search. Box solar ovens can also be purchased commercially and range in price from $50.00 to upwards of $200.00. Typical box solar cookers are lightweight, easily set-up, and fairly safe. They do not lend themselves towards the most intense cooking temperatures. However solar cooking proponents are quick to point out that high temperatures aren’t necessary for cooking. The lower the temperature, the more time needed to cook. Also, food cannot exceed 212ï‚ °F until all of water has been evaporated, so really, any hotter than that is unnecessary. Many proponents also describe boiling times in terms of hours. Panel solar cookers are one step up in complexity from the box cooker. They can typically be assembled in an hour or so. These are widely produced in developing nations. They can be mass produced inexpensively and are easy to use. They reach generally higher temperatures but are less suited to cooking in more temperate environments. Manufactured units are available, though harder to find. The third solar cooker, the parabolic cooker, is the most variable in appearance. Some are very large exceeding 10 feet in diameter and others are so small they can be taken as a backpacking cook stove. They units available commercially are also variable; the relatively simple SolaReflex by Clear dome is 2 ft by 2 ft and retails for $89.00. Parabolic cookers can also be found for prices in excess of $200.00. Parabolic cookers can also be dangerous. They can create bright spots that can do damage to the eyes as well as hot spots that could burn you or your food.