How to Start Solar Cooking

Solar cooking incorporates the simple concept of a localized and controllable greenhouse effect. Using simple material and a little ingenuity, anyone can begin solar cooking their meals in no time using eco-friendly, renewable energy from the sun. Use the following tips to start solar cooking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Cardboard box
• Clear plastic wrap
• Craft tools
• Rubber bands
• Rubber cement
• Aluminum foil

1. Cut a refrigerator box or other large box into three sections. The first section should resemble a bow tie shape. This will serve as the bottom and two sides of the finished solar cooker. Cut two more identical pieces in a triangle shape and tape to the folded bow-tie section sides.
2. Fold the bow-tie cardboard piece almost in half to accommodate the 2 triangle pieces. Cover the entire inside surface of the cardboard with rubber cement and apply wide aluminum foil, taking care to leave about an inch of fold-over foil.
3. Smooth out any wrinkles in the aluminum foil to make a mirror smooth surface.
4. Cut out a box top frame to fit snugly around the top of the solar cooker. Cover the cut-out portion with clear plastic wrap. This frame will be the cover for the cooker.
5. Stretch rubber bands around the box itself to hold the entire solar cooker unit together. This will also allows for easy take down and storage.
6. Place food on rack and place in center of solar cooker. Replace plastic wrap lid securely and allow to heat until cooked.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the solar cooker directly facing the sun for best results.
• Use a can painted flat black filled with water to test the solar cooker by measuring the temperature of the water over a period of 2 hours.
• Take every precaution when using the solar cooker, as the unit becomes extremely hot during operation.
• Ensure that food is cooked to required temperature before ingesting.