How to Build a Portable Solar Oven
Solar ovens draw their heat and cooking power from the sun, an all natural power source. You will see a wide variety of designs and models for solar ovens, most of which are portable and easily built from materials found at home. The key is to maximize and contain the heat provided by the sun. This is done using a bright reflective surface, usually aluminum foil, and a design that directs the sun's rays onto the cooking food. Most ovens will heat up food in about the same amount of time as a normal oven or microwave. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Box
- Scissors
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Strips of cardboard
- Insulation pieces
Instructions
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1
Determine the lowest angle the sun will reach on the horizon at your latitude. This information can be found on websites that advertise solar panels. Usually, it is about 15 degrees plus or minus your current latitude. You can also find peak hours of the sun's power at your position on the Earth on these websites.
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2
Cut the shorter sides of your rectangular box at this angle to maximize the amount of sun you collect and direct onto your food. Cut out the front of the box, leaving about a 2- to 3-inch lip at the bottom.
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3
Cut a strip of box cardboard about 2 inches wide and 4 to 5 inches longer than the width of your solar oven. Bend this into an "M" shape and set it at the bottom of your solar oven. Pack shredded paper or other insulation around this strip of cardboard. This is the foundation of your cooking surface.
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4
Cover the bottom with several sheets of aluminum or tin foil, then wrap the sides with your foil.
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5
Cut out the middle of the box top so that it creates a frame. Cover this with a thin, clear plastic wrap, stretch it taut and staple it to the box. This will serve as the lid that traps the heat inside the box.
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Tips & Warnings
Do several test runs to make sure the oven is working properly before baking food that needs thorough cooking, such as eggs and meat. Improperly cooked food can make you sick.
