Solar Power Ovens and Their Use

Solar power has been in use for centuries, as people used the energy from the sun to dry clothing and food. Solar power has been in use for generating thermal and electrical energy for more than 100 years.

Solar power ovens have been in use since at least the 1700’s. Currently, you can find people using solar power ovens daily in some 126 countries around the world. Others use them for camping or emergency.

Solar Power Ovens’ Advantages

Solar power ovens have many advantages, no matter where you live.

* Solar power ovens save money, since they require neither electrical or gas energy.

* Solar power ovens are safe, with no danger of fire.

* In an emergency such as storm or earthquake, when power outages occur, solar power ovens provide cooked food.

* A solar power oven is portable and convenient for camping.

* They have no more limitations than a normal oven so far as what can be cooked. You can defrost in them when sunlight is weaker, as in the morning. You can keep cooked food warm in them when the sun begins to go down in the afternoon.

* Foods can be cooked in their natural state, without added fats. Fruits and vegetables need no added liquid. Grains and dried legumes need 25 percent less liquid. All foods retain nutrients.

* Solar power ovens require no particular recipes.

Solar Power Ovens’ Disadvantages

Solar power ovens have disadvantages, too, if course. You must have them in the sunshine. You must shield them from wind that would cool the oven. The brighter the day, the hotter they can cook, but an overcast day will mean some foods will not cook well enough. If the day is cloudy, you can still cook, but it will be low temperature cooking.

Description of Solar Power Ovens

You can purchase several models of solar power ovens - or you can build your own. Most look like a box with solar “panels” attached to absorb solar energy from sunlight. A clear covering allows sunlight to enter at the top, and holds it inside, much as car windows do on a sunny day. The inside of the box is black to trap light.

Cookware for a Solar Power Oven

Solar ovens use black, covered pots. You should NOT use thin dishes or aluminum, both of which heat quickly, but do not retain the heat. Cast iron is a good choice for a solar power oven. The pot or pan should be shallow and somewhat larger than the food you are cooking.

To cook food, set your solar power oven in a spot that is not windy, and aim the oven at the sun. If you want to preheat your oven, wait up to 45 minutes. An oven thermometer will tell you when the oven has reached the temperature you need. Put your food into the oven, and let the sun do its work. To keep the temperature consistent in your solar power oven, simply turn the oven as the sun moves. Food will cook as long as you have 20 minutes of sun per hour.