Frequently Asked Questions - Solar Power - 28-Apr-2008

Do solar cookers work at high altitudes?

Yes. In fact you can cook faster at higher altitudes. Solar radiation is typically much higher at higher altitudes, due to thinner atmosphere, fewer particles (both air pollution and moisture particles) in the air that will impede, reflect, absorb and scatter sunlight. Water vapor absorbs energy and at higher altitudes humidity is usually lower. Therefore at higher altitude the food is heated up more quickly, so you gain time there. Depending on what type of food you cook (amount of moisture) or what type of pot you use, may result in a "steady state" lower temperature due to water evaporating. However the energy to the pot is higher.

Where can I buy a solar cooker?

Main article: Manufacturers and Vendors

Solar cookers may be purchased from companies in at least thirteen countries on five continents.

I'm planning to do a science project on solar cooking. What should I study?

If you're planning a science project, Solar Cooker International wants you to know that your research can help extend the world's knowledge of solar cooking and be of great help to people around the world. You should be aware that it's easy to build a high-performance solar cooker if you have access to modern materials. However, the more than a billion poor people in the world, who could really benefit from having a solar cooker, don't have access to such materials. This means that your research will be most useful if it concentrates on the simplification of cooker design or on the use of low-tech, local materials. For more information, see Topics needing research.

How are the solar ovens received in developing countries?

Please see Solar cooking in developing countries.

Can you cook for large groups with solar cookers?