A solar cooker is an innovative device that captures sunlight and converts it into heat energy, which is then used for cooking food. This device is eco-friendly, and the best part is, making solar cookers at home isn’t too difficult. In this article, we will talk about the benefits of a solar cooker and how to make one yourself.
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Solar cooker: Benefits
Using a solar cooker is beneficial in a lot of ways. Some of the reasons are listed below.
- Protect the planet: Solar cookers do not require any fuel or electricity. It helps protect the environment by minimising greenhouse gas. Solar cookers use renewable solar energy, decreasing the dependency on fossil fuels.
- Pocket-friendly: Solar cookers do not require any fuel or electricity. As long as the sun is shining, you have a sustainable way to cook your food. The sunlight is free and abundant.
- Safer to use: A solar cooker does not use open flames or gas, making it safer to use. Burns and fires are also less likely to occur.
- Highly accessible: They can also be utilised in remote regions without access to gas or electricity.
- Independent of power: Ovens and microwaves require electricity to work and are directly dependent on power. Solar cookers, on the other hand, use sunlight to cook food, so there’s no need to worry about power failures.
Making solar cooker: A step-by-step guide
Materials you’ll require
- Cardboard box
- Aluminium foil
- Plastic or glass lid
- Small container
- Black construction paper
- Tape or glue
Procedure
- Take a cardboard box that is large enough to hold your cooking pot. This will be the core structure of your solar cooker.
- Cover the inside of the box completely with aluminium foil. Smooth the wrinkles out and glue it with tape. The aluminium foil helps to reflect and trap heat from the sun, which helps the food cook.
- Take a transparent plastic or glass lid and cover the opening of the box with it. This reflective lid will help the sunlight to enter into the cooker.
- Find a smaller box or container that will fit inside the main box. Cut pieces of black construction paper and tape them to the insides of the box. Black paper is used because it absorbs heat.
- Place this small black box in the middle of the large box. Make sure it doesn’t come in contact with the sides of the larger box.
- Place your solar cooker where it will capture maximum sunshine. Keep in mind to place the cooker in an area where the sunlight will not be blocked by some shade.
- Now place your cooking pot inside the box. The sun’s energy will be absorbed by the black surface, reflected by the aluminium foil, and will be trapped inside the cooker. Depending on the intensity of sunlight and the type of food being prepared, cooking times may vary.
Tip: Make your cooking faster by preheating the solar cooker in the sun for about 30 minutes.
FAQs
What is solar cooking?
Solar cooking is a method of cooking food using solar energy.
What is the principle of a solar cooker?
A solar cooker is based on the principle of conversion of energy, i.e. solar energy converts into heat energy.
What type of dishes can be prepared in a solar cooker?
There are numerous dishes that can be prepared in a solar cooker, including steamed vegetables, baked food, soups, etc.
What is the benefit of using a solar cooker?
By using a solar cooker, you save resources and help protect the environment. You are also reducing carbon emissions, and cooking in a solar cooker preserves the flavours and nutrients in food.
Can I make this for my school project?
Yes, absolutely. You and your classmates will learn how to save non-renewable energy and know about an environmentally friendly method to cook food.
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