Andrea Garcia

Dec 10.2023
Christian Leveille
ESOL 120

Technical Background Report

Solar box cooking, an ingenious and sustainable method of culinary preparation harnessing
the boundless power of solar energy. In the mid-1700s, a European naturalist named
Horace de Saussure devised a compact apparatus aimed at capturing solar energy. During
this era, scientists were actively exploring methods to convert sunlight into heat, primarily
employing mirrors to focus light into a singular, intense point of heat. Saussure, however,
directed his attention to the heat-retaining properties of glass. What Saussure constructed
marked the earliest recorded solar cooker, closely resembling what we now refer to as a
solar box cooker. His design involved nesting five glass boxes within each other,
positioning them on a black wooden surface. Following several hours of exposure to
sunlight, the temperature within the box approached nearly 190 degrees Fahrenheit (88
degrees Celsius). This innovative device was employed by Saussure to bake fruit. “The
modern concept of solar cooking first came on the scene in the 1950s but failed to gain
popularity, perhaps due to faulty United Nations marketing techniques” (Radabaugh). A
solar cooker can do almost anything a stove, or an oven can do, the biggest difference is
that the solar box is an efficient way of helping the environment since is it uses natural
energy source.

The solar box is made from different parts. Julia Layton affirms that “the box cooker
consists of an open-topped box that's black on the inside, and a piece of glass or transparent
plastic that sits on top. It often also has several reflectors (flat, metallic or mirrored
surfaces) positioned outside the box to collect and direct additional sunlight onto the glass.”
(How Stuff Works, March 8, 2023). The process consists of the sunlight to pass through the
transparent cover and is absorbed by the dark colored surfaces inside the box. Then the
absorbed sunlight transforms into heat energy, raising the temperature within the cooking
chamber. Later, food is placed in a dark colored cooking pot or tray inside the box, and the
concentrated sunlight effectively cooks the content.

Getting a solar cooking box might cost a bit upfront, but in the long run, the benefits
outweigh the initial investment big time. You save money by not relying on pricey fuels
and cutting down on electricity bills. Plus, these solar cookers are great help for the
environment, fighting against deforestation caused by using traditional fuels. Along with
the sun, using its free and abundant energy to cook, so you don't have to spend extra money
on electricity.
And it's not just about cooking - these solar cookers are also great for community well-
being. They're not just kitchen gadgets; they also help with water pasteurization, a big deal
in places where getting clean water is a challenge. Julia Layton breaks it down, saying you
can pasteurize water at just 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius) and food at 180
degrees Fahrenheit ("How Stuff Works," March 8, 2023). So, they're not just making tasty
meals; they're also boosting health and hygiene, way beyond than expect from a cooking
tool.

However, amidst the laudable attributes of solar cookers, it is essential to acknowledge

their limitations. The dependency on consistent sunlight poses a challenge, making solar
cookers less viable in areas with unpredictable weather patterns or prolonged periods of
cloud cover. The financial barrier for families with limited resources also casts a shadow
on the widespread adoption of solar cookers. Acknowledging these challenges, however,
does not diminish the transformative potential of solar cookers; rather, it underscores the
need for continued innovation and accessibility.

In the end, solar box cooking isn't just a fancy way to cook; it's a symbol of moving
towards a greener and more practical future. It's about being mindful of the environment,
getting healthier, and being smart with our wallets. So, as communities everywhere deal
with the downsides of old-school fuel use, solar cookers step in an incredible way, showing
us a path where cooking isn't just something you do out of necessity but a way to make a
positive change.

Layton, J. (2023, March 8). How solar cooking works. HowStuffWorks.

https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/solar-cooking1.htm