SolSource Solar Cooker

Product Description

The SolSource Solar Cooker uses parabolic reflector panels to focus the sun’s rays to a focal point (where a pan is located for cooking) with 90% efficiency. The cooker can boil 1 litre of water in 10 minutes, reaches searing temperatures within 10 minutes, and grilling and baking temperatures in 5 minutes. The product weighs 4.5 kgs and the recommended maximum loading is 3 kgs.

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Directly from the manufacturer, SoulSource-One Earth Designs. Also available on Amazon, CantinaWest, RealGoods.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Mass produced in China.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent Protected

User Provision Model

Users can obtain it directly from the manufacturer by purchase online.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2015, over 4,000 SolSource Classic solar cookers have been distributed. ^{Email with representative}

Design Specifications

The SolSource Solar Cooker uses parabolic reflector panels to focus the sun's rays to a focal point (where a pan is located for cooking). Before each use, the cooker must be calibrated. This consists of aligning the focus point and selecting the sun setting. From there, the pan can be placed on unit and cooking performed. Maximum pot capacity is 15 litres, so it can feed over 12 people per meal. The product weighs 21 kgs and its dimensions are (LxWxH) 1,500 x 1,200 x 940 cm.

Technical Support

Provided by the manufacturer. Tutorial videos and instruction manuals available. For further support, contact SolSource.

Replacement Components

Yes.

Lifecycle

This product has a 1-year warranty and expected lifecycle is 10 years.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The SolSource Solar Cooker is 100% solar-powered, reaches temperatures of over 350ºC (550°F) that can boil 1 quart of water in 10 minutes. .

Vetted Performance Status

Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves: Pot Capacity: 15.0 L; Approximate lifetime: 10 years; People fed: 12; Weight: 18kg; Local assembly possible: yes.

Safety

Guidelines provided by the manufacturer must be followed to avoid burns or malfunctioning when manipulating the solar cooker. It is not recommended to use SolSource on very uneven surfaces because pots may slide off the pot stand.

Complementary Technical Systems

Improved with use of sunglasses. SolSource also commercializes a classic grill pan for 89.99 USD.

Academic Research and References

Davison, I., Mast, D (2015). Final Project Report: Heliostat-Concentrator Solar Cooker. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Dugstad, J (2017). Novel Low-Cost Solar Thermal Energy Concepts for Developing Countries. NTNU Open.

Funk, P (2017). Solar Cooking from the past and into the future. ASABE. Resource Magazine. 24(3): 08-09.

Lehner, O (2014). Proceedings in Finance and Risk Series ‘14 Academic Collaboration and Research Network Austria – Finland – United Kingdom. 2014 ACRN Oxford Publishing House. ISBN 978-3-9503518-2-8 (electronic).

Compliance with regulations

Referenced standard: EPTP by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.

Other Information

Note: For August 2018, SolSource only fulfils online in the USA and select European countries through their website and Amazon. Customers outside the US and Europe may wish to order from Amazon for cost-effective international shipping. For bulk purchases, please contact them using their Partnership Form.