What is a DIY solar cooker?

A DIY Solar Cooker allows you to enjoy hot food anywhere off-grid; it’s a portable and low-cost method to cook food while out and about. You can slow cook stew, make soup, or even heat hot dogs — all with solar energy! The easiest way to get your hands on a solar cooker is to make one yourself.

How do I make a solar cooker box?

To create the box, measure out 4 sides onto your wood planks. You can make your cooker square or rectangle; it’s entirely up to you. The size of our box is 12” x 12”. Using these dimensions, measure and cut the base of your solar cooker. Lastly, the height of your box will depend on the size of your pot. Our box is 7” in height.

How do you make a solar cooker a greenhouse?

Lastly, place the cooking pot in the center of the solar cooker and cover the box with plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will catch the heat and trap it within the cooker, creating a greenhouse effect. Place the solar cooker in direct sunlight, and position the tap flap to reflect the sun into the box.

How do I build a solar cell cover?

Build a frame around the substrate to support the solar cells and the protective cover. Ensure the frame has enough depth to house the cells and the cover without pressing against them. Use a transparent, durable material like Plexiglass or tempered glass as a cover.

Can you use cardboard to make a solar cooker?

Now it’s time to cut the cardboard and the car windshield sun protector. You’ll use the cardboard to make the top of your solar cooker; the windshield sun protector will cover the sides. The cardboard you use can be anything you find on your recycling pile. For example, we used an empty pizza box.

How do you make a solar cooker stand?

To make the stand, cut a thin piece of dowel which you can use to prop the flap up. To determine the length of your stand, measure the highest angle you’d position the flap; this is the length between the front corner of the solar cooker and the back corner of the top flap.