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How To Make A Simple Solar Oven

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By Angela Perry


Because of the threat of climate change, many people now look for clean alternatives to conventional sources of energy. The energy that the sun provides, for example, is gaining in popularity because it is renewable and environmentally friendly. It doesn't even have to b expensive to make the switch, since you can build an effective Solar Oven at home.

Not only is a cooker that uses the sun's heat a cheap alternative that saves electricity, but it also provides a solution for making a warm meal when you don't have access to other types of energy. In many developing countries, it can even prevent water-borne diseases because it enables people to boil water and make it potable. In addition, it's very easy to make your own cooker.

Making your own cooker is so easy that even a child can do it. You will need a cardboard box big enough to accommodate a pie tin or pot. You'll also need some aluminum foil, black construction paper, old newspapers, clear plastic wrap, and tape or glue. The tools to have on hand include scissors or a box cutter as well as a ruler, stick or wooden spoon about a foot in length.

To start, mark a line along three sides on the top of the box, a minimum of an inch from the edge. Then carefully cut all along the line. This will form a flap that you can lift.

Once you have made a flap at the top of the box, you need to line the inside of this flap with aluminum foil. You can tape or glue the foil to the cardboard. What is important is that the foil should be as smooth as possible. The idea is that the aluminum will reflect the sun's rays into the box.

Once you have assembled the flap, you need to add the lining. Place construction paper in the box to line the bottom. The paper should be black in order to absorb more heat. Then roll up sheets of newspaper and place them along the sides to add insulation.

The best time to use your oven is around midday, when the sun shines at its brightest. Place the box in a sunny spot and place a pie tin, plate or pot with food inside. Then tightly tape two layers of clear plastic wrap over the opening in the box, since this will allow the heat to enter but not to escape again. Using a ruler, stick or wooden spoon, prop up the lid at an angle that best reflects the sunlight into the box.

A solar-heated oven is best for slow-cooked food such as soups, stews or baked potatoes. You can also use it to cook eggs, toast, vegetables, rice, hot dogs or cookies, to heat up leftover food or even to melt cheese or marshmallows. The secret is to keep checking the flap and adjusting the angle when necessary, so that you can get as much heat as possible to go into the box.




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