Updated on January 31, 2024

·

Created on August 27, 2015

SolSource Solar Cooker

Distributed by SolSource, the Solar Cookers reaches temperatures of over 280ºC (550ºF) boiling 1 litre of water in 10 minutes.

Developed By
  1. Solsource
Tested By
  • Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves
Content Partners
Unknown

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.

When selling in the developing world, SolSource sells their product at a subsidized price. The subsidies are provided in cooperation with local governments and external funders. Additionally, SolSource sometimes offers instalment payments or rental options

Target SDGs

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Market Suggested Retail Price

$648.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

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

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include SolSuffit SuniCook and GoSun Solar Cooker Sport.

Countries

Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam

Manufacturing/Building Method

Mass produced in China.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent

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

Power output in full sunlight (W)

1,000 – 1,500

Max temperature (°C)

350

Oven volume (L)

15

Pot type

Flat bottom

Time to boil (min/L)

10

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.

Product Schematics

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), pp. 08-09.

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

Compliance with regulations

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

Evaluation methods

Unknown

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.

Emissions & Performance Test Protocol (EPTP) by the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.

Product also available on amazon, CantinaWest, RealGoods

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