Energy Savers... The Basics of Solar Cooking
Sunshine is the most reliable resource we have, so why not use it? Uses for solar energy are abundant, but most don’t consider cooking with it. Solar cooking takes the power of the sun, reflects and focuses it in such a way as to produce a remarkable heat source. This is done using reflectively coated walls around the food. Think about how warm the summer sun makes a stone or the interior of a car. Similarly, a solar cooker intensifies the suns rays and makes them hot enough to cook an entire chicken or roast dinner.
Solar Cooking
Solar ovens are popular for camping and for those trying to save money, but they can also be fun and easy to use. Many people like to build their own, but they can also be purchased. Cooking solar saves money on gas or electric and doesn’t heat up your house in the summer. People not only cook meals in their solar ovens, but also bake, fry and make waterless boiled eggs. Some hold multiple pots, while others are made for single dish items.
Building Your Own Solar Oven
Building a solar oven can be an elaborate affair or as simple as lining a cardboard box, it depends on the foods to be cooked. The required materials can cost under ten dollars. Some designs will produce a higher heat than others, so it is important to understand your needs. There is also potential danger in some undercooked food, so using a thermometer to check temperatures is also highly recommended.
Solar Cooking Products
Commercially available solar ovens come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Prices will also vary depending upon their flexibility, ease of use and durability. Some are designed to carry anywhere, while others depend on a stable setting and are more permanent. Designs come in fold out, box, or hybrid designs. There are also items like reflective vinyl that can be purchased to aid in creating your own design.
Solar Cooking, A Global Solution
In some areas, the sun shines almost every day. This allows people to use their solar cookers on a regular basis if they choose. In some countries where electric and gas are scarce, wood is the only answer, but burning wood can make for a dirty environment. It can also be dangerous in dry climates and within enclosed areas for breathing. This makes solar cooking not only an efficient resource, but also a healthier lifestyle for many people.
Saving Casa has a comprehensive list of ways to save energy and water at home. Our list provides the most cost-effective and convenient ways to save energy, money, and the environment. Energy Efficiency Tips at: http://www.energysavingcasa.com/Energy_Efficiency_Tips.html
Very Useful Legal Resources at:
Build Your Own PedalPower Energy Device
http://www.scienceshareware.com/pedal-power-build-your-own.htm
Emergency electrical backup resources
http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/article_emergency_backup_power.html
Helpful tips about using a power inverter for electrical backup during an emergency
http://www.sunshineworks.com/solar-panels-emergency-use.htm
Wide variety of reasonably priced solar items
Terrific information on digging your own well also!
The Survival & Self-Reliance Studies Institute: SSRsi is a comprehensive database of self help, self reliance, survival, emergency preparedness, outdoor adventure and Do It Yourself information. No annoying ads, banners or frames and absolutely free!
http://www.ssrsi.org/sr2/Water/digh2o.htm
Introduction to Inverters
Arguably the second most important part of any renewable energy installation is the inverter. Many household appliances run on varying DC voltages. The problem is that it's easier to convert DC to AC than it is to change all of your devices to run on whatever DC voltage they require.
There are many different inverter brands, but there are really only two different types of inverters: true and modified sine wave inverters.
Let me explain what the differences between inverters are. AC current looks kind of like a smooth wave. The picture at the left demonstrates what a true sine wave looks like.
This type of AC current is the best and you shouldn't run sensitive electronics such as a TV or computer without a true sine wave inverter. You can run them on modified sine wave inverters, but you run the risk of damaging the equipment.
This type of inverter could be used on heaters, refrigerators etc. Anything that isn't affected by power surges.
A good rule of thumb when choosing an inverter is this: am I going to run a computer or TV with this inverter. If the answer is yes than you should get a pure sine wave inverter.
We've shopped around quite a bit, but the cheapest place to get an inverter is still ebay. I know we promote it a lot, but there are discontinued or used inverters on there that are upwards of 40% less than buying one brand new.
I recommend looking for the Xantrex inverter. We've had good experiences with it, and so have people we've talked to. Other ones will do just fine, just make sure you decide which kind you want: a modified or true sine wave inverter. Personally, I like inverters with an 1800 and up wattage.
If you want to check out where you can get inverters check out the link below: