Solar Cooking and Solar Drying
“Solar Thermal” means Solar Heat. And one of the most important things that we do with Energy in the form of Heat is to use it to cook our food. Can you fry an egg on the sidewalk? Sure, with the right kind of sidewalk, on a hot sunny summer day. But there are better ways!
Download directions for the Solar Cooker.
From Mark Chalom: Below is a solar crop dryer I designed 45 years ago, based on a design by Peter van Dresser. I was asked to digitize it by Jeff Klien who funded this project through the Self Reliance Foundation, a non profit from Las Trampas many years ago. It’s a great design. I have built 2 or 3. Betty and I did a lot of drying. I also built one for Betty’s mom at Santa Clara Pueblo. She used it all the time. Apples, peaches, tomatoes, chili, jerky and laundry. Im sharing it and hope NMSEA can post as a resource on the web site. I gave a copy of the book to Luther Krueger, and he will digitize it all to share.
Low or no cost
Solar cooking uses zero fuel, frees up time, and is easy cleanup. Let the power of the sun cook for you!
Healthier
It’s healthier for you and the planet! Solar cooking requires no fossil fuels, uses less water, and does not produce harmful carcinogens.
Versatile
It’s easy to make a DIY solar cooker or simply purchase one. There are many different types of solar cookers depending on your needs.