Cooking with solar power

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

There are many innovative technologies harnessing the power of the sun – but the solar cooker by SunFire Solutions must be one of the most useful and practical inventions.

These cookers deliver high quality energy at a very low cost and are ideal for those who want to make a radical choice in reducing carbon emissions themselves.

/
(Source: www.thegreentimes.co.za)

Founded by Crosby Menzies in 2004, SunFire Solutions has gone from strength to strength promoting solar cooking as part of their Integrated Cooking Solutions – which include the cookers, fuel-efficient stoves and retained heat cookers or SunBags.

These cooking devices are much cheaper than conventional appliances, as well as some of the most environmentally friendly and carbon-free on earth.

Menzies  points out that cutting down wood for fuel accounts to about 15-18% of primary global energy consumption – more than nuclear and hydropower combined. This, while the majority of rural Africans suffer from firewood shortages.

Save money

The average family in Southern Africa can save about three tons of firewood and 3000 litres of paraffin per year when using a solar cooker.

Southern Africa is also the largest region on the planet without electricity and solar cookers could make a difference to many rural families.

SunFire works closely with NGOs, government departments and the private sector to implement projects to introduce solar cookers and improve the lives of communities throughout Southern Africa.  

Awareness

“Awareness of solar cooking has rapidly improved,” Menzies says on www.thegreentimes.co.za. “However, access remains a primary barrier keeping solar cookers beyond the reach of the majority of individuals and communities we would ideally like to reach.”

He says solar cooking can be used in homes with or without electricity.

Solar cookers can also help to purify water and to supply clean, drinking water to remote areas. They take about 20 minutes to assemble and are then ready to be used for 10 years free of any charge.

There is no indoor pollution and there is a massive cost reduction for families who no longer have to spend money on fuel.

In addition, the environment is protected and deforestation is halted.

For more information visit www.sunfire.co.za or contact Crosby Menzies at 011 624 2432.