Energy-conservation potential for solar cookers in arid zones of India

Energy consumption for cooking accounts for most (90%) of the total energy used in developing countries. Solar cookers may play a significant role in conserving traditional cooking fuels (firewood, cowdung cake, etc.). Here, we examine different solar cookers (the solar oven, a hot-box solar cooker, and a solar cooker with tilted absorber) and evaluate their potential impact on energy savings. Relatively short payback periods are obtained for investments in solar cookers.