The basic principles – C.A.R.E.S

ü C – Collect the heat.

ü A – Absorb the heat.

ü R – Retain the heat.

ü E – Ease and Efficiency.

ü S – Safety.

C: Collect the Heat :

•  collect the sunlight using reflectors to reflect the sunlight to the center of the box. 
• Reflective surface materials include: aluminum, Mylar, aluminized Mylar of any thickness or chromium paint (Note: mirror like reflectors can lead to eye damage)

A: Absorb the Heat :

§The container is covered with black paper and black plastic to absorb the heat.

§ The container is elevated by a wire base allowing the bottom of the container to absorb more heat.

§ The box is also elevated by a wire base allowing the heat from the ground to reach the box.

R. Retain the Heat : 

üWe use the cling wrap because cling wrap doesn’t melt easily when heated.

ü Another material is the transparent High Density Polyethylene bags .
(HDPE)

ü Prevent the HDPE bags from touching the containers as they may melt.

ü Avoid polyethylene because it melts too easily when heated.

E: Ease and Efficiency

Ease – simplicity of everyday use

oThe solar cooker don’t have to be turned to follow the sun.

Efficiency - how fast the cooker heats food : 

o The solar cooker uses reflector to reflect the sunlight to the center of the cooker to heat up the container.