How to Make a Solar Concentrator

Solar power has a myriad of practical applications, from providing heat for a domestic water supply to creating emissions free electricity. Although it remains a relatively expensive technology, solar energy can be harnessed in a simple and effective way by almost anyone. A DIY solar oven can be put together using cheap and readily available materials.

Double-walled corrugated cardboard box, approximately 20 x 20 x18 inches
1 sheet of clear glass
Duct tape
1-inch thick hardboard insulation
Floor tiles
Aluminum foil
Strong wood adhesive
BBQ thermometer and wooden spears

Instructions

- 1
  Open a the cardboard box and bend the flaps backwards, securing them to the exterior sides of the box using duct tape along each corner.
- 2
  Cut the hardwood insulation to size and ensure that it provides total coverage for the base and four sides of the box, internally and externally.
- 3
  Tape aluminum foil to one side of each piece of interior insulation --- shiny side facing up --- to maximize insulation.
- 4
  Attach the insulation boards to the interior of the box using adhesive, with the foiled side facing inward. Repeat the process with the exterior of the box. Spray the outside of the box with the black paint to maximize heat absorption.
- 5
  Spray paint the floor tiles black and place them in the bottom of the box on top of several evenly spaced wooden BBQ spears. This will minimize heat loss by making a gap between the tiles and box.
- 6
  Lay the sheet glass on top of the opening of the box. The glass needs to be slightly bigger than the opening so that it can lay on top safe and securely.
- 7
  Tape a BBQ-type thermometer to the inside of the box where it is clearly visible through the glass sheet.
- 8
  Place box in direct sunlight and start cooking.

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