technology, solar panelsAlthough the economy is struggling still, companies that are utilizing solar technology appear to be thriving. I stay in touch with the manufacturers and sellers of solar ovens, and all of them report that the sales of solar ovens have been steadily increasing for the last three years. The technology behind solar ovens has  improved and they are easier to use and reach higher temperatures than the older ones. The solar cooking technology has improved to the point where some solarovens reach temperatures that rival conventional ovens that use fuels.The solar panels that reflect the light into the covered boxes areshinier reflecting more infrared rays into the cooking chamber whichcreates more heat. The ovens are also better insulated, which helpscontain the heat better, making for faster cooking as well.

I myself can testify to the energy impact of solar cooking. I use three of them and they save a great deal of electricity. In January it was too cloudy and rainy to use the solar ovens to cook our meals and our electric bill that month was higher than if it were summer here in Phoenix. We also missed the bright, crisp, fresh taste of all that solar cooked food as well. But it's spring now and sun is smiling on us so we have another ten months ahead of us for dependable solar cooking.