reflective surfaces

by Joseph Hardin
(Provo, Utah)

Does the number of reflective surfaces that a solar oven has make a difference in how fast or how hot water heats up??


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Thank you Joseph for your great question!

Yes, the number of panels can have an effect on how quickly you are able to heat things up.

You can see some examples in the pictures I have added...

It is one of several factors that can determine how effectively you concentrate the suns rays onto a cooking vessel.

The more reflective surface(s) area you have then the more sunshine you can concentrate into a given area.

Having four reflector panels can allow you to capture more sunlight than having only one panel.

Also, the shinier and cleaner your reflective surface the more sun's rays can be concentrated.

And the more curve your panels have, the more concentrated will be your focal points, such as when using a parabolic (concentrator) cooker.

This is a brief explanation, so I hope this is helpful.

You can see some samples of homemade solar cookers using these examples I gave you: Solar Cooker styles


Nathan
Admin.