Solar Stove for Rural Communities
Type: Approaches
Creation: 2010-10-07 00:00 Updated: 2017-07-13 10:48
Compilers: Anna Schuler
Reviewers: Laura Ebneter
Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied
- Country: China
- Region/ State/ Province: Qinghai Province
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Shazhuyu pilot of Gonghe County
Description of the SLM Approach
Short description of the Approach
Solar stoves use solar energy for cooking, featuring environmental-friendly, zero pollution, low cost, easy operation and maintenance, safe and convenient use, saving firewood, etc. To operate the stove, adjust condenser aiming at the sun with the spot on stove or other objects to be heated.
Detailed description of the Approach
Qinghai has high elevation, with intense and long sunshine to suit dissemination of the technology to compensate for the shortage of fuel in the countryside, effectively reducing the labor in wood/grass cutting and vegetation destruction, protecting the environment and promoting soil degradation control. Therefore the technology has significant ecological and social benefits.
Restrictions in use: it can only be operated when sunlight is available; operation requires manual adjustment of aim from time to time (lack of sunlight auto-tracking technology application) resulting in an operative time efficiency of about 40%. Solar stove dissemination is financed by the government with labor input by farmers and herdsmen. International financial aid is utilized as an effective incentive for implementation. Publicity and demonstration were conducted to attract more families to use solar stoves. Farmers are the users and beneficiaries so that training to them on operation and maintenance should be conducted.
In 2005, the solar stove dissemination started and so far 150 units have been in operation representing 28% of total demonstration households. Satisfactory results have been achieved. At present, Qinghai provincial government provides special financial support to the dissemination of solar stove extension so the technology application has a bright prospect.
Photos of the Approach
- 📷 Zhang Peng