A critical review on solar cooking systems for residential application

This study presents a comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of solar cooking systems evaluating their design principles, operational efficiency, and real-world applicability. Through an extensive review of current literature and technological innovations, the paper categorizes and compares different solar cooking methods including box, panel, and parabolic cookers while assessing their performance, usability, and socioeconomic impacts. The research underscores the environmental benefits of solar cooking, such as reduced carbon emissions and deforestation, alongside its potential to alleviate energy poverty in underserved regions. This paper investigates key barriers, including technological limitations, cultural preferences, economic constraints, and lack of infrastructure, offering insights into why solar cooking has not yet achieved global scalability. Despite their potential to displace conventional fuels, the adoption of solar cooking systems faces significant technical and socioeconomic barriers. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge, identifies these critical challenges, and provides actionable insights to facilitate the transition to this sustainable cooking solution.