THE USE OF INDIGENOUS MATERIALS FOR SOLAR CONVERSION

Presented are two example applications of solar technology that are ea sy to disseminate to places where they are needed. One is a solar cook er made of a polymer based insulative material (called wood) and the o ther is a solar hybrid kitchen employing a single axis tracking parabo lic dish which focuses light onto a fixed spot in a village kitchen. T he examples presented indicate that by using indigenous materials, use ful solar energy conversion can be accomplished using optics and desig ns which are easy to construct. In this way, not only basic human need s are met, but technical problems are considered which meet socio-econ omic requirements for many communities while preserving the environmen t.