The Problem: Home ovens using natural gas or propane produce unhealthy fumes inside the home (Stanford research, American Lung Assoc. research), and in some places wood and charcoal are used for cooking indoors which produces unhealthy fumes, while contributing to deforestation. Electric ovens require significant energy, most of which will be from non-renewable sources (producing pollution somewhere).
Existing Solutions: There are a few solar ovens already on the market, none of which have any temperature control, are so small they aren't reasonable for normal use, and most are flimsy. These factors mean that they are all essentially non-viable for use.
The Solution: To address these issues, I've designed an outdoor, true solar oven. With an actual "normal" temperature control, in a nice medium sized oven, and durable as typical home ovens. Additionally, it can also be used as a burner for pots/pans (no solar burner exists currently).
Thanks to Builders + Backers Summer 2024 Idea Accelerator Powered by Heartland, as a participant in the Summer 2024 Cohort, I'll be building a functional MVP prototype, followed by a "home show" event booth displaying the prototype where I'll do information only pre-sales, surveys (w/ $300 prize incentive), and even wheel it outside for a live demonstration during the event.
Additionally, I'll be approaching international organizations/NGO's to assess their purchase potential for providing these for community use in places where people currently forage for or purchase wood and charcoal.
These both will be supported by QR codes/URL's to landing pages and this website with additional information with options to request additional information, complete surveys, etc.
You can see the development progress on my blog site: bliary.wdo.app/wesdean
If you want to play with the Mirror Calculator I programmed which will eventually calculate the Solaven owners mirror positioning, you can see that here.