The importance of solar cookers was greatly impacted by some wonderful mentors – Paul Funk, Barbara Kerr, Clinton Loney, Gordan Magney, John Roche,
Bill Sperber and Dick Wareham.

The Solar Oven Society projects are specifically designed for assembly of solar ovens to occur in developing countries.

On site assembly of solar ovens in developing countries presented some particular problems.

One of the major challenges is the lack of available and consistent electricity.  What better way to address it than to proceed without depending on electricity.

Thanks to some dedicated volunteers – William Butler, Richard Lund, Robert Nepper, John Roche, Bill Stevenson, Louis Stumpf, Tom Viker and Douglas Youel – we are reporting that our assembly does not depend on electricity or large machinery.

In total, nine fixtures are used for cutting insulation pieces, five fixtures for cutting and folding the aluminum liner, one jig for adding polyester film to the acrylic lid, and small fixtures for the clips, springs and links.

Another benefit of this assembly method is providing employment to local people.  Unemployment levels are considerably higher in developing countries.  Many people need and want a job.  They appreciate the opportunity to earn a respectable wage.  By not automating, we provide employment for more people in developing countries.

Also, automation usually means more complex machinery and higher cost to produce and duplicate the machinery.  This would only make the cost of the oven more.  Our goals included low-cost, durable, effective and attractive solar ovens. The SOS Sport meets these goals and its assembly will go forward even when electricity is not available.