About sci
Solar Cookers International is a global nonprofit
dedicated to bringing the life-changing power of
solar cooking to families worldwide.
Photo Credit: Eco-Impact Hub CBO
About sci
Solar Cookers International is a global nonprofit
dedicated to bringing the life-changing power of
solar cooking to families worldwide.
Photo credit:
UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Mission
Our mission is to improve human health, economic well-being, women’s empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Vision
We envision a world where everyone has access to affordable, clean, sustainable energy for cooking.
Strategic plan
A roadmap to a sun-powered future.
Learn how SCI’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan is expanding access, strengthening networks, and driving global recognition of solar cooking as a scalable solution for people and the planet.
Impact statement
SCI influences:
Changes in policy
Changes in practice
Changes in research and development that result in an increased adoption of solar cooking worldwide.
SCI leads through advocacy, research, and strengthening the capacity of the global solar cooking movement.
How we work
We deliver impact through three focus areas: advocacy,
capacity building, and research.
Photo credit:
UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Advocacy
Giving solar cooking a voice on the global stage.
Since 1996, SCI has held special consultative status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), giving us a platform to show world leaders the power of cooking and purifying water with free solar energy.
Each year, we bring this message to key global forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), the High-Level Political Forum, and the Commission on the Status of Women. These are the spaces where global leaders shape the future of climate action, sustainable development, and gender equality, and we make sure solar cooking is part of that vision.
We also amplify our collective voice through networks like the International Solar Energy Society, InterAction, REN21, Humentum, and the Keeling Curve Prize. Across these platforms, we spotlight solar cooking as a simple yet transformative solution that advances all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Our advocacy sparks collaboration, drives new programs, and expands opportunities to serve communities.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Strengthening communities with training and resources.
SCI works side-by-side with governments, partners, and local leaders to bring practical and affordable solar cooking solutions to families worldwide. Every program starts with listening. Through community-led assessments, we ensure solutions fit local cooking traditions, household needs, and long-term sustainability. Women’s voices and leadership guide the process from day one.
We bring technical expertise and best practices while strengthening local manufacturing of solar cookers. This builds skills, creates jobs, and keeps economic opportunities within communities. Working together with participants and experts, SCI selects the best solar cooker for each region and adapts it to the way families actually cook.
When programs launch, our team leads hands-on training and live cooking demonstrations — often powered by women change-makers who inspire their neighbors to embrace solar cooking. As communities build confidence, they gain safer kitchens, lower fuel costs, cleaner air, and the ability to cook with the sun for generations to come.
Photo credit:
UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Photo credit:
UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Research
Strengthening solar cooking with credible data.
We strengthen the solar cooking movement with rigorous research, testing, and data-driven insights that prove its power and potential.
As a global leader in solar cooking research, SCI develops methods that benefit manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers alike. At the heart of this work is the Performance Evaluation Process (PEP) — our trusted testing platform that delivers reliable, evidence-based results. Using internationally recognized ISO protocols, PEP provides clear performance ratings that help consumers and investors compare cookers, while giving manufacturers a credible way to share standardized claims.
Just as fuel efficiency ratings guide car buyers, PEP’s cooking power values (in watts) guide families and partners toward effective solar cookers. This transparency builds confidence in solar technology and strengthens trust across the sector.
We also contribute to global knowledge through peer-reviewed research and international conferences, including Solar Energy Advances and the Solar World Congress, advancing the science and adoption of solar cooking worldwide.
Solar Cookers International’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement
Photo credit:
UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
We are committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a priority for the organization. The environment that we strive to create will require long-term, continuous self-reflection and evolution of ourselves and SCI. Below are a set of core commitments we are making both internally and to our greater community. These commitments serve as a touchstone for us to bear in mind as we make key decisions, action plan, and assess our progress.
We work to be inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of one another’s experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in order to work towards an environment where we can all be heard and participate fully – especially those most impacted by equity issues.
We commit to continuous learning about how our identities impact our lives and workplace, acknowledging power and privilege, and taking responsibility for our impact.
We build fair access to resources, opportunities, and leadership in order to ensure inclusion and full participation of underrepresented communities.
We strive to learn from, listen to, collaborate with, and highlight those who lack access to solar cookers and those most empowered by solar cooking in order to identify and promote clean-cooking-related solutions that work within our global and diverse communities.
Consult sci
Expert guidance to drive your solar cooking projects.
We offer tailored consultancy services to help organizations and
communities design, implement, and sustain solar cooking
programs. From best-practice project design and performance
testing to baseline surveys, training by women leaders, and global
visibility, SCI combines technical expertise with a worldwide network
spanning 135+ countries. By leveraging data, partnerships, and on-
the-ground support, we ensure every project has the tools and
evidence it needs to succeed—and to make lasting impact.
Photo credit: UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Photo credit: UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Consult sci
Expert guidance to drive your solar cooking projects.
We offer tailored consultancy services to help organizations and
communities design, implement, and sustain solar cooking
programs. From best-practice project design and performance
testing to baseline surveys, training by women leaders, and global
visibility, SCI combines technical expertise with a worldwide network
spanning 135+ countries. By leveraging data, partnerships, and on-
the-ground support, we ensure every project has the tools and
evidence it needs to succeed—and to make lasting impact.