Solar cooker testing
Reliable data powers every great innovation. SCI leads the world
in testing solar cookers to ensure every product powered by
the sun performs safely and effectively.
Photo Credit: UN CTCN Photographer: Miranda Rikki Tasker
Solar cooker testing
Reliable data powers every great innovation. SCI leads the world in testing solar cookers to ensure every product powered by the sun performs safely and effectively.
SCI champions rigorous, science-based testing to strengthen
the solar cooking sector and empower stakeholders—
manufacturers, consumers, NGOs, and policymakers—with
reliable performance data.
The Performance Evaluation Process (PEP) delivers a clear,
standardized performance rating for each tested solar cooker.
Grounded in international protocols, PEP results help buyers
make informed choices and allow manufacturers to validate
their claims with scientific credibility.
Across communities where access to clean, affordable cooking is limited, performance is not just a technical detail—it is a matter of health, safety, and dignity. By providing trusted, independent testing, SCI helps families cook more safely, reduce fuel costs, and avoid unnecessary smoke, burns, and illness.
Our work ensures that solar cooking technology delivers real benefits where it matters most.
Building Trust Through Science
SCI champions rigorous, science-based testing to strengthen the solar cooking sector and empower manufacturers, consumers, NGOs, and policymakers with reliable performance data.
Every test reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and real-world impact.
The Performance Evaluation Process (PEP)
The Performance Evaluation Process (PEP) delivers a clear, standardized performance rating for every tested solar cooker. Grounded in international protocols, PEP transforms complex data into meaningful guidance.
PEP empowers:
- Consumers to trust
- Manufacturers to prove
- Policymakers to act
Through PEP, buyers make informed choices, innovators validate their claims, and decision-makers advance clean cooking solutions with confidence.
View test results
Compare the performance of tested solar cookers and explore verified data from SCI’s evaluation program.
The SCI Testing Standard
SCI’s Performance Evaluation Process (PEP) is a replicable, standards-aligned method based on the (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers). Retain the historical acronym ASAE when referencing the protocol: ASAE S580.1, which predates when “and Biological” was added.
This process was created in direct response to global demand—from cooks, humanitarian agencies, and developers—for impartial, trustworthy solar cooker testing.
SCI ensures that every evaluation reflects scientific rigor and real-world relevance.
Access Official Results
Each solar cooker is listed alphabetically in the interactive table below and color-coded by type:
- Reflective-panel cookers (orange)
- Box ovens (green)
- Evacuated tube cookers (purple)
Note: PEP data is proprietary. Please do not republish without written permission from SCI.
|
Solar Cookers (click to access PEP Results Reports) |
Weblinks to more information on the SCI Solar Cooking Wiki |
Standard Cooking Power (watts) |
|---|---|---|
|
46 |
||
|
58 |
||
|
93 |
||
|
85 |
||
|
99 |
||
|
41 |
||
|
82 |
||
|
75 |
||
|
117 |
||
|
52 |
||
|
24 |
||
|
61 |
||
|
37 |
||
|
26 |
The PEP Tested label signifies completion of the testing process and manufacturer approval of results. It represents validated, dependable solar cooker performance.
Publications
Advancing the Science of Solar Cooking
SCI contributes to the global body of solar cooking knowledge through peer-reviewed research published in respected scientific journals.
Through this international network, SCI ensures that every test meets the highest standards of consistency, reliability, and scientific integrity—so communities everywhere can trust the results.
For access to research papers and technical documentation, click below.
Schedule a test
Get Your Cooker Certified. Join the standard.
Solar cooks around the world deserve performance they can rely on. In response, SCI developed the Performance Evaluation Process (PEP)—a standardized, trusted system for evaluating solar cookers.
By completing PEP testing, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to safety, quality, and community impact.
SCI prioritizes cookers that meet these standards.
For specific inquiries, contact SCI at info@solarcookers.org.
SCI Testing Centers
Kenya
Nairobi, University of Nairobi
USA
Nyack, New York. Solar Cookers International
USA
Pollock Pines (Greater Sacramento area), California. Solar Cookers International
Start the testing process
Interested in having a solar cooker tested?
Fill out the form to begin:
Manufacturers and designers – please complete the form below to receive information about having your solar cooker tested. Please check your email inbox (or junk folder) for the next steps.
The SCI Performance Evaluation Process (PEP) is a solar cooker testing platform. PEP results provide a single performance specification per solar cooker, which is useful for consumers and investors to make informed decisions when comparing solar cookers. PEP measurements also provide credibility to the solar cooking sector and products. PEP testing applies a protocol published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). PEP test results allow manufacturers to share evidence-based claims for their solar cookers. SCI prioritizes PEP-tested solar cookers.