solar cooking uses the sun as the source of energy instead of standard cooking fuels such as charcoal, coal or gas. solar cookers are an inexpensive and environmentally sound alternative to traditional ovens. they are becoming widely used in areas of the developing world where deforestation is an issue, financial resources to purchase fuel are limited, and where open flames would pose a serious risk to people and the environment. solar cookers are covered with a glass plate. they achieve a higher temperature by using mirrors to focus the rays of the sun.