Anyone experimented with the Fresnel type lenses to concentrate solar energy? I have ordered a set of lenses off of Ebay to play with. I can see an immediate use as a fire starter, and can also see using the concentrated power to cook with with proper setup (dutch oven). I worked with Lasers in my previious life and am concerned about eye damage with concentrated solar energy. inadvertent reflection of a concentrated beam could do some serious eye damage so safety has to play a big part in what I do. I've watched a few videos on U-tube where the presenter did some careless things. One was reaching into the edge of the beam to take off a pan lid. I kept expecting to see smoking fingers.. another was the use of a stainless steel mirror to redirect the energy without safegards to protect others from reflections. If you can concentrate the energy enough to cook with, it has the potential to do damage..
One advantage of the solar heat cooking method in SHTF situations would be the lack of a smoke column to betray your location. If they are close enough to smell the cooking, invite em in...
One advantage of the solar heat cooking method in SHTF situations would be the lack of a smoke column to betray your location. If they are close enough to smell the cooking, invite em in...
I tried to set some dried leaves on fire. No more cracker jacks for me after that ... 
