Do solar cookers work at high altitudes?
Yes. In fact you can cook faster at higher altitudes. Solar radiation is typically much higher at higher altitudes, due to thinner atmosphere, fewer particles (both air pollution and moisture particles) in the air that will impede, reflect, absorb and scatter sunlight. Water vapor absorbs energy and at higher altitudes humidity is usually lower. Therefore at higher altitude the food is heated up more quickly, so you gain time there. Depending on what type of food you cook (amount of moisture) or what type of pot you use, may result in a “steady state” lower temperature due to water evaporating. However the energy to the pot is higher.
