Guidelines for measuring adoption and impact of solar cooking
In order to be able to successfully track the global use and impact of solar cooking and the progress of
such, it is important to gather consistent information from all programs and projects which have worked
to implement and/or increase solar cooking. Without an accurate understanding of the use of solar
cookers worldwide, it is incredibly difficult to have a reliable picture of the status of solar cooking, track
progress, or advocate for future efforts. Therefore, we have designed a guideline with need to know
information from solar cooker projects. Additionally, there is supplemental information which would be
incredibly helpful in gaining a more accurate picture of the status of solar cooking worldwide. Please
take the time to complete this information and submit it to Caitlyn.hughes@solarcookers.org.
Questions to be asked of program participants
How many meals per week do you cook with your solar cooker?
How many people are in your household?
How many are children?
How many are elderly?
How much fuel did you use per week (and of what type) before receiving a solar cooker? Please include
units (ex: kg).
How much fuel do you use per week (and of what type) after receiving a solar cooker? Please include
units (ex: kg)
How much money do you save on fuel per week because of solar cooking?
How much time do you save per week by not having to gather fuel?
On a scale of 0-10 (with 10 being very likely), how likely is it that you would recommend solar cooking to
a friend or family member? Net Promoter Score “On a scale of 0-10 (with 10 being very likely), how likely
is it that you would recommend solar cooking to a friend or family member?”
If a friend asked you about solar cooking, what would you tell them about it?
What (if any) changes have you noticed in you and/or your family’s health since you started solar
cooking?
Questions to be answered by project implementer
Need to know information
Measuring outputs
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How many solar cookers were distributed?
How many people were taught how to construct a solar cooker?
How many demonstrations, workshops or classes were held?
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How many people attended those trainings, workshops or demonstrations?
# of direct beneficiaries (total household size for recipients of solar cookers, attendees of
trainings/workshops/demos)?
# of indirect beneficiaries?
Over what time period did this project occur?
Is the solar cooker still functioning after x amount of time?
How many meals/week are being cooked with the solar cooker?
Supplemental information
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What is the level of social adoption of solar cooking?
 Would people recommend it?
 “If a friend asked you about this product, what would you tell them
about it?"
 Would you get another solar cooker if you did not have this one?
 Are younger generations using it more?
 Is it being adopted on a larger or institutional basis?
 Is it supported by the government and/or businesses?
 Are people willing to pay for it/invest in it?
Do people understand how to use a solar cooker?
 Can they teach someone else how to successfully use a solar cooker?
Measuring impact
What is the time saved from gathering fuel by solar cooking?
What is the amount and type of fuel saved by solar cooking?
What amount of carbon dioxide production does this reduce?
What amount of air pollution does this reduce?
What costs are saved from solar cooking?
Income generated directly or indirectly from solar cooking?
What amount of forest land is saved by solar cooking?
How long would it take that forest land to recover?
What is the decrease in respiratory diseases after the implementation of solar cooking?
What is the decrease in water borne disease after the implementation of solar cooking?
Total project cost per solar cooker or ton of CO2 saved?
Other factors to consider
Are the materials readily available?
Can people buy a solar cooker?
Is there a place to buy them?
Can people afford them?
Time period after which follow up evaluation/interviews are conducted?
Other factors influencing adoption rates (weather, follow up visits, unrest)?
Data gathered at multiple time periods (i.e. different seasons)?
Impartiality of data collectors?
Good for cooking particular/variety of foods?
Fuel gathered or bought?
Used for pasteurizing water?
Other factors influencing impact (i.e. other projects implemented simultaneously)
Repairs/insurance available for solar cookers?
Availability of supplemental supplies (i.e. plastic bags, appropriate pots, etc.)?
Insolation?
Ideally, cooking data would be collected before and after the introduction of solar cookers.
Lessons learned from the project (success, suggestions for the future)
Additional questions
How long after solar cookers have been distributed is it ideal to do a follow up study regarding
use?
What is the typical life span of a solar cooker?