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Life-cycle energy, economic, and environmental assessment of solar cooking technologies using an integrated sustainability index

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Solar cooking technologies have emerged as a promising alternative to fossil- and biomass-based cooking methods, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by limited evidence on their long-term sustainability. This study conducts a comprehensive cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Energy–Economy–Environment (EEE) analysis of three Scheffler-type parabolic solar cookers, SK-14, SK-23, and SK-30 and examines them in comparison to six conventional cooking methods. The objective is to quantify their life-cycle energy efficiency, economic viability, and environmental impact and integrate these results into a unified Selection Index (SI) for technology ranking. The analysis considers material acquisition, manufacturing, operational use, and end-of-life stages over a 10-year functional life. Results show that solar cookers exhibit substantial net energy gains: 9.48 × 10 4 MJ (SK-14), 2.58 × 10 5 MJ (SK-23), and 4.70 × 10 5 MJ (SK-30), outperforming all conventional systems. Economic evaluation indicates lifetime monetary benefits ranging from ₹188,764 to ₹1,065,322, with SK-30 achieving the highest net savings. Environmental assessment reveals significant CO 2 mitigation, ranging from 5.5 to 27.8 tons, compared with emissions of up to 6056 kg for LPG and biomass systems. The integrated SI framework identifies SK-30 as the most sustainable option (SI = 1.54). The novelty of this study lies in combining LCA, EEE, and Selection Index into a unified Decision-support tool for assessing solar cooking solutions.

Source: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2026.117455

Authors: Amit Kumar, Ashish Karn, Craig McGregor, Varun Pratap Singh

Institutions: University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Stellenbosch University

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,220