Theoretical Background In the Southern African region, the need for reliable and economical cooking appliances is growing rapidly, especially in the many rural and underdeveloped areas. Solar cookers have been in use for several years and play an important role in the lives of the people who use them. Previous research conducted by bodies such as the South African Department of Minerals and Energy and Solar Cooking International, into the effectiveness and environmental impact of solar cookers, will be explored in depth. The possible advantages and disadvantages of these cuisines will be discussed, as well as the various types that have made their way onto the market so far and their relevance to Southern Africa. Solar cookers are a form of eco-cooking and are one of the most fundamental methods of harnessing solar energy for human use. In the Southern African region, solar cookers have gradually become more popular over the past few decades, as they represent an efficient solution to many of the fuel and economic problems facing rural communities. Free solar energy can be harnessed and used as fuel to run solar cooking appliances, thus reducing the need for other fuels such as paraffin and wood (see Tucker, 1999). These stoves play a fundamental role in the lives of the many families who use them, as they are economical and simple to use. They provide users with an effective and reliable method with which to cook meals and play a huge role in terms of saving money for these families. According to a comparative field test conducted by the South African Department of Minerals and Energy, clear preferences were indicated in the results, for certain types of kitchens, amo...... half paper ......aic panels is that it uses a renewable resource and will therefore continue to produce energy indefinitely. Studies have shown that the demand for photovoltaic panels is increasing as the cost of this technology decreases. The installation of various photovoltaic panels has created and will create further job opportunities for the unemployed. Photovoltaic energy is sustainable and environmentally friendly. The main disadvantage of photovoltaics is that it depends on the presence of sunlight, meaning that during cloudy days and at night, even though the panels can store energy during the day, there may not be an adequate supply of electricity ( PEARCE, J.M. , 2002). It can evidently be reasoned from the numerous advantages mentioned above that photovoltaic panels represent the superior scheme compared to axial flow hydraulic turbines for the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast.