Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Zacstar Ltd. (Zacstar), an Ontario-based company, is committed to designing and implementing solar energy systems in the form of off-grid, grid-tie, mini-grids, and hybrid systems. They distribute, design, manufacture, install, own, operate, and maintain solar systems. Zacstar aims to encourage people to turn to solar appliances to reduce the use of fossil fuel, which in turn will lower greenhouse emissions. The company aims to manufacture high-quality solar appliances for sale and distribution throughout Africa and North America. In collaboration with Lambton College, Zacstar seeks to develop a new solar oven system to address the limitations of existing solar ovens in the market. The proposed solar oven system consists of a solar thermal absorber and PV panel, which simultaneously convert solar energy into thermal energy and electricity. An integrated battery pack with a PV panel can store energy and be used when sunlight is insufficient for cooking. The battery will provide power in the absence of solar PV power. This solar oven system offers a sustainable and eco-friendly cooking solution, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The solar module will generate power for the stored power in the lithium-ion battery, provide power to a DC auxiliary heating element that maintains balancing heat, power the air circulation fan, and power the motors that turn the louvres to let air in and out of the oven. The project's successful results will prove the appliance's performance, reliability, and economic feasibility. Zacstar can gain valuable insight into their current position and what they need to do to move forward, and this will enable them to develop, explore, and implement new ideas and innovative changes to this revolutionary technology that brings improved and/or transformative performance of their current product, which will help them to continue being the technology leader in the solar appliance industry. This project will produce both economic and environmental benefits to Canada's efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions and net zero by 2050 since there is no fuel needed for solar ovens. Zacstar anticipates establishing a full-scale operation in 3 years, creating as many as 20 FTE positions. It will increase Canada's competitiveness in the clean energy race.