The sun has almost limitless (at least in my lifetime) energy and force that I can harness.. and the most effecient is also the most simple.. like just leaving a tub of water out in the sunlight to warm it.

But, of course there are ways to improve on that and add just a little bit of technique and tools to multiply the harnessing..

Ever since I lit paper on fire with my first magnifying glass, I have been enchanted with using the power of the sun.

Now that I am adult.. I do know that the ultimate is probably some sort of solar power plant, but even before the use/need of panels and batteries.. how about a simple mirror, or a B I G magnifying glass..

this one seems the most direct and makes sense to me.

Most likely, I won't need to burn down a fleet of attacking boats, but I can see things such as heating water for bathing or for consumption..

and COOKING!

Now there are many different methods, from the easy black box with tin foil and glass and a pot...

to the ultra fancy and sleek looking gadgets they have today..

I was thinking it might be easier to have one big metal surface, like a grill or range, then use pots and pans on it like a more traditional stove. (or maybe like a solar grill/oven?)

What I end up going with will most likely be dictated by what's easiest to source and build later, but here are a couple vids that I have always thought were the best on the subject..