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I just recently learned about solar cookers and plan to give it a try before the SHTF (although I don't have as many sunny days/yr as you). Are you familiar with solar cookers?"
Not yet. That's the one thing that we plan to use propane for. But we're going to try it when time allows. Here's a recipe site for that.
http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction_%26_Cooking_Tips
The following will provide the greatest savings that I know of from solar energy (with instructions). We're modifying them a little for our own use (insulated concrete tanks in insulated sheds instead of wooden tanks, pex tubing in concrete slab under house, heating coil for hot water runs through heating tank). ...not my site, BTW, but a great site written by a retired aviation engineer.
$1000 Solar Water Heater --Overview
http://www.builditsolar.com/Experimental/PEXColDHW/Overview.htm
The Solar Shed -- Using Solar Collectors Mounted on an Outbuilding for House Heating
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/SolarShed/solarshed.htm