disclosed are systems and methods to concentrate sunlight with inflatable enclosures to heat substances , including fluids and for cooking , and to provide concentrated sunlight for other uses . the system includes an inflatable sunlight concentrator , an inflatable cooking housing , and a cooking container . when inflated , the upper balloon has a substantially cone - shape and concentrates sunlight towards the bottom balloon . the bottom balloon may be of various shapes and may concentrate sunlight towards the cooking space . each balloon is less than two ounces and can be folded into a small pocket - sized package when it is deflated . the cooking space may be a thermal bag , a box , or an insulated space .