This study describes the development of a multifunctional solar system designed for implementation in some communities in the Meseta Purepecha, Michoacan, Mexico. The multifunctional solar system device—called T’imani (in the Purepecha language)— consists of two modules designed for domestic use: one for cooking food, the other for heating water. The thermal characterization is based on the use of standardized tests for both modules. The parameters obtained indicate that use device is suitable for in the conditions of solar resources in this region. Additionally, a pilot test was carried out to implement some devices that show favorable preliminary results for domestic use. Hence, due to the device functionality and that in Mexico there is abundant solar resources it is feasible to implement the device in many places throughout the country.
A comparative study of two corn nixtamalization processes is presented, one in the traditional way of the Michoacan region of Mexico, and the other using solar devices. The corn selected for the process was a nontransgenic endemic dark corn. For the nixtamalization process, a solar concentration oven was used; this process using the solar device is simple and affordable for communities. For characterization, the properties of the antioxidant content of dark corn were analyzed for both processes, and the highest concentration of antioxidants between the two varieties of corn was obtained. The antioxidant capacity in the two varieties of black corn was quantified and determined, and the anthocyanin pigments were extracted with methanol. The total anthocyanin content (CAT) was evaluated by the pH difference method, and the antioxidant capacity by the DPPH method. In the solar nixtamalization process, a higher content of CAT anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity were obtained. Therefore, the solar energy process was proposed as a sustainable energy option, and we concluded that black corn nixtamalized with a solar oven had high antioxidant levels and could be used as a nutritious food.