Abstract: A novel combination of technologies from the fields of coffee roasting and solar-thermal energy collection enables the roasting of coffee beans by means of available solar energy with maximized efficiency. A solar receiving plate is provided configured to receive and convert solar radiation to thermal energy for heating a volume of air. A roasting chamber is provided configured for receiving and circulating the heated air from the solar plate. At least one valve is provided configured to be in at least one of a closed position and an open position for controlling at least one of air inflow and outflow into at least one of said solar receiving plate and said roasting chamber.