SOLAR DRYER (DIRECT)

Solar dryers are specialized devices that control the drying process and protect agricultural produce from damage by insects, dusts and rain. In comparison to drying product in the open air, solar dryers generate higher temperatures and lower relative humidity which results in shorter drying time, lower product moisture content and reduced spoilage. Hence, solar dryers have the following advantages over the sun drying: These include drying is faster and as a result less risk of spoilage; the product is protected against flies, pests, rain and dust; it is labour saving; the product can be left in the dryer overnight or during rain; and the quality of the product is better in terms of nutrients, hygiene and colour. Solar dryers come in various forms and sophistication and so far, various types of solar dryers have been designed, developed and evaluated under different tropical and subtropical regions. The choice of a dryer and drying method depends on the type of the product, availability and cost of the dryer, energy consumption, cost of dehydration and the final quality of the dried product.