Solar driers are structures that uses solar energy to heat up and dry produce. A solar drier converts light energy to heat which warms up the air trapped inside the structure and is then forced through the products inside the vents at the top. This is the most efficient technology, cost effective and sustainable renewable energy to enable preservation of agricultural products.
Advantages of solar drying of food
- They are faster, safer and more efficient than traditional sun drying techniques.
- Enclosed cabinet style solar drier can produce higher quality dried foodstuffs in humid and arid climates as well.
- Reduces contamination of food.
- Fruits and vegetables maintain their nutritional value.
- Conserves energy.
Features of a goldenstar solar drier.
- Galvanized steel/wooden structure. Holds the dryer polyethene sheet.
- Transparent polyethene sheet. Allows sunlight to penetrate though the structure.
- Shelves. Provides surfaces for drying food. they are made up of mesh materials to allow air circulation.
- Ventilation system. Enables circulation of air into and out of the structure.
- Heat absorbing and releasing dam liner on the floor.
How to use Goldenstar solar drier.
- Cut or slice the produce into smaller pieces. This increases the surface are for drying therefore reducing time taken to dry.
- Place the pieces onto the drying trays/shelves.
- Keep the door closed to avoid food contamination.
- Keep checking at regular intervals for moisture content using moisture meter.
Applications in Kenya.
- Flour making. Bananas, cassava, pumpkins, millet, and sorghum are dried and ground into flour
- Drying herbs and spices e.g. moringa, rosemary, Chilli etc.
- Vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, kales, spinach and indigenous vegetables such as amaranth, stinging nettle etc.
- Fruits such as mangoes, oranges, papaya.
- Fish such as tilapia, Omena etc.
- Coffee for milling
Cost of Goldenstar solar driers.
| Solar drier size (LxWxH) | Capacity (kgs) | Price |
| 1.5*1.5*1.5 | 40-50 | 75000 |
| 2m*2m*2m | 50-90 | 85000 |
| 2m*3m*2m | 80-100 | 95000 |
| 2m*4m*2m | 90-110 | 115000 |
| 2m*5m*2m | 100-130 | 145000 |
| 8m*4m*2m | 1000 | 961750 |
