A solar dryer is a device that uses solar energy to dry agricultural products, fruits, vegetables, and other materials. It captures sunlight and converts it into heat, which is then used to remove moisture from the products. The drying process occurs in a controlled environment, ensuring faster and more uniform drying compared to traditional open-air drying.

Solar dryers offer several advantages, including faster drying times, protection from dust, insects, and contamination, and reduced spoilage. They also maintain better quality, color, and nutrient content of the dried products, making them ideal for commercial use. Additionally, solar dryers are environmentally friendly and cost-effective, as they rely on renewable solar energy.

The drying time depends on factors like the type of product, moisture content, weather conditions, and the type of solar dryer used. Generally, solar dryers can reduce drying time by 30-50% compared to open-air drying. For example, fruits like mangoes or tomatoes may take 1-2 days to dry in a solar dryer, while they might take 3-4 days with traditional methods.

Solar dryers can be used to dry a wide range of products, including fruits (e.g., mangoes, bananas, apples), vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, onions, chilies), herbs, spices, fish, meat, grains, and even medicinal plants. They are versatile and can handle various moisture levels, making them suitable for different agricultural and food processing needs.

The cost of a solar dryer depends on its size, type (e.g., direct, indirect, or hybrid), and capacity. Small-scale solar dryers for household use can cost between ₹30,000 to ₹65,000, while larger commercial models may range from ₹1 lakhs to 15 lakhs or more. The payback period is typically 1-3 years, depending on usage, cost savings from reduced spoilage, and increased product quality.