There is a lot of demand for more food preservation in rural areas as people are encouraged to generate income from agri-business activities. As the potential for this activity is so high in most countries, the Solar Dryer is an increasingly popular technology.
The Solar Dryer can be made any size. The amount of heat collected by a reasonable collector can exceed 1000 watts per square meter at noon.
It is important for the air flow to be controllable. In the beginning the air turnover is relatively high and the temperature low. As the food items dry out, the flow is slowed so that the collector heats up the air to a higher temperature. This continues to dry out the food more and more.
Almost all food that is going to be kept for several months has to be blanched and/or sulphured. While many people object to the use of sulphur in preserved food, it is effective and cheap.
The Solar Dryer pictured here was designed to be transported around Swaziland's rural areas to demonstrate the idea. It is made with a fiberglass IBR covering on the collector which is very impact resistant. There are a large number of shelves (15) because it was intended to be able to dry spinach leaves which are large but very lightweight. If one was drying much weightier fruit like peach halves or mangoes, far fewer shelves would be used.
At the top of the drying cabinet (last picture) can be seen the controlling vents. There are two, the left one is fully open and the right one is closed. Air enters through the space under the bottom tray. A lock is fitted so that food can be left inside overnight. The vents should be closed at night to prevent cold moist air entering the cabinet.
All manner of food can be dried including raw beef (for making Kilishi), fruit, leafy vegetables, seeds, coconut (copra) and chopped vegetables.
This item ships from Africa and is made to your specifications. Please call or email for a quote.
Solar Powered Fruit and Vegetable Dehydrator 
There is a lot of demand for more food preservation in rural areas as people are encouraged to generate income from agri-business activities. As the potential for this activity is so high in most countries, the Solar Dryer is an increasingly popular technology.
