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Solar dryer price| Solar dryers are eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for drying agricultural produce such as fruits, veggies, spices, herbs and also livestock products. They harness the power of sun to remove moisture, preserving food and reducing waste. Unlike traditional methods, solar dryer speeds up the drying process, reduces the risk of contamination, works well in all seasons, even during cloudy days etc.
What is solar dryer?
It’s a device that uses solar energy (sun) to dry farm products. It’s an excellent choice when compared to traditional drying methods, which often rely on open air drying and fuels which can be prone to contamination. Solar dryers come in various sizes and design to suit different needs, from small-scale individual users to large-scale commercial operations.
Types of solar dryer in Kenya.
Natural convection.
They are the simplest type of dryers; they are made using basic design that allow hot air to circulate naturally while cool air sinks, this creates an airflow that helps in removing moisture from the drying product.
Mechanical ventilation .
This type, relies mostly on fans or blowers to circulate air ensuring consistent airflow and temperatures within the system.
Hybrid .
It’s a combination of solar energy with an additional heat source (electricity), making it ideal for continuous, high-capacity drying operations.
Commercial dryer.
It’s a high-capacity systems designed for large-scale operations, making it suitable for businesses that require high-volume drying with minimal labor and optimal product quality.
Factors that influence solar dryer prices.
Size and capacity: Small dryers are cheaper since they accommodate less space and less materials will be required during construction while for large units, they tend to be costly due to materials needed.
Technology: Advanced models with features like fans, or automated systems with timers are more costly.
Source of energy: Some dryers such as hybrid use both electric power and solar energy to dry products this makes them costly but they offer consistent during even on poor weather conditions.
Materials: The materials that make up the system are made from durable items such as 200-micron polythene cover; stainless steel metals cost more but last longer.
Portability: There are different types of dryers in terms of mobility, there are fixed ones and portable ones, fixed are expensive compared to portable.
Location: Depending on where you want your dryer to be installed, shipping of various materials can add to the overall price.
Solar dryer price ranges.
Their prices range as follows;
| Solar dryers’ sizes (L*W*H) | No of shelves | Carrying weight in kilograms | Prices in Ksh |
| 2M X 3M X 2M | 2/2 | 80-100 | 120,000 |
| 2M X 4M X 3M | 2/2 | 90-110 | 150,000 |
| 2M X 5M x 2M | 2/2 | 110-130 | 180,000 |
| 3M x 5M X 2M | 2/2 | 125-150 | 215,000 |
| 3M x 6M X 2M | 2/2 | 150-180 | 250,000 |
| 4M x 6M X 2.2 M | 2/3 | 180-200 | 290,000 |
| 5M X 6M X 2.2 M | 2/3 | 200-250 | 350,000 |
| 6M X 6M X 2.2 M | 3/3 | 240-300 | 385,000 |
| 6M X 8M X 2.2 M | 3/3 | 300-380 | 450,000 |
| 7M X 9M X 2.2 M | 3/3 | 500-600 | 520,000 |
| 8M X 10M X 2.2 M | 3/3 | 800-1000 | 580,000 |
| 8M X 12M X 2.2 M | 3/3 | 1200-1500 | 650,000 |
| 8M X 15M X2.2M | 3/3 | 2000-2300 | 780,000 |
| 8M X 24MX2.2M | 3/3 | 3000-4000 | 950,000 |
| 8M X 30 X 2.2 M | 3/3 | 6000-7000 | 1,350,000 |
The prices include; solar dryer structure (galvanized metal tubes), nectarine polythene, insect net, drying selves, solar panel, fan, installation, black liner, door and ventilation.
Uses of various materials used in solar dryer construction.
Fan: It’s used in improving airflow, reducing drying time, and maintaining product quality.
Black liner: It’s a crucial component in solar dryers, primarily used for heat absorption and retention.
Insect net: Used primarily for ventilation purposes, allows moist air to escape, preventing condensation inside the dryer.
Solar panel: used to generate electricity from sunlight, powering components such as fans, heaters, or sensors to improve drying efficiency.
Drying shelves: It’s a place where the product being dried is kept.
Structure: Can be wooden or metallic (galvanized) provides a strong structure for the system.
Solar dryer polythene
It’s a covering material made from polyethylene (PE), a durable and flexible plastic material. It’s a translucent cover which allows sunlight to enter the chamber, creating a greenhouse effect that raises the internal temperatures and maintains low humidity levels, increase in temperature creates a hot environment which is used to dry up agricultural produce.
The polythene cover come in two different types of micros 150 and 200 microns.
Advantages of using polythene.
Its cost effective
Light in weight
Portable
Environment friendly.
Where to buy solar dryer
If you are a farmer thinking of installing dryers then look no further since HORTITECHNO PRODUCE AND SERVICE Company offer a range of solar dryers’ sizes designed for both small scale and commercial users. Our dryers are an excellent investment for farmers, businesses and individuals seeking for sustainable food preservation methods.
What can be dried using solar dryer.
It’s a versatile tool that can be used to dry a wide range of food products and non-food products. Here are some common items that can be effectively dried using this technology:
In agriculture: Crops like grains, vegetables, herbs and fruits
Pharmaceuticals products: It can be used in drying medicinal plants and herbs.
Industrial: Used in drying fabrics and dyed materials.
Food products: Used in preserving fish, meat and dairy products.
Benefits of using solar dryer.
Utilizes renewable solar energy reducing operational costs.
They last for a period of 5 to 10 years.
Controlled drying reduces spoilage and maintains nutritional value.
Requires low maintenance.
Can be designed for small, medium and large-scale operations.
Conclusion.
Investing in dryers can be sustainable and cost-effective solution for food preservation. Understanding the price ranges and factors influencing the cost can be an added advantage to a farmer with a fixed kind of budget. The initial cost may seem higher but it has long term benefits from energy saving to improved product quality.
If you are a farmer thinking on this system, look no further since HORTITECHNO PRODUCE AND SERVICE Company will walk with you through this journey from installation process.