Commercial Solar Dryers in Kenya

We are a reputable manufacturer and supplier of a premium assortment of commercial solar dryers in Kenya. Agricultural products are dried in East Africa using our commercial solar dryers. Commercial farmers in the area selling dried items to domestic and foreign markets have access to our solar dryers. These dryers’ covers and structural framework are materials suitable for human consumption.

They are environmentally friendly, save electricity, and dry four to five times more quickly than open-air drainage. Our sun drying systems are an effective method of food preservation and a cost-effective approach to storing perishable items. You have to consider the product, location, and drying volume for each session while designing our low-cost commercial solar dryer in Kenya. Depending on the customer’s needs, this stationary or mobile solar dryer for fruits and vegetables can be passive or active.

Commercial solar dryers in Kenya

Solar dryers are equipment for drying agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, and grains using solar energy as the primary heat source. We design them to harness the sun’s energy to dry the products and preserve them for longer. They are an alternative to traditional drying methods that rely on fuel-powered dryers. In Kenya, solar dryers are applicable to dry fish, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, cereals, and meat. They utilize less energy, are less environmentally harmful, and dry produce much faster. The drying process, if applied, will drastically decrease Africa’s food shortages.

Inside the natural solar drying system, the air dries the food product the warming is by sunlight. Raising the price of meat and food crops is a simple strategy that helps reduce the quantity of wasted agricultural produce. The UV’s impact on food quality, sensitivity to rodent and insect pests, and soil contamination are some problems of open-air drying.

The cost of Commercial solar dryers in Kenya

Commercial solar dryer costs in Kenya vary according to the models and sizes. We have solar dryers made of both metal and wood. The price of metallic solar dryers ranges from 80,000 to 110,000 Kenyan Shillings. In contrast, the price of a hardwood solar dryer is between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 68,000.

Dimensions	No. of Shelves	Metallic Cost in Ksh.	Wooden Cost in Ksh.
1.5 m  x 1.5 m x 1m	3	80,000	49,000
2 m x 2 m x 1.5 m	3	100,000	58,000
3 m x 2 m x 2 m	3	110,000	67,000

The types of solar dryers

Aqua Hub Limited produces both passive and active sun dryers with natural and forced circulation. Passive solar dryers don’t need any additional mechanical assistance, in contrast to active dryers. Additional mechanical inputs include a biomass heating unit, solar-powered exhaust and extraction fans, and synchronizers. They extend drying time by 30% to 100% over passive drying. Affixed biomass heating units make it possible to dry at night, on cloudy days, or while it’s raining.

For agricultural items, wooden or metallic sun dryers are applicable. Metal sun dryers are the most common in Kenya. They are long-lasting since they are of galvanized steel. The cover comprises translucent, UV-treated greenhouse polythene sheets 200 microns thick. It features shelves for drying fruits, meat, fish, and vegetables. The shelves’ level may change depending on how much you have to dry.

There are other different types of solar dryers available, each with its own design and features. Some of the common types include:

1. Cabinet dryers: These are enclosed structures designed to hold the product inside while it is being dried. They are suitable for small-scale operations and can dry a wide range of products.
2. Flatbed dryers consist of a flat surface on which the product is placed and exposed to sunlight. They are simple and easy to use and can dry a wide range of products.
3. Tunnel dryers: These are large, enclosed structures that use a combination of solar energy and airflow to dry the products. They are suitable for large-scale operations and can dry a wide range of products.

What are the benefits of Solar Dryers?

Solar dryers have several benefits that make them an attractive option for drying agricultural products. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Cost savings: Solar dryers rely on the sun’s energy to dry products, which eliminates the need to use fossil fuels and reduces the cost of drying.
2. Energy efficiency: Solar dryers are designed to harness the sun’s energy efficiently, which can lead to significant energy savings compared to traditional drying methods.
3. Environmental benefits: Solar dryers do not produce emissions and reduce the use of fossil fuels, making them a more environmentally friendly option for drying agricultural products.
4. Quality improvement: Drying products under controlled temperature and humidity, solar dryers are better at preserving the quality and nutritional value of the dried products.
5. Preservation of the product: Solar dryers can help to prevent spoilage by drying the products quickly and preserving them for a longer period.
6. Low maintenance: Most solar dryer designs are simple and require low maintenance.
7. Suitable for small-scale farmers and processors: Solar dryers are relatively low cost and well suited for small-scale farmers and processors, who may have limited resources and access to traditional drying methods.
8. Suitability in remote areas: Solar dryers can be used without electricity or fossil fuels, making them an appropriate technology for rural or off-grid communities.

Overall, solar dryers offer a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional drying methods. They can help to improve the quality and preservation of agricultural products and are also suitable for small-scale farmers and processors in developing countries.