The Solar Dryer is a simple construction using wood and plastic sheet to increase the quality of cocoa and other products. Using this technology, the outcomes of the harvest will be better in quality and more in quantity (less loss due to rain, animals and other spoilage).
The main aim of the Solar Driers is to get the product off the ground and cover it from weather conditions.
This is achieved by building a table at about 100cm/1 meter of heights where the product to dry is spread out. A roof structure built of wood and plastic sheet covers the table. The sunlight can pass the sheet, heating up the air in the construction. This leads to more consistent temperatures, a faster drying process and a higher quality level which results in higher market prices.
Also it reduces losses due to spoilage (i.e. permanent rainfalls, animals, insects…).
It enables people to dry in the rainy season as well as in the dry season.
The idea behind the drier is to make it a community project, with shared responsibilities and small usage fees to keep up with maintenance work.
