ABSTRACT

Solar energy is one of the most readily available renewable energy sources and can be used in many ways to preserve precious conventional fuels. Solar energy is one type of renewable energy resource that is generally available throughout the world. Most of the Indian subcontinent has high potential for solar radiation, which is suitable for the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for power generation and other solar thermal applications. Other options include nuclear energy, wind energy, biomass, fuel cells and ocean/wave energy. The natural solar dryer is also commonly known as the open sun dryer. This is an ancient method of drying and people have been using this method for generations. The direct solar dryer has a number of limitations, namely, overheating, overdrying, decolorization, and degradation of the biochemical properties. These are mainly due to direct exposure of the crop to sunlight.