Solar assisted drying systems are used for the drying process of agricultural, fishery and other commercial products. Research in solar drying technology has been actively conducted at the SERI (Solar Energy Research Institute) in collaboration with industry. The result of this collaboration has resulted in three prototypes of solar dryers. The first dryer is the result of a collaboration with TechCera Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Bidor, Perak. Drying is done on sericite mica clay which has commercial results in the construction sector and welding industry. Collaboration with the Lembaga Kenaf dan Tembakau Negara (LKTN) produced the second solar dryer in Chuping Perlis. These dryers are used for Hibiscus Cannabinus L kenaf fiber. Both of these systems have a solar collector of water working fluid type and transfer heat through a heat exchanger as well as produce hot air for the drying process. The third dryer uses an air solar collector for high quality herbal products such as tongkat ali and kacip fatimah and is carried out in Kampung Chendahan, Tasik Chini, Pahang. All of these solar dryers have competitive value compared to fossil fuel dryers. Solar dryers have many advantages especially from the eco -friendly aspect compared to conventional dryers.
