In 2023, a large-scale solar drying system was successfully installed in Linfen, Shanxi Province, China. With a collector area of 385㎡, this project aimed to solve the seasonal challenges faced by local producers in drying agricultural goods such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables. The result? A clean, reliable and energy-efficient drying solution powered entirely by solar energy.
Project Location: Linfen, Shanxi Province
Installation Area: 385 square meters
Commissioned: 2023
System Type: Vacuum tube solar heat pipe collectors + air blower + drying chamber
This project was carried out by local agricultural supplier Nawayxuan, in partnership with Soletk Solar, focusing on high-efficiency solar thermal technologies for crop processing and preservation.
The solar drying system utilizes vacuum tube heat pipe collectors to convert solar radiation into thermal energy. That heat is then transferred to an air exchange system that circulates hot air through drying chambers. This process removes moisture evenly and gently, maintaining product quality without burning fuel or relying on electric heaters.
The core components include:
Vacuum tube solar heat pipe collectors with aluminum reflectors
Insulated air ducts
Heat exchange module (air-to-air)
Temperature sensors and digital controller
Adjustable fan speed system to match drying curves
The design ensures fast heat-up time, stable temperature control, and high thermal conversion efficiency, making it ideal for sensitive agricultural products.
Drying is one of the oldest and most important methods of food preservation. Traditional sun-drying is time-consuming, weather-dependent, and often unhygienic. Fossil fuel dryers are expensive to operate and produce carbon emissions. A solar drying system addresses all these issues:
✅ Zero fuel cost after installation
✅ Stable drying environment (35°C–75°C adjustable)
✅ Cleaner, safer, and more hygienic processing
✅ Improved product quality and shelf life
✅ Reduced operating expenses for farmers and processors
In Linfen, the system has been running successfully through multiple seasons, handling everything from Chinese medicinal herbs to sliced root vegetables, with drying efficiency exceeding expectations.
The client reported:
“Compared to our previous diesel dryer, the solar drying system cuts operating costs by 70%. The drying time is shorter, and the color of the final product is noticeably better. The automation also saves labor.”
Technicians from Soletk Solar conducted training on system monitoring, seasonal adjustment, and preventive maintenance. The response time and technical support were also praised.
Besides agricultural drying, a solar drying system can be used in many sectors:
Herbal medicine processing
Tea leaf dehydration
Fruit and nut preservation
Timber and bamboo drying
Animal feed and grain moisture control
Waste drying and sludge treatment
Soletk also offers related solutions such as:
Flat plate solar water heater for dormitory and hotel water needs
Mobile solar water heater for military camps and disaster zones
Heat pipe solar collector for industrial hot water generation
Industrial solar air heater for workshops and greenhouses
The Linfen solar drying system demonstrates how modern solar thermal technology can make agriculture more sustainable and efficient. It's a model that can be replicated across regions with high solar irradiation and rising energy costs.
If you're looking to reduce drying costs, improve product quality, and meet environmental standards, a solar drying system is a smart investment.
Interested in a customized solar drying system or other thermal energy solutions?
💼 Our team at Soletk Solar can design, engineer, and supply systems tailored to your needs.
📧 Email: export@soletksolar.com
🌐 Contact page: /contact-us.html
Let the sun work for you—clean, reliable, and powerful.
