Solar Cassava Dryer Unit – Project Profile

08/08/2025

1. ✅ Project Summary

The Solar Cassava Dryer Unit is a cost-effective, energy-independent solution that allows cooperatives, rural processors, and farmers to preserve cassava as chips, flour, or feed peels for food, feed, or export. Using solar heat instead of firewood or electricity, it reduces post-harvest loss, improves product hygiene, and supports local value chains—especially in off-grid areas.

2. 🏭 Output

  • Final Products:

    • Dried cassava chips (for export, ethanol/starch production)

    • Cassava flour (processed further after drying)

    • Dried peels and mash (for livestock feed)

  • Drying Capacity: 500 kg – 2 tons of wet cassava per cycle

  • Drying Time: 6 – 12 hours depending on sun and airflow

3. ⚙️ Core Equipment

Component Function
Solar Tunnel Dryer Greenhouse-type unit with transparent poly covers
Drying Trays or Racks Holds sliced cassava with airflow from below
Chimney/Ventilation Enhances airflow and humidity removal
Optional Enhancements Backup biomass burner, solar fans, UV filter cover

4. 📈 Market Context

  • Cassava chips are in high demand for animal feed, ethanol, and industrial starch.

  • Dried cassava is essential for cross-border trade in West and Central Africa.

  • Post-harvest loss in cassava is over 30% in some regions—mostly due to lack of drying capacity.

  • Clean, solar-dried products meet food safety standards and fetch higher prices.

5. 💰 Financial Indicators (Small-Scale Model)

Indicator Estimate
Initial Investment (CAPEX) $2,000 – $8,000 (depending on size/material)
Daily Drying Capacity 500 kg – 2,000 kg of fresh cassava
Operational Cost per Cycle Negligible (solar-powered)
Selling Price (dried chips) $180 – $300 per ton
Net Monthly Profit $400 – $1,500 (depending on scale/volume)
Break-even Period 6 – 12 months
Yearly ROI 50% – 100%
Jobs Created 4 – 10 (especially for women cooperatives)

💡 Solar dryers require no fuel or grid connection, maximizing long-term profitability.

6. 🌍 Development & Environmental Impact

✅ Reduces post-harvest waste and spoilage
✅ Enables clean, safe, export-ready cassava drying
✅ Empowers women/youth groups in rural areas
✅ Supports food security and animal feed availability
✅ Aligns with climate-smart agriculture and SDG 7 (Affordable Clean Energy)

7. 🤝 Projet Assistance: Deploying Smart Drying Solutions

Projet Assistance helps communities and agro-cooperatives establish solar drying capacity through:

  • Modular solar dryer kits (from 6 to 24 racks)

  • On-site assembly training

  • Pre-cut materials and affordable shipping

  • Technical support for hygiene and HACCP practices

  • Market linkage for chips and feed buyers

📩 Want to solar-dry cassava for profit?

Let's turn sunshine into income and food security.
📧 Contact: youta@projet-assistance.com
🌐 Projet Assistance – Empowering Off-Grid Agro-Industry

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