The solar bubble dryer uses solar energy for heating and electric energy for forcing air through the grains. It is a tunnel-type dryer, designed as an alternative to open field drying. Grain is placed in the bubble and a fan circulates the warm, dry air through the tunnel to dry the grain.

Capacity: 500 or 1,000 kg

Drying time: Reducing moisture by .5 percent every hour for rice or corn in good conditions. With optimal conditions, a crop can be brought from 22 to 14 percent moisture in 6 to 8 hours, according to the manufacturer.

Crops: tested for rice and maize

Fuel: solar or electric options available

Portable? yes, can be rolled up and transported easily

Ease of construction: professional

Product available for purchase? Yes, from GrainPro

Performance considerations: grain should be mixed regularly for optimum drying.

An instructional setup video is available from GrainPro.

FAQ from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)