Implementation of a Solar-Powered Fish Dehydrator

This study presents the implementation and evaluation of a solar-powered fish dehydrator aimed at enhancing traditional fish drying methods and reducing production costs for Kapampangan fishermen in Masantol, Pampanga. The system operates entirely on photovoltaic energy, consisting of four 260W solar panels, a 24V 100Ah battery bank, a 2000W inverter, and an 800W dehydrator. Designed for energy efficiency and sustainability, this setup supports a complete off-grid operation. Employing experimental, descriptive, and quantitative research methods, the study assessed the system’s drying efficiency, energy consumption, and overall performance under controlled conditions. Drying trials were conducted using two types of fish—tilapia and mackerel—under both full and partial load conditions. Observations were focused on evaluating changes in color, texture, and moisture content after dehydration. Results demonstrated that the solar-powered dehydrator consistently produced high-quality dried fish, while significantly reducing the overall drying time compared to traditional sun-drying methods. The system consumed approximately 5600Wh over a typical 7-hour drying cycle, which was fully supported by the solar energy collected during the day, confirming its reliability and independence from grid power. Statistical analyses indicated that marination time had no significant effect on drying efficiency. Overall, the study concludes that this system is a sustainable, efficient, and practical solution for fish preservation in rural coastal communities.