Solar drying technologies: Selection criteria, technical feasibility, economic viability, and recent advances for sustainable agricultural practices

Recent advances in solar drying technology have enabled food preservation and agricultural processing of energy-friendly, clean, and sustainable developments in the rural sector of developing countries. The present review highlights the significant contributions of solar dryers in addressing energy supply challenges, and achieving the goal of sustainable development by providing affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The present review discusses innovative approaches in solar drying techniques, direct, indirect, and hybrid systems with a focus on improving drying rates, efficiency, and overall effectiveness. Additionally, the mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of these technologies are analysed. Furthermore, complementary technologies like thermal energy storage, computational modelling, and smart control systems are developed to enhance the performance and reliability of solar drying methods. Emphasising automation, process optimisation, and environmental sustainability, the findings demonstrate the role of solar drying in reducing emissions. The present review aims to cover breadth and depth, serving as a good source of information for scientists, engineers, and policy makers on maximising the possibility of solar drying in providing a more sustainable and resilient future.