Development and Performance Evaluation of a Low-cost Solar Greenhouse Dryer

The greenhouse effect is a process that involves trapping the solar radiation that’s coming from the sun. A greenhouse is a structure made of glass that’s designed to provide a certain environment for the plants. Its main objective is to provide the plants with the necessary conditions to grow well. Although this type of technology is centuries old, it’s still being used in the country. The agriculture sector is India’s backbone and contributes to the country’s economic growth. A new technology is needed that can help enhance the performance of the farming systems. Among the most prevalent types of such technology is the green house. Due to the country’s semi-arid climate, greenhouse cultivation is expected to grow significantly in India. Unfortunately, since the government doesn’t provide financial support for the construction of these structures, the farmers have to build their own greenhouses. This study is aimed at developing a low-cost greenhouse structure. It is found that the cost of proposed low-cost greenhouse is 2.617 times less than that of conventional greenhouse. Major Findings: Greenhouses enable plant development in harsh or arid climates, making them effective for farming. Integration of technology like sensors benefits the environment. The proposed low-cost greenhouse is 2.617 times cheaper than standard designs, making it suitable for resource-scarce settings.