
EVALUATION AND THERMAL-ANALYSIS OF A SOLAR-ASSISTED DRYING-SYSTEM: ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ABSTRACT
In this last part, of the work on the thermal analysis of the solar-assisted drying-system for agriculture products, an economic analysis is carried out. The evaluation is based on the data collected from solar drying-experiments carried out using Roselle as drying-product. The results showed that the annual operating cost; revenue, profit, and energy saved is RM15047, RM23129, RM8082, and RM1976, respectively. The payback-period of the total system-cost is 5.86 years, and the rate-of-return is 23%.