In this research, a hybrid solar dryer has been designed for day and night operation through
forced convection for drying mango slices and preparation of bread toast. As studied from the
literature, enough research is not done on the use of recirculation of exhaust hot air and baffle
in a solar dryer. The thermal and economic performance of the dryer has been assessed by
calculating collector efficiency, drying efficiency, drying rate, payback period and cost-benefit
ratio. It is found that the maximum collector efficiency is 74.1% and 66.96% with and without
the use of exhaust hot air recirculation. Performance parameters such as drying rate (0.95 kg/
hr), drying efficiency (32.89%), payback period (1.4394 years), and cost-benefit ratio (2.08)
have been evaluated. An effective drying effect is produced by using an electric coil for night
operation of dryer. An increase in the solar radiation increases the temperature of air inside
the collector, thereby increasing the collector efficiency, drying efficiency and drying rate. The
coefficient of determination for outlet collector temperature during consecutive three days is
estimated above 95%, thus signifying a higher order of fit. Performing an uncertainty analysis
of measurement, the uncertainty error is calculated below 10% exhibiting a reliable experimental
result. Solar drying is considered as a sustainable food preservation method without
negatively impacting the environment and finds wide applications in the fruit and food processing
industries, domestic purposes etc.