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This work addresses the analysis of a low temperature, forced-air, solar kiln timber dryer operated in Trinidad and Tobago (10˚N, 61˚W). The design is a 6 m 3 capacity kiln with a 36 m 2 collector external to the kiln which has a single glass cover with a slagbed roughened absorber and heat storage. Slag is the by-product in the manufacture of steel which is easily and cheaply available locally. The effectiveness of the system was proven in drying tropical hardwoods to a final equilibrium moisture content of dry basis, 16%. High quality products were obtained, in 2-5 weeks depending on climatic conditions, wet or dry season, species and thickness of the lumber. Tests carried out clearly indicated that solar kiln drying is about twice as fast as natural drying, and that the drying times are comparable with conventional kiln drying using electrical heating. These results demonstrated the great potential that such a renewable energy system using locally available materials possesses.

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