<![CDATA[Metode pengeringan ikan tradisional yang digunakan nelayan skala kecil di Indonesia masih rentan terhadap variabilitas cuaca, kontaminasi, serta kualitas produk yang tidak konsisten, sehingga menurunkan nilai jual dan menyebabkan kerugian ekonomi. Meskipun pemanfaatan energi terbarukan semakin banyak didiskusikan, masih terbatas perhatian terhadap desain alat pengering ikan tenaga surya yang terjangkau, portabel, dan sesuai dengan kebutuhan sosial-ekonomi nelayan kecil. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan dan mengimplementasikan alat pengering ikan tenaga surya berbiaya rendah untuk meningkatkan efisiensi proses, kualitas produk, serta dampak ekonomi bagi masyarakat pesisir. Dengan pendekatan pengembangan teknologi terapan, kegiatan dilaksanakan di Desa Padak Goar melibatkan 15 nelayan yang dipilih secara purposif. Tahapan meliputi perancangan dan fabrikasi alat, uji kinerja lapangan, pelatihan penggunaan, serta evaluasi melalui uji laboratorium kadar air, uji organoleptik, dan survei kepuasan pengguna. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan waktu pengeringan berkurang hingga 40% dibandingkan metode tradisional, sementara produk yang dihasilkan konsisten memenuhi standar kadar air SNI (≤25%), sehingga lebih higienis dan layak pasar. Selain itu, harga jual ikan kering meningkat rata-rata 15% dengan tingkat kepuasan pengguna mencapai 93% terkait kecepatan, kebersihan, dan kemudahan penggunaan alat. Temuan ini membuktikan bahwa pengering tenaga surya tidak hanya meningkatkan efisiensi teknis, tetapi juga memperkuat ketahanan ekonomi dan penerimaan sosial. Secara praktis, penelitian ini menawarkan model teknologi tepat guna yang dapat direplikasi pada perikanan skala kecil, sekaligus berkontribusi secara teoretis pada pengembangan pengetahuan mengenai inovasi energi terbarukan dalam pengolahan hasil perikanan berbasis masyarakat. Traditional fish drying methods among small-scale fishers in Indonesia remain vulnerable to weather variability, contamination, and inconsistent quality, leading to reduced market value and economic losses. Despite the growing discourse on renewable energy applications, limited attention has been given to the design of solar-powered fish dryers that are affordable, portable, and socially adapted to the needs of small-scale fishers. This study aimed to develop and implement a low-cost solar fish dryer to improve processing efficiency, product quality, and economic outcomes for coastal communities. Using an applied technology development approach, the project was conducted in Padak Goar Village with 15 purposively selected fishers. The stages included design and fabrication of the dryer, field performance tests, training sessions, and evaluation through laboratory analysis of moisture content, organoleptic tests, and user satisfaction surveys. Findings revealed that drying time was reduced by 40% compared to traditional methods, while the resulting products consistently met the national moisture standard (≤25%), ensuring hygienic and marketable quality. Moreover, the average selling price of dried fish increased by 15%, accompanied by a high acceptance rate, with 93% of participants expressing satisfaction regarding speed, cleanliness, and ease of use. These results demonstrate that the solar dryer not only enhances technical efficiency but also strengthens economic resilience and social acceptance. The study contributes practically by offering a replicable model of appropriate technology for small-scale fisheries and theoretically by enriching knowledge on the intersection of renewable energy innovations and community-based fisheries processing.]]>
