The authors of the article show the possibility of drying transformer windings using solar energy and the results of increasing the efficiency of a flat air collector by installing metal shavings on the absorber across the longitudinal air flow flowing through the collector. A solar drying installation has been developed, consisting of a solar air collector and a drying chamber. Experimental studies of a solar drying installation with a solar air collector including a conventional flat absorber and with a solar air collector with improved heat removal performance due to transversely installed metal shavings showed a significant difference between the air temperatures in the drying chamber, namely a more efficient use of the solar air collector.