The insufficient knowledge base for the design and optimization of solar dryer could be the obstacle to the unrealized promise of solar drying. By applying the lumped-parameter approach in the analysis of the transfer processes and utilizing known results from drying theory, this article demonstrates a methodology for the construction of a reduced mathematical model of the forced convection solar cabinet dryer. The model comprises only the variables directly involved in the energy and mass balance relationships for the drying process. The values of the variables determine the state of the processes in the dryer, and the model is a set of relationships that determines such a state. Specializing into thin product bed with sponge pieces constituting the product, this article describes an experiment carried out to verify the model. It also presents an assessment of the model parameter value from the experimental result and a simulation procedure with a result, which positively validates the model. The procedure used indentifies and quantifies the important mechanisms occurring in the solar drying process. This opens up a new dimension in the design and optimization of the solar dryer and the dryer operation. The article hopes to contribute towards the knowledge base and stimulate further interest in solar drying.