In this study, a novel technique is applied to recover the pyrolysis products (bio-oil, char, and non-condensable gas) from algal biomass (E. compressa) by utilizing solar energy. To observe the parametric effect on product distribution, the temperature was varied from 250 to 600 degrees C, heating rate of 20-100 degrees C/min, particles feed size of <0.5-2.5 mm and sweeping gas flow rate of 3-15 liter per minute (lpm). The maximum solar bio-oil yield of 38.12 wt% was obtained at 400 degrees C, 9 lpm, <0.5 mm and 20 degrees C/min. The non-condensable gas evolution rate increase with a rise in temperature except for CO2. The bio-oils were characterized and their economic feasibility was evaluated by proximate, ultimate and GC-MS analysis whereas char product was characterized by proximate and FTIR. The gaseous products were analyzed by micro-gas chromatography (GC). The products yield and their characteristics highly dependent on temperature variation. The products possess high energy contents which are a potential alternative fuel. The energy upgrading factor, and solar to chemical conversion efficiency was also calculated. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.