In present work, a flat plate collector assisted with reflecting system and desiccant wheel was used to dry oleaster fruit (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.). Three levels of air flow rate (0.025, 0.05 and 0.09 kg/s) and different dryer conditions: with reflectors (WR), with reflectors and desiccant wheel (WRD) and without reflectors and desiccant wheel (WORD) were considered to dry single layer of oleaster. The results indicated that the effect of using reflectors and desiccant system on extraction moisture from product was significant (P < 0.05). By using reflectors and desiccant wheel, the specific energy consumption for drying oleaster was decreased by 11.32-30.15%. The overall efficiency for WRD was obtained in the range of 33.21-39.64% which was higher than the system without reflectors and desiccant system. The results of the exergetic analysis showed that maximum exergy efficiency of drying system for WR, WRD and WORD was 38.8%, 56.7% and 32.1%, respectively. Solar thermal fraction rate for WRD was lower due to higher thermal energy inside of the drying cabinet. The payback time for system with optimized condition can be decreased about 15%. The quality consideration showed that the quality of oleaster (also the powder) dried by WRD is better than WORD and sun drying samples. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.