The use of solar energy is pure and most proven alternative energy source. Solar air heaters are used as a renewable energy source in regions where huge sunlight is accessible. They are useful for drying or heating the product. In this paper, single pass solar air heater using forced convection is studied experimentally and then the theoretical calculation are performed for simple payback period and net present value. This study is performed for National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal. The outlet temperature and thermal efficiency is obtained experimentally upto 58 °C and 58.33% respectively. The simple payback period and internal rate of return is 12 years and 9.25% respectively considering 10% discount rate.