A hybrid system consisting of vapour compression unit, a liquid desiccant system, and a flat solar hot water collector were designed, fabricated and tested. This combination allowed for a separate control of humidity and temperature without energy penalty. Various packing heights of the absorber component were tested to determine the optimal performance of the combined unit. A 1000 mm packing height with cross-sectional area of 600 X 600 mm, proved to be the best height that gives promising improvements in the coefficient of performance of the vapour compression unit. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.