Solar Water Stills: Principles And Application

Since the 1980s, no large-capacity solar distillation plants have been built, mainly for the following reasons: Large installation areas are needed, solar distillation plants have low efficiencies, and solar water desalination has been developed, which in some cases can replace solar distillation (e.g., for medium-size communities). (more…)

Solar Distillation Process

Solar distillation is the process in which solar heat is used to purify water from an impure water source by evaporation and condensation. When solar distillation is used to purify water from saline water, the process is also called solar desalination. Desalination converts saline water with high salt content, about 3.5% by weight in seawater and about 0.6% in brackish water, into fresh water suitable for drinking and other purposes. Use solar energy can be used for desalination, either as thermal energy through the use of solar thermal collectors or solar ponds, or as electricity. mainly through the use of photovoltaic cells. (more…)