Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

A solar still is a device that uses the Sun's energy to convert saltwater into drinkable water. It mimics the Earth's natural water cycle. In a simple solar still, saltwater is heated by the sun, turning into water vapor. This vapor rises, condenses on a cool surface, and collects as fresh water, leaving the salt behind. This process is effective for purification but produces a limited amount of water daily, making it suitable for small-scale needs. Indirect solar desalination combines solar energy with other methods like reverse osmosis for larger-scale production. Solar energy is a renewable resource, but its use in desalination is dependent on weather conditions.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.