A solar still is a very simple device for distilling water, powered by the heat of the sun. A few basic types of solar stills are cone shaped, boxlike, and pit. For cone solar stills, impure water is inserted into the container, where it is evaporated by the sun through clear plastic. The pure water vapor condenses on top and drips down to the side, where it is collected and removed. The most sophisticated of these are the box shaped types. The least sophisticated are the pit types.

Solar stills are used in cases where piped or well water is impractical, such as in remote homes or during power outages. In Florida and other hurricane target areas that infrequently lose power for a few days, solar distillation can provide an alternate source of clean water.

External links

• Solar Still Basics
• Desert Survival: The Solar Still