Abstract: To offset waste heat generated by a photovoltaic cell during operation, a cooling system is coupled to the photovoltaic cell. The cooling system is coupled to a surface of the photovoltaic cell opposite another surface of the photovoltaic cell on which solar energy is incident. In various embodiments, the cooling system includes one or more tubes through which fluid is directed. The fluid for cooling the photovoltaic cell may be contaminated water that is directed to one or more solar desalination stills after absorbing heat from the photovoltaic cell to product distilled water. After being further heated by the solar desalination still, water may be directed to a membrane distillation module which produces additional distilled water from the water heated by the solar desalination still and by the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to solar distillation methods and systems for recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, a process for water distillation includes a cycled arrangement, alternating between a day cycle and a night cycle to enhance the yield of potable water. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system includes a solar still having a design and orientation to maximize solar energy capture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a solar distillation system capable of recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, the system includes a substantially air tight solar still having a roof top composed of a solar light-transmitting material. The solar still includes a tube positioned below and running underneath the roof top, the tube having an exit end. Additionally, the solar still includes a heating surface positioned below the roof top and adapted for receiving at least a portion of the non-potable water exiting the tube at the exit end. Non-potable water on the heating surface is solar heated and a portion of the non-potable water evaporates and condenses on the outside of the tube to be collected as potable water.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to solar distillation methods and systems for recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, a process for water distillation includes a cycled arrangement, alternating between a day cycle and a night cycle to enhance the yield of potable water. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system includes a solar still having a design and orientation to maximize solar energy capture.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a solar distillation system capable of recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, the system includes a substantially air tight solar still having a roof top composed of a solar light-transmitting material. The solar still includes a tube positioned below and running underneath the roof top, the tube having an exit end. Additionally, the solar still includes a heating surface positioned below the roof top and adapted for receiving at least a portion of the non-potable water exiting the tube at the exit end. Non-potable water on the heating surface is solar heated and a portion of the non-potable water evaporates and condenses on the outside of the tube to be collected as potable water.