**4. Conclusions**

Potable water is considered to be a scarce commodity especially in arid and remote regions. While conventional desalination technologies offer an excellent solution to meet water demand, they are considered to be energy intensive processes. Conventional desalination technologies are well suited for large scale applications but they are not-efficient and not suited for small scale water demand. Conventional desalination processes are expensive to operate and require continues maintenance which prevent their utilization in remote areas.

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With the ever increasing energy cost and unavailability in the future, there is a need for cost effective desalination system that is well suited for small scale application. Solar desalination is expected to be a promising method to alleviate water shortage. The interests in solar desalination technologies have increased significantly in the last few decades. In order to maximize the utilization of solar desalination, the desalination efficacy needed to improved further and its cost must be reduced. Solar energy powered by desalination process can have a positive impact on reducing gas emissions and can considered to be a reliable source for potable water. Solar desalination processes can provide fresh water for remote areas in a sustainable way. Currently, more research is needed for improving solar based desalination and the treatment of waste water using these units.
