Breakthrough in Renewable Energy: Solar Desalination with Higher Efficiency

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Rajshahi University have made a significant discovery in renewable energy, detailing a new data-driven approach to solar desalination. The study addresses the pressing global challenges of water scarcity and non-renewable energy. By integrating photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems with solar desalination, the researchers have achieved overall efficiency between 60% and 80%, significantly higher than traditional systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PVT system utilizes both electricity and thermal energy from the same surface area, reducing specific energy consumption by 12%-18% compared to traditional desalination methods.
  • The study highlights the economic feasibility of these technologies, with desalinated water costs decreasing from approximately $10/m³ in the 1960s to as low as $0.60/m³ in recent years.
  • The research concludes that PVT solar desalination is a viable technique that meets SDGs 6, 7, and 13 by providing clean water and renewable energy.
  • The study highlights various environmental factors affecting PVT-integrated solar desalination and freshwater production enhancement techniques.
  • The researchers identify comprehensive reviews on PVT-integrated solar desalination systems as limited, calling for further analysis of environmental, technical, and economic aspects.

Statistics:

  • 60%-80% overall efficiency achieved by PVT systems, significantly higher than traditional photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal (ST) systems.
  • 12%-18% reduction in specific energy consumption compared to traditional desalination methods.
  • Desalinated water costs decreased from approximately $10/m³ in the 1960s to as low as $0.60/m³ in recent years.
  • 19% increase in the number of publications on PVT-integrated solar desalination technologies between 2015 and 2025, according to the Energy Nexus journal.

Sources:

  • A comprehensive analysis of the PVT-integrated solar desalination technologies: Present condition, challenges and way forward. Energy Nexus, 2025,19():100479. The publisher for Energy Nexus is Elsevier.
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100479.
  • Free version available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100479.