Developments in solar-driven desalination: Technologies, photovoltaic integration, and processes

The growing global demand for fresh water, coupled with the environmental impact of conventional desalination technologies, underscores the urgent need for more sustainable, energy-efficient solutions. This review provides an updated and comprehensive analysis of solar-driven desalination systems, focusing on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) and thermal (T) technologies (PV/T). It presents recent advancements in both direct and indirect solar desalination methods, highlighting how PV/T integration can enhance energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve system scalability. The paper also explores cutting-edge optimization techniques and rule-based control algorithms that significantly enhance operational performance. Compared to previous reviews, this paper offers a more detailed examination of emerging trends and addresses gaps in current research, particularly in the integration of PV/T systems. By synthesizing the latest technological developments, this review provides critical insights into the future of solar desalination, offering a clear path forward for sustainable water production and addressing global water scarcity.