Water is signified as the gift of nature. However, modern societies are in tremendous need of fresh water due to the abundant industrial sector and factory growth that is leading to more and more such natural resource pollution. Also, there are global arid and desert areas where there are fewer regular rainfalls besides groundwater scarcity. Additionally, although there are abundant water bodies, most of them are not suitable for domestic irrigation, and especially for drinking purposes since they are brackish or saline water. Thus, water desalination is essential with no impact on the environment. Solar desalination is proven to be a sustainable and reasonable way for producing potable water. Numerous sorts of solar stills are introduced, and the most exhibited one is the conventional type of solar still, that is, so-called basin solar still. However, the low productivity of such solar still is signified as its major concern. Researchers have made their efforts to improve the productivity of solar stills through various designs and operating parameters. This detailed review is mainly focused on the various types of solar stills, their analyses and the status of several solar distillers. Throughout the entire work, it is confirmed and recommended to enhance the performance through advanced modifications that are also discussed. Such modifications are including advanced designs such as pyramid triangular solar stills, tubular, double basins and hemispherical and spherical solar stills. Also, integrated systems stills are recommended, such as connected solar stills with photo voltaic cells (PVC) or solar collectors to increase productivity.

水被认为是大自然的礼物。然而，由于丰富的工业部门和工厂的增长导致越来越多的自然资源污染，现代社会对淡水的需求巨大。此外，全球干旱和沙漠地区除了地下水稀缺之外，定期降雨量也较少。此外，虽然有丰富的水体，但其中大多数不适合家庭灌溉，特别是不适合饮用，因为它们是咸水或咸水。因此，在不影响环境的情况下，海水淡化至关重要。太阳能海水淡化被证明是一种可持续且合理的饮用水生产方式。太阳能蒸馏器的种类繁多，其中展出最多的是传统型太阳能蒸馏器，即所谓的盆式太阳能蒸馏器。然而，这种太阳能蒸馏器的低生产率是其主要问题。研究人员努力通过各种设计和操作参数来提高太阳能蒸馏器的生产率。本文详细回顾主要集中于各种类型的太阳能蒸馏器、其分析以及几种太阳能蒸馏器的现状。在整个工作中，确认并建议通过高级修改来增强性能，这些修改也得到了讨论。这些修改包括先进的设计，例如金字塔三角形太阳能蒸馏器、管状、双盆以及半球形和球形太阳能蒸馏器。此外，还建议使用集成系统蒸馏器，例如与光伏电池 (PVC) 或太阳能集热器相连的太阳能蒸馏器，以提高生产率。