Even though solar distillation dates back into the 16th century, the concept itself still seems to the modern day lifestyle a new and at times unapproachable model. But that’s soon about to change.

Through continued testing on distillation and purification capabilities – conducted on solar stills at New Mexico State University and Sandia National Laboratories – the results verify solar stills’ effectiveness in eliminating salts and microbial contamination at energy efficient levels. And via distillation traders such as Solaqua and their release of the Rainmaker 550 Solar Distiller, delicious ultra-pure and eco friendly distilled water is something that can be enjoyed in any household.

The basic principles of solar water distillation are simple yet effective, as distillation replicates the way nature makes rain. The sun’s energy heats water to the point of evaporation. As the water evaporates, water vapour rises, condensing on the glass surface for collection. This process removes impurities such as salts and heavy metals as well as eliminates microbiological organisms. The end result is water cleaner than the purest rainwater.

The SolAqua Rainmaker model is an example of a ‘passive’ solar distiller – which means that it only needs sunshine to operate, and further still, there are no moving parts to wear out so its efficiency and usage can go on and on.

Distillation is the only stand alone point-of-use (POU) technology with National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) international certification for arsenic removal, under Standard 62. And recent testing confirms that solar distillation removes all salts as well as biological contaminants (for example, cryptosporidium, E. coli, etc.) which means that the natural pH buffering caused by the evaporation and condensation processes leaves the distilled water with an excellent taste – even compared to steam or electric distillation – that is safe for human consumption and of the highest water quality.

The production rate of a single solar distillation model is also an impressive feat. For example, in temperate climates a solar distiller can produce up to 1.5 gallons (six litters) per day in the summer, and approximately half that in the winter months. Thermal efficiency (60%) is equivalent to about 550 Watts when operated in full sunlight. Production is about 0.8 liters per sun hour (kWh/m2).

The patented construction materials of the Rainmaker 550 are tried and proven by the National Sanitation Foundation. These NSF-approved features are pre-assembled and ready for years of trouble-free pure distilled water.

The Rainmaker 550 Solar Distiller retails for £240 ($479) + p&p and can be found at www.solaqua.com.