A solar-powered desalination unit produces potable water from saline water by using a photovoltaic system to supply the energy. Solar power works well for water purification in settings lacking grid electricity and can reduce operating costs and greenhouse emissions. For example, a solar-powered desalination unit designed passed tests in Australia's Northern Territory.
Sunlight's intermittent nature makes output prediction difficult without an energy storage capability. However batteries or thermal energy storage systems can provide power when the sun does not.