Major desalination processes consume a large amount of energy derived from oil and natural gas as heat and
electricity. Solar desalination, although researched for over two decades, has only recently emerged as a promising
renewable energy-powered technology for producing fresh water. Solar desalination based on the humidification–
dehumidification cycle presents the best method of solar desalination due to overall high-energy efficiency. This paper
provides a comprehensive technical review of solar desalination with a multi-effect cycle providing a better understanding of the process. Discussion on methods to improve system performance and efficiency paves the way towards
possible commercialisation of such units in the future.