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DIY Solar Basin Still
Classic passive solar still. Sun heats a black basin; vapor condenses on a clear cover and runs into a clean trough. Zero electricity — great for purifying collected water.
$10-30
Cost
1-5 L/day
Daily Yield
None (sun)
Power
Distill dirty / brackish water
Best For
Materials List
| Material | Size | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black basin / tray | 40–60 cm | $3-8 | Absorbs heat, holds source water |
| Clear cover (glass/PET) | Fit basin | $5-12 | Condensation surface |
| Food-safe trough / tubing | 1–2 m | $2-5 | Collects condensate |
| Seal (clay / foam / tape) | as needed | $1-3 | Trap vapor |
| Clean jug + lid | 5–10 L | $2-5 | Store distilled water |
Black basin / tray
Size
40–60 cm
Cost
$3-8
Purpose
Absorbs heat, holds source water
Clear cover (glass/PET)
Size
Fit basin
Cost
$5-12
Purpose
Condensation surface
Food-safe trough / tubing
Size
1–2 m
Cost
$2-5
Purpose
Collects condensate
Seal (clay / foam / tape)
Size
as needed
Cost
$1-3
Purpose
Trap vapor
Clean jug + lid
Size
5–10 L
Cost
$2-5
Purpose
Store distilled water
Performance Specifications
sunny Day
2-5 L/day
cloudy Day
0.5-2 L/day
power Needed
None
best Use
Purify / distill