Technical and economical features of an MSF desalinatlon plant are investigated taking into consideration different solar energy receivers. The MSF desalting plant is designed as a 500 m3/d, 46 stage, cross tube type with a top brine temperature of 121°C and a specific heat consumption of about 38.5 Kcal/kg of distillate. Different systems to trap solar energy have been considered, taking into account process parameters such as: 1. outlet temperature of fluids from solar receivers 2. performances 3. power production system 4. power consumptions 5. energy storage 6. back-up and energy integration systems 7. reliability of both desalting and solar equipment. Plant lay-out proposed is described in the paper including process flow-sheet and energy balance, and it is discussed with reference to maximum savings regarding both costs and energy. © 1979.