Book excerpt: This volume is the third in the series of the book entitled, 'Advances in Solar Energy Technology'. The purpose of writting this multiple volume book is to provide all the relevant latest information in the field of Solar Energy (Applied as well as theoretical) to serve as the best source material at one place. Attempts are made to discuss topics in depth to assist both the students (undergraduate, pos- graduate, Research Scholars) and the professionals (consulting, design, contracting firms). The third volume discusses the heating, agricultural and photovo1taic applications of Solar Energy. Chapter 1 deals with solar cookers, one of the important application area for developing countries. After discussing the history of solar cookers, eight types of direct solar cookers, two types of box solar cookers and two types of advanced solar cookers are discussed in detail. The performance studies carri~d out on direct type and on box type solar cookers are also presented. A test procedure for rating a box type solar cooker is also introduced. The limitations and advantages of various cookers are discussed briefly in the chapter. Desalinated water for drinking purposes, for industrial and agricultural applications is required. The topic of Solar Distillation is discussed in detail in chapter two. Solar Distillation has a long history and in this chapter various kind of solar stills like conventional solar still, tilted tray solar still, wick type solar still, mUltiple effect diffusion solar still, multistage flash distillation, etc.