The increasing global demand for freshwater and the depletion of conventional water resources have intensified the exploration of sustainable desalination technologies. Solar-powered reverse osmosis (RO) desalination emerges as a promising solution, leveraging renewable energy to mitigate environmental impacts and reduce operational costs. This systematic review examines the current state of solar-powered RO desalination, focusing on technological advancements, integration strategies, and prevailing challenges. The analysis encompasses various configurations, including photovoltaic (PV) systems, concentrated solar power (CSP), and hybrid models, assessing their performance, efficiency, and applicability across different geographical contexts. Key challenges identified include the intermittency of solar energy, high initial capital investment, and brine disposal issues. The review also highlights innovative solutions such as energy storage integration, advanced membrane materials, and policy frameworks that facilitate the adoption of solar-powered desalination. The findings underscore the potential of solar-powered RO systems in contributing to sustainable water management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.