This study presents the design and experimental validation of a photovoltaic-powered, vacuum-assisted solar desalination system optimized for zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) in brackish water treatment. The system integrates a vacuum chamber to lower the boiling point, a brackish water-cooled condenser to enhance condensation, and a capacitor-buffered photovoltaic supply for off-grid operation. It achieved a maximum yield of 20.4 kg/m(2)/day, about four times higher than a conventional single-basin still under the same conditions. Empirical models predicted production from solar radiation, wind velocity, and energy input with similar to 10% mean error, mainly due to simplified assumptions. Initial observations confirmed salt crystallization in the basin, indicating ZLD capability, though full recovery was not quantified. Compared with conventional ZLD methods such as vapor compression and electrodialysis, the proposed system offers higher energy efficiency, simpler construction, and modular scalability, making it promising for decentralized desalination in arid and semi-arid regions.