The invention discloses a multi-effect vertical plate falling film solar desalination unit and a method thereof. The device body consists of a seawater storage tank, metal clapboards, sealing rubber, a high concentration seawater storage tank, a fresh water storage tank, pulleys, a reflector, a glass plate and liquid absorbing cotton cloth. The direct radiation, scattering radiation and reflecting radiation of the sun are absorbed by a solar absorption surface and are converted into heat, the heat is absorbed by seawater uniformly distributed in the liquid absorbing cotton cloth for falling film evaporation, generated vapor is condensed into fresh water on a condensing surface, released latent heat is absorbed by the next effect of seawater, and the latent heat is repeatedly used to improve the fresh water yield in a unit daylighting area. Except solar energy, fuels and motors are not required, and the device is simple in structure, convenient to operate, high in start speed and high in water yield, and is particularly suitable for sea islands, deserts, ships and remote areas lacking electricity.