A system for condensing water from air includes a column having a substantially non-reflective surface effective for absorbing heat energy from the sun and transferring the heat to air in the interior of the column. A condenser is secured within the column, and includes a channel having a condensing surface with a thermoelectric or natural gas cooler positioned thereon for cooling the condensing surface. A collector is positioned within the column for collecting water that condenses on and flows through the channel, and an accumulator is coupled in fluid communication with the collector for accumulating the water.