IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i18p8508-d1755240.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Integrating Rainwater Harvesting and Solar Energy Systems for Sustainable Water and Energy Management in Low Rainfall Agricultural Region: A Case Study from Gönyeli, Northern Cyprus

Author

Listed:
  • Youssef Kassem

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus
    Department of Civil Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus
    Energy, Environment, and Water Research Center, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus
    Research Center for Science, Technology, and Engineering (BILTEM), Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus)

  • Hüseyin Gökçekuş

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus
    Energy, Environment, and Water Research Center, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus)

  • Aşkın Kiraz

    (Ataturk Faculty of Education, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus)

  • Abdalla Hamada Abdelnaby Abdelnaby

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Near East University, via Mersin 10, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus)

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to assess the techno-economic feasibility of an innovative solar energy generation system with a rainwater collection feature to generate electrical energy and meet irrigation needs in agriculture. The proposed system is designed for an agricultural area (Gonyeli, North Cyprus) with high solar potential and limited rainfall. In the present study, global rainfall datasets are utilized to assess the potential of rainwater harvesting at the selected site. Due to the lack of the measured rainfall data at the selected site, the accuracy of rainfall of nine global reanalysis and analysis datasets (CHIRPS, CFSR, ERA5-LAND, ERA5, ERA5-AG, MERRA2, NOAA CPC CMORPH, NOAA CPC DAILY GLOBAL, and TerraClimate) are evaluated by using data from ground-based observations collected from the Meteorological Department located in Lefkoşa, Northern Cyprus from 1981 to 2023. The results demonstrate that ERA5 outperformed the other datasets, yielding a high R-squared value along with a low mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Based on the best dataset, the potential of the rainwater harvesting system is estimated by analyzing the monthly and seasonal rainfall patterns utilizing 65 different probability distribution functions for the first time. Three goodness-of-fit tests are utilized to identify the best-fit probability distribution. The results show that the Johnson and Wakeby SB distributions outperform the other models in terms of fitting accuracy. Additionally, the results indicate that the rainwater harvesting system could supply between 31% and 38% of the building’s annual irrigation water demand (204 m 3 /year) based on average daily rainfall and between 285% and 346% based on maximum daily rainfall. Accordingly, the system might be able to collect a lot more water than is needed for irrigation, possibly producing an excess that could be stored for non-potable uses during periods of heavy rainfall. Furthermore, the techno-economic feasibility of the proposed system is evaluated using RETScreen software (version 9.1, 2023). The results show that household energy needs can be met by the proposed photovoltaic system, and the excess energy is transferred to the grid. Furthermore, the cash flow indicates that the investor can expect a return on investment from the proposed PV system within 2.4 years. Consequently, the findings demonstrate the significance of this system for promoting resource sustainability and climate change adaptation. Besides, the developed system can also help reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience in areas that rely on water and electricity.

Suggested Citation

  • Youssef Kassem & Hüseyin Gökçekuş & Aşkın Kiraz & Abdalla Hamada Abdelnaby Abdelnaby, 2025. "Integrating Rainwater Harvesting and Solar Energy Systems for Sustainable Water and Energy Management in Low Rainfall Agricultural Region: A Case Study from Gönyeli, Northern Cyprus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-42, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8508-:d:1755240
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/18/8508/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/18/8508/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ismail Elhassnaoui & Zineb Moumen & Manuela TvaronaviÄ ienÄ— & Mohamed Ouarani & Mohamed Ouarani & Mohamed Ben-Daoud & Issam Serrari & Ikram Lahmidi & M.A.S. Wahba & Ahmed Bouziane & Driss Ouazar & Mo, 2021. "Management of water scarcity in arid areas: a case study (Ziz Watershed)," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 3(1), pages 80-103, March.
    2. Del Pero, Claudio & Aste, Niccolò & Leonforte, Fabrizio, 2021. "The effect of rain on photovoltaic systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1803-1814.
    3. Kuldeep Tiwari & Rohit Goyal & Archana Sarkar, 2018. "GIS-based Methodology for Identification of Suitable Locations for Rainwater Harvesting Structures," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 32(5), pages 1811-1825, March.
    4. Xiaohang Wang & Wentong Chong & Kokhoe Wong & Saihin Lai & Liphuat Saw & Xianbo Xiang & Chin-Tsan Wang, 2019. "Preliminary Techno–Environment–Economic Evaluation of an Innovative Hybrid Renewable Energy Harvester System for Residential Application," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-28, April.
    5. Abd-ur-Rehman, Hafiz M. & Al-Sulaiman, Fahad A., 2016. "Optimum selection of solar water heating (SWH) systems based on their comparative techno-economic feasibility study for the domestic sector of Saudi Arabia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 336-349.
    6. Kanwal, Saira & Mehran, Muhammad Taqi & Hassan, Muhammad & Anwar, Mustafa & Naqvi, Salman Raza & Khoja, Asif Hussain, 2022. "An integrated future approach for the energy security of Pakistan: Replacement of fossil fuels with syngas for better environment and socio-economic development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    7. Amir A. Imam & Yusuf A. Al-Turki & Sreerama Kumar R., 2019. "Techno-Economic Feasibility Assessment of Grid-Connected PV Systems for Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-25, December.
    8. Chong, W.T. & Naghavi, M.S. & Poh, S.C. & Mahlia, T.M.I. & Pan, K.C., 2011. "Techno-economic analysis of a wind–solar hybrid renewable energy system with rainwater collection feature for urban high-rise application," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(11), pages 4067-4077.
    9. Esmaeil Ahmadi & Benjamin McLellan & Behnam Mohammadi-Ivatloo & Tetsuo Tezuka, 2020. "The Role of Renewable Energy Resources in Sustainability of Water Desalination as a Potential Fresh-Water Source: An Updated Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-31, June.
    10. Nandi, Santosh & Gonela, Vinay, 2022. "Rainwater harvesting for domestic use: A systematic review and outlook from the utility policy and management perspectives," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    11. Imteaz, Monzur Alam & Ahsan, Amimul & Naser, Jamal & Rahman, Ataur, 2011. "Reliability analysis of rainwater tanks in Melbourne using daily water balance model," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 56(1), pages 80-86.
    12. Belaïd, Fateh & Al-Sarihi, Aisha & Al-Mestneer, Raed, 2023. "Balancing climate mitigation and energy security goals amid converging global energy crises: The role of green investments," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 534-542.
    13. Ismail Elhassnaoui & Zineb Moumen & Manuela Tvaronavičienė & Mohamed Ouarani & Mohamed Ben-Daoud & Issam Serrari & Ikram Lahmidi & M.A.S. Wahba & Ahmed Bouziane & Driss Ouazar & Moulay Driss Hasnaoui, 2021. "Management of water scarcity in arid areas: a case study (Ziz Watershed)," Post-Print hal-03583819, HAL.
    14. Nedaei, Mojtaba & Assareh, Ehsanolah & Walsh, Philip R., 2018. "A comprehensive evaluation of the wind resource characteristics to investigate the short term penetration of regional wind power based on different probability statistical methods," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 128(PA), pages 362-374.
    15. Almorox, Javier & Voyant, Cyril & Bailek, Nadjem & Kuriqi, Alban & Arnaldo, J.A., 2021. "Total solar irradiance's effect on the performance of empirical models for estimating global solar radiation: An empirical-based review," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C).
    16. Vargas-Parra, M. Violeta & Villalba, Gara & Gabarrell, Xavier, 2013. "Applying exergy analysis to rainwater harvesting systems to assess resource efficiency," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 50-59.
    17. Mladen Bošnjaković & Marinko Stojkov & Marko Katinić & Ivica Lacković, 2023. "Effects of Extreme Weather Conditions on PV Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-22, November.
    18. Wiam Salih & Terence Epule Epule & EL Mahdi EL Khalki & Hamza Ouatiki & Salah Erraki & Soumia Achli & Abdelghani Chehbouni, 2024. "A comprehensive assessment of satellite precipitation products over a semi-arid region: focus on extreme events," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 120(3), pages 3037-3065, February.
    19. Hao, Daning & Qi, Lingfei & Tairab, Alaeldin M. & Ahmed, Ammar & Azam, Ali & Luo, Dabing & Pan, Yajia & Zhang, Zutao & Yan, Jinyue, 2022. "Solar energy harvesting technologies for PV self-powered applications: A comprehensive review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 678-697.
    20. Youssef Kassem & Hüseyin Çamur & Salman Mohammed Awadh Alhuoti, 2020. "Solar Energy Technology for Northern Cyprus: Assessment, Statistical Analysis, and Feasibility Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-29, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Youssef Kassem & Hüseyin Gökçekuş & Ali Güvensoy, 2021. "Techno-Economic Feasibility of Grid-Connected Solar PV System at Near East University Hospital, Northern Cyprus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-27, November.
    2. Cai, Wenjuan & Jiang, Xiaohui & Sun, Haotian & Lei, Yuxin & Nie, Tong & Li, Lichan, 2023. "Spatial scale effect of irrigation efficiency paradox based on water accounting framework in Heihe River Basin, Northwest China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    3. Wang, Hao & Yi, Minyi & Zhang, Zutao & Zhang, Hexiang & Liu, Jizong & Zhu, Zhongyin & Wang, Qijun & Yuan, Yanping, 2023. "A wind-solar energy harvester based on airflow enhancement mechanism for rail-side devices," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    4. Ali, Shahbaz & Sang, Yan-Fang & Pilla, Francesco & Singh, Vijay P. & Dilawar, Adil, 2025. "Implementing urban rainwater harvesting systems: Multiple potential performances, barriers, challenges, solutions, and future perspectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    5. Nadine Bachmann & Shailesh Tripathi & Manuel Brunner & Herbert Jodlbauer, 2022. "The Contribution of Data-Driven Technologies in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-33, February.
    6. Tomasz Trawiński & Janusz Kotowicz, 2025. "Photovoltaic Power System with Electrochemical and Hydrogen Storage for Energy Independence in Student Dormitories," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-19, March.
    7. Li, Pin & He, Qi & Zhang, Jinsuo & Xia, Qiyuan, 2024. "Analyzing the impact of energy synergy and renewable energy generation on energy security: Empirical evidence from China's Yangtze River Delta region," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
    8. Nicholas Bamegne Nambie & Philomena Dadzie & Dorcas Oye Haywood-Dadzie, 2023. "Measuring the Effect of Income Inequality, Financial Inclusion, Investment, and Unemployment, on Economic Growth in Africa: A Moderating Role of Digital Financial Technology," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(4), pages 111-124, July.
    9. Naeem, Muhammad Abubakr & Arfaoui, Nadia, 2023. "Exploring downside risk dependence across energy markets: Electricity, conventional energy, carbon, and clean energy during episodes of market crises," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 127(PB).
    10. Feng, Jiayu & Gao, Jintong & Hu, Bin & Wang, Ruzhu & Xu, Zhenyuan, 2024. "A mass-coupled hybrid absorption-compression heat pump with output temperature of 200 °C," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    11. Sadiq Ullah & Mudassar Iqbal & Muhammad Waseem & Adnan Abbas & Muhammad Masood & Ghulam Nabi & Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq & Muhammad Sadam, 2024. "Potential Sites for Rainwater Harvesting Focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals Using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-23, October.
    12. Al Busaidi, Ahmed Said & Kazem, Hussein A & Al-Badi, Abdullah H & Farooq Khan, Mohammad, 2016. "A review of optimum sizing of hybrid PV–Wind renewable energy systems in oman," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 185-193.
    13. Wen, Jun & Zhang, Sen & Chang, Chun-Ping & Anugrah, Donni Fajar & Affandi, Yoga, 2023. "Does climate vulnerability promote green investment under energy supply restriction?," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    14. Wang, Gang & Zhang, Zhen & Lin, Jianqing, 2024. "Multi-energy complementary power systems based on solar energy: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    15. Paulescu, Marius & Badescu, Viorel & Budea, Sanda & Dumitrescu, Alexandru, 2022. "Empirical sunshine-based models vs online estimators for solar resources," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    16. Lakhani, Raksha & Doluweera, Ganesh & Bergerson, Joule, 2014. "Internalizing land use impacts for life cycle cost analysis of energy systems: A case of California’s photovoltaic implementation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 253-259.
    17. Abdulrahman AlKassem & Azeddine Draou & Abdullah Alamri & Hisham Alharbi, 2022. "Design Analysis of an Optimal Microgrid System for the Integration of Renewable Energy Sources at a University Campus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, March.
    18. Gökçe, Osman Zeki & Hatipoglu, Emre & Belaïd, Fateh, 2024. "Navigating energy diplomacy in times of recovery and conflict: A study of cross-border energy trade dynamics," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    19. Oscar Garcia & Alain Ulazia & Mario del Rio & Sheila Carreno-Madinabeitia & Andoni Gonzalez-Arceo, 2019. "An Energy Potential Estimation Methodology and Novel Prototype Design for Building-Integrated Wind Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, May.
    20. Goutte, Stéphane & Klotzner, Klemens & Le, Hoang-Viet & von Mettenheim, Hans-Jörg, 2024. "Forecasting photovoltaic production with neural networks and weather features," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8508-:d:1755240. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.