Static Structural Simulation and Economic Feasibility of Hybrid Solar–Rainwater Rooftop Systems: A Case Study from Beirut, Lebanon

Youssef Kassem; Huseyin Camur; Osama Abed Al Halim

doi:10.48084/etasr.16865

Authors

Youssef Kassem Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Near East University, Nicosia (via Mersin 10, Turkiye), Cyprus | Energy, Environment, and Water Research Center, Near East University, Nicosia (via Mersin 10, Turkiye), Cyprus
Huseyin Camur Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Near East University, Nicosia (via Mersin 10, Turkiye), Cyprus
Osama Abed Al Halim Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Near East University, Nicosia (via Mersin 10, Turkiye), Cyprus

Volume: 16 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 33218-33227 | April 2026 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.16865

Received: 10 December 2025 | Revised: 6 January 2026 | Accepted: 12 January 2026 | Online: 4 April 2026

Corresponding author: Youssef Kassem

Abstract

Lebanon's energy and water crises, which include electrical shortages, comparatively high electricity prices, and water scarcity, are significant challenges. This study investigates the techno-economic and structural feasibility of a rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) and Rainwater (RW) collection system for a residential building in Beirut, considering the water and electricity crises. Accordingly, the feasibility of a 14.4 kW grid-connected PV system with and without battery storage was determined under average and extreme rainfall conditions. Structural feasibility showed a 35-degree angle of inclination, along with a relatively higher Factor of Safety (FOS) and lower weight, while the mechanical properties of galvanized steel and e-glass fiber were similar. The results demonstrate that Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) potential varied between 198 m³ in the average rainfall scenario and 1,558 m³ in the Maximum (Max.) rainfall case, constituting a valuable supplemental water supply. Additionally, the results indicate that the annual PV production was always considerably higher than demand, yielding substantial surplus energy, while around 60% of consumption falls at night, supporting the integration of modest battery storage. An economic evaluation showed a Levelized Energy Cost (LEC) of 0.244–0.271 USD/kWh for grid-connected operation with batteries, which yields favorable payback periods and strong life-cycle savings, even under Beirut's moderate solar irradiation. Consequently, this PV-RWH system is a dependable, financially feasible, and ecologically beneficial system for Lebanon that helps mitigate the shortages of electricity and water resources while promoting sustainable management.

Keywords:

Lebanon, rooftop, PV-rainwater collection system, techno-economic

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