An Assessment of the Energy Performance and Initial Investment Cost of SDHW Systems: A Case Study of University Dormitory in Northern Cyprus

This simulation-based theoretical study addresses a critical gap by jointly assessing the technical performance and long-term economic sustainability of Solar Domestic Hot Water (SDHW) systems in economically volatile, import-dependent regions. Focusing on a fully operational system in a 700-bed dormitory at Middle East Technical University, Northern Cyprus Campus, TRNSYS 17 simulations were combined with a 15-year (2010–2024) cost trend analysis considering currency depreciation and construction price escalation. Results demonstrate that collector fluid temperatures exceeded 80 °C from April to October, maintaining domestic hot water above 60 °C for over seven months annually and reducing auxiliary heating demand by approximately 50%, translating into substantial annual energy savings. Economically, system component costs rose by 26–75 times, with circulation pumps showing the steepest increase (75×), highlighting vulnerabilities in import-dependent supply chains. Despite these cost escalations, the region’s high solar irradiation enables a competitive long-term investment profile, with potential payback periods remaining attractive under supportive policy frameworks. The originality of this work lies in its dual-focus methodology integrating performance modeling with economic resilience analysis, providing actionable insights for policymakers, designers, and investors in Mediterranean and similar climates seeking to balance renewable energy adoption with financial viability.