Hi,
I am looking to instal solar in the near future. I currently have a gas hot water system and am not sure if I should change to a solar HWS or have a larger PV system.
I live in Perth and would probably have west facing panels but could have a north facing HWS.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Vicki
@Svarky have you got thoughts on that?
I would go with a more efficient ‘heat pump’ hot water system and just run it during the day from a solar PV array. Using a common heat pump will be simpler and more cost effective overall. Since you are in Perth which has a warmer temperate climate, a heat pump will work really well all year round.
Here’s some more info about heat pumps… How heat pumps work — Clean Energy Reviews
Thanks Jason. I’ll have a look at them.
@Svarky
I totally agree with you … consider also your location 
when installing HWS or perhaps space on your home
Cheers