Hybrid Electric tank uses a heat pump to do the majority of the heating for the hot water. All these tanks also have electric elements to use if you have A LOT of demand for a day or so. Typically they come in 50 or 80 gallon options. The only downside is recoup time is about 6 hours vs 1.5 with electric elements. Average cost to run for a family of 4 is ~$250 - $300 yearly.

If you are the type of people that shower in the morning then have low hot water usage after that and then higher usage in the evening, it is ideal. Otherwise, you're using the electric elements (which isn't the end of the world). The tanks are rated for 10-12 years. The heat pump will take about 1-2 degrees out of the room its in (minimum 10x10 or equivalent). You also need a drain present as it produces condensation and dehumidifies.

You can have these installed professionally for ~$2500, or if you're handy you can do it yourself for about $1200 (unit cos).

So if you do it yourself, there is no refrigeration tech needed it's all pre-charged, you can install 7 or 8 of them at least for the cost of the solar system and have the same yearly running cost.

The solar system is 'solar assisted' and there will still be a residual cost of ~$250 to $350 in electricity to take care of your yearly domestic.

Overall, I would say that bridging the gap until solar is a reasonable cost is a better idea.

If you want to save on heating and hot water look at an ETS system in conjunction with a Rheem Marathon or AO Smith tank. The Marathon is guaranteed for 25 years (fibreglass double walled with 4.5 inches of foam insulation) and only loses 5 degrees fahrenheit daily. With low-med hot water consumption, you can get away with heating your hot water on off peak time ONLY and always have hot water. This tank is ~$900 for you to do yourself or ~$1700 for a professional install.

Any other questions, I would love to help.