On the other hand, a friend up in Maine has a system that combines wood and gas to heat his house. A load of wood in the stove box lasts 24 hours and, should he so choose, they can just let the gas heater do the work.

As far as a water heater goes, even with a solar water heating system, get a demand hot water heater. That way, even in the middle of the night, you can get a hot shower.

Remember that the purpose of conveniences is to meet your needs, not to have you adapt to the limitations of the system.