LOL - See what can happen when you post a question and then leave all of us alone to Run with it!
Budget set, good, $15-17K ( we will need to look at how much for each component next). Does this value account for any rebates (State/Federal)?
120/240 Split phase system needed good to know.
Three years of research done - very good.
Questions and comments:
1. You have done the research, so tell us how much PV you see being needed, and set aside $ from the budget for this. Any you already have?
2. Did you say if Utility is available for back up? - I didn't see that covered. ie can you rely on utility if several days of poor solar weather in a row?
This question is to direct us on how much may be needed for batteries (most expensive part of the overall set up). And how reliable the system needs to be since if you have no alternative source of energy, then the risks are much higher.
3. I recommend setting a full 2k for wire/breakers/fuses/disconnects (from my own experience).
You have determined you need an inverter of about 6-8kW power output:
I feel (and it is only my opinion) that the mid-priced equipment that would do this would be a pair of MPP 6548's (as suggested already by
@Zwy ) for a very competitive price point.
But depending on the amount of budget needed for PV and Battery bank, you may have room to consider better equipment (better = lower standby consumption) with better features. I know I would be tempted to consider the new EG18kpv (12kW output inverter) especially if it was likely that future requirements would lead to needing more output capacity. This equipment will be about a third of your budget though, maybe out of reach.