Next PV Associate course · December 7–11, 2026 · Birmingham, AL View course
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Home systems & sample costs.

Design assumptions

All systems supply 120/240V split-phase power. Package names describe approximate solar-array size. Roof-mount pricing is assumed because no mounting structure was selected. These are concept designs and planning budgets, not permit drawings or binding installed quotes. No tax credits or incentives have been deducted.

SYSTEM 1 / 120–240V SPLIT-PHASE

5 kW · Essential home

A selected-loads backup panel keeps essential circuits separate from larger loads. The 12K-2P is chosen because the Sol-Ark 5K-1P is single-phase; this example needs 120/240V.

Panel array5.220 kW DC12 × 435 W Mission Solar
Rated storage16 kWh1 battery
Equipment + materials$16,095Before labor, shipping and tax
Installed planning range$23,554–$25,754Before tax; includes 10% contingency

System connections

Mission Solar array12 modules · 5.220 kW DCPV protectionRapid shutdown + DC SPDSol-Ark 12K-2P1 split-phase inverterHome distribution120/240V · L1 / L2 / N / GProtected DC busBranch OCPD + disconnectsPytes V16 battery bank1 battery · 16 kWhUtility / generatorOptional AC sourcesBMS data linkGreen: power circuitsDashed: communicationsFunctional layout only. Breaker ratings, conductor sizes and port wiring are finalized for the site.

9 kW inverter rating; budget about 7 kW battery-only with one V16 at its recommended 150 A discharge rate.

Illustrative panel arrangement

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2 rows · 12 panels. Rows show visual placement, not electrical strings. Roof geometry, setbacks and shading determine the final arrangement.

Electrical string concept

  • MPPT 1: 6 modules
  • MPPT 2: 6 modules

Equipment placement: Inverter above or beside one floor-mounted V16; selected-loads panel adjacent. Clearances follow the equipment manuals.

Equipment list and sample pricing
Equipment / allowanceQtyUnitSubtotalBasis
Mission Solar MSX10-435HN0B · 435 W12$260$3,120Listed
Sol-Ark 12K-2P1$4,395$4,395Listed
Pytes V16 · 16 kWh1$3,799$3,799Listed
Roof rails, attachments, clamps and bonding1$1,200$1,200Allowance
APsmart RSD-S-PLC 15 A modules12$40$478Listed
Rapid-shutdown transmitter and switch set1$103$103Listed
MidNite PV/AC/battery surge protection1$450$450Allowance
Protected DC distribution, cables and BMS links1$500$500Allowance
AC panel/distribution, disconnect and bypass1$1,000$1,000Allowance
PV wire, conduit, connectors and labels1$750$750Allowance
Grounding and bonding materials1$300$300Allowance
Equipment + materials$16,095Before tax/freight

Installation labor allowance: $4,000–$6,000. Design/permitting allowance: $750. Freight allowance: $700. Contingency: 10% of equipment/materials plus labor. Sales tax is excluded.

Battery-only planning runtime at a steady 2 kW load: approximately 6.0 hours using 80% of rated energy and 94% conversion efficiency, before standby consumption. This is a calculation assumption, not a promised runtime.

SYSTEM 2 / 120–240V SPLIT-PHASE

12 kW · Everyday resilience

The 15K inverter is selected to use three independent strings and provide service and battery headroom. The array size, rather than inverter name, defines this package.

Panel array12.180 kW DC28 × 435 W Mission Solar
Rated storage32 kWh2 batteries
Equipment + materials$28,887Before labor, shipping and tax
Installed planning range$40,576–$43,876Before tax; includes 10% contingency

System connections

Mission Solar array28 modules · 12.180 kW DCPV protectionRapid shutdown + DC SPDSol-Ark 15K-2P1 split-phase inverterHome distribution120/240V · L1 / L2 / N / GProtected DC busBranch OCPD + disconnectsPytes V16 battery bank2 batteries · 32 kWhUtility / generatorOptional AC sourcesBMS data linkGreen: power circuitsDashed: communicationsFunctional layout only. Breaker ratings, conductor sizes and port wiring are finalized for the site.

15 kW grid-connected rating; 12 kW continuous islanded backup rating.

Illustrative panel arrangement

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4 rows · 28 panels. Rows show visual placement, not electrical strings. Roof geometry, setbacks and shading determine the final arrangement.

Electrical string concept

  • MPPT 1: 10 modules
  • MPPT 2: 9 modules
  • MPPT 3: 9 modules

Equipment placement: One wall-mounted inverter; two V16 batteries side by side on bases; protected DC distribution and a service bypass nearby.

Equipment list and sample pricing
Equipment / allowanceQtyUnitSubtotalBasis
Mission Solar MSX10-435HN0B · 435 W28$260$7,280Listed
Sol-Ark 15K-2P1$5,592$5,592Listed
Pytes V16 · 16 kWh2$3,799$7,598Listed
Roof rails, attachments, clamps and bonding1$2,800$2,800Allowance
APsmart RSD-S-PLC 15 A modules28$40$1,114Listed
Rapid-shutdown transmitter and switch set1$103$103Listed
MidNite PV/AC/battery surge protection1$600$600Allowance
Protected DC distribution, cables and BMS links1$800$800Allowance
AC panel/distribution, disconnect and bypass1$1,400$1,400Allowance
PV wire, conduit, connectors and labels1$1,200$1,200Allowance
Grounding and bonding materials1$400$400Allowance
Equipment + materials$28,887Before tax/freight

Installation labor allowance: $6,000–$9,000. Design/permitting allowance: $1,100. Freight allowance: $1,100. Contingency: 10% of equipment/materials plus labor. Sales tax is excluded.

Battery-only planning runtime at a steady 2 kW load: approximately 12.0 hours using 80% of rated energy and 94% conversion efficiency, before standby consumption. This is a calculation assumption, not a promised runtime.

SYSTEM 3 / 120–240V SPLIT-PHASE

15 kW · Extended home backup

Four V16 batteries provide 64 kWh of rated storage. A separate maximum-expansion option below shows the larger PV array and largest verified no-hub V16 bank.

Panel array15.225 kW DC35 × 435 W Mission Solar
Rated storage64 kWh4 batteries
Equipment + materials$39,984Before labor, shipping and tax
Installed planning range$55,582–$59,982Before tax; includes 10% contingency

System connections

Mission Solar array35 modules · 15.225 kW DCPV protectionRapid shutdown + DC SPDSol-Ark 15K-2P1 split-phase inverterHome distribution120/240V · L1 / L2 / N / GProtected DC busBranch OCPD + disconnectsPytes V16 battery bank4 batteries · 64 kWhUtility / generatorOptional AC sourcesBMS data linkGreen: power circuitsDashed: communicationsFunctional layout only. Breaker ratings, conductor sizes and port wiring are finalized for the site.

15 kW grid-connected rating; 12 kW continuous islanded backup rating. More batteries add runtime, not inverter power.

Illustrative panel arrangement

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5 rows · 35 panels. Rows show visual placement, not electrical strings. Roof geometry, setbacks and shading determine the final arrangement.

Electrical string concept

  • MPPT 1: 9 + 9 modules in two equal strings
  • MPPT 2: 9 modules
  • MPPT 3: 8 modules

Equipment placement: One inverter above a protected battery distribution cabinet; four V16 batteries in a row or two approved groups with manufacturer clearances.

Equipment list and sample pricing
Equipment / allowanceQtyUnitSubtotalBasis
Mission Solar MSX10-435HN0B · 435 W35$260$9,100Listed
Sol-Ark 15K-2P1$5,592$5,592Listed
Pytes V16 · 16 kWh4$3,799$15,196Listed
Roof rails, attachments, clamps and bonding1$3,500$3,500Allowance
APsmart RSD-S-PLC 15 A modules35$40$1,393Listed
Rapid-shutdown transmitter and switch set1$103$103Listed
MidNite PV/AC/battery surge protection1$600$600Allowance
Protected DC distribution, cables and BMS links1$1,200$1,200Allowance
AC panel/distribution, disconnect and bypass1$1,400$1,400Allowance
PV wire, conduit, connectors and labels1$1,500$1,500Allowance
Grounding and bonding materials1$400$400Allowance
Equipment + materials$39,984Before tax/freight

Installation labor allowance: $8,000–$12,000. Design/permitting allowance: $1,400. Freight allowance: $1,400. Contingency: 10% of equipment/materials plus labor. Sales tax is excluded.

Battery-only planning runtime at a steady 2 kW load: approximately 24.1 hours using 80% of rated energy and 94% conversion efficiency, before standby consumption. This is a calculation assumption, not a promised runtime.

OPTION FOR SYSTEM 3

Maximum-expansion concept for one 15K inverter

Connected PV23.055 kW DC53 × 435 W panels
No-hub battery bank256 kWh rated16 × Pytes V16
Equipment + materials$98,868
Installed planning range$130,155–$138,955

53 is the largest whole-number quantity of these 435 W modules below the current 23.4 kW nameplate limit; 54 modules would be 23.490 kW. The inverter can use only 19.5 kW of combined MPPT power, so oversizing can produce clipping. Proposed strings are 11+11, 11+11, and 9 across the three MPPTs.

16 V16 units is the manufacturer’s verified expansion limit without a Pytes Hub, not a claim that no larger engineered system is possible. A bank this large needs a manufacturer-approved distribution and communication design. It does not increase the single inverter’s 12 kW continuous islanded output. The 23.4 kW limit must be confirmed for the actual inverter revision being supplied.

Expanded equipment list and cost
Equipment / allowanceQtyUnitSubtotalBasis
Mission Solar MSX10-435HN0B · 435 W53$260$13,780Listed
Sol-Ark 15K-2P1$5,592$5,592Listed
Pytes V16 · 16 kWh16$3,799$60,784Listed
Roof rails, attachments, clamps and bonding1$5,300$5,300Allowance
APsmart RSD-S-PLC 15 A modules53$40$2,109Listed
Rapid-shutdown transmitter and switch set1$103$103Listed
MidNite PV/AC/battery surge protection1$600$600Allowance
Protected DC distribution, cables and BMS links1$6,000$6,000Allowance
AC panel/distribution, disconnect and bypass1$1,800$1,800Allowance
PV wire, conduit, connectors and labels1$2,200$2,200Allowance
Grounding and bonding materials1$600$600Allowance
Equipment + materials$98,868Before tax/freight

Labor $14,000–$22,000; design/permitting $2,500; freight $3,500; 10% contingency on equipment/materials plus labor; tax excluded.

SYSTEM 4 / 120–240V SPLIT-PHASE

18 kW · EG4 + Fortress MAX

Four eVault MAX batteries provide 74 kWh nominal storage and closed-loop BMS capability. Shared battery distribution and the multi-inverter communication topology require manufacturer confirmation. No Classic batteries are used.

Panel array18.270 kW DC42 × 435 W Mission Solar
Rated storage74 kWh4 batteries
Equipment + materials$63,398Before labor, shipping and tax
Installed planning range$84,537–$90,037Before tax; includes 10% contingency

System connections

Mission Solar array42 modules · 18.270 kW DCPV protectionRapid shutdown + DC SPDEG4 18kPV2 units · 24 kW ACHome distribution120/240V · L1 / L2 / N / GProtected DC busBranch OCPD + disconnectsFortress eVault MAX4 batteries · 74 kWhUtility / generatorOptional AC sourcesBMS data linkGreen: power circuitsDashed: communicationsFunctional layout only. Breaker ratings, conductor sizes and port wiring are finalized for the site.

Two 12 kW AC inverters in parallel = 24 kW continuous AC output, subject to battery and branch limits. The 18kPV model name is not 18 kW AC output.

Illustrative panel arrangement

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6 rows · 42 panels. Rows show visual placement, not electrical strings. Roof geometry, setbacks and shading determine the final arrangement.

Electrical string concept

  • Inverter A: one 11-module string + one 10-module string
  • Inverter B: one 11-module string + one 10-module string
  • Use single-string MPPT 2 and 3 on each inverter

Equipment placement: Two wall-mounted inverters side by side; four floor-standing eVault MAX cabinets below or nearby, with a protected shared DC bus and parallel AC distribution.

Equipment list and sample pricing
Equipment / allowanceQtyUnitSubtotalBasis
Mission Solar MSX10-435HN0B · 435 W42$260$10,920Listed
EG4 18kPV2$5,000$10,000Allowance
Fortress eVault MAX · 18.5 kWh4$6,500$26,000Allowance
Roof rails, attachments, clamps and bonding1$4,200$4,200Allowance
APsmart RSD-S-PLC 15 A modules42$40$1,672Listed
Rapid-shutdown transmitter and switch set2$103$206Listed
MidNite PV/AC/battery surge protection1$900$900Allowance
Protected DC distribution, cables and BMS links1$2,500$2,500Allowance
AC panel/distribution, disconnect and bypass1$3,600$3,600Allowance
PV wire, conduit, connectors and labels1$2,200$2,200Allowance
Grounding and bonding materials1$500$500Allowance
Fortress Guardian monitoring gateway1$400$400Allowance
Parallel communications accessories1$300$300Allowance
Equipment + materials$63,398Before tax/freight

Installation labor allowance: $10,000–$15,000. Design/permitting allowance: $1,800. Freight allowance: $2,000. Contingency: 10% of equipment/materials plus labor. Sales tax is excluded.

Battery-only planning runtime at a steady 2 kW load: approximately 27.8 hours using 80% of rated energy and 94% conversion efficiency, before standby consumption. This is a calculation assumption, not a promised runtime.

Design and price basis

Electrical checks

Mission 435 W modules: Vmp 33.31 V, Voc 39.56 V, Imp 13.07 A, Isc 13.79 A, Voc temperature coefficient −0.25%/°C. At an illustrative −10°C design temperature, an 11-module string has approximately 473.24 V open circuit, below Sol-Ark’s 500 V limit. A 12-module string would be approximately 516.26 V and is not used. Final string sizing must use the actual site minimum temperature and maximum cell temperature.

Two parallel Mission strings produce 26.14 A at maximum power, slightly above the 15K’s 26 A operating limit; that tracker may self-limit. Their STC short-circuit current is 27.58 A, below its 44 A limit. The 5 kW example has one string on each 12K tracker, avoiding its 20 A operating limit. EG4 uses single strings on its 15 A trackers; 13.07 A operating and 13.79 A short circuit are below its 15 A and 19 A limits.

Batteries and BMS

For V16 planning, use the manufacturer’s recommended 125 A charge and 150 A discharge per battery rather than treating the 200 A maximum as the normal setpoint. Apply the lower of bank allowance, inverter limit, cable/protection rating, and the BMS live limits. Two V16 batteries support the 15K’s 275 A battery current limit at no more than 137.5 A discharge per battery under ideal current sharing. Four eVault MAX batteries have 720 A combined continuous nameplate capability; two EG4 inverters are limited to 500 A total. Balanced branch wiring and protection are still required.

Closed-loop operation is required in all examples. Confirm battery firmware, CAN/RS485 protocol, cable pinout, master/slave settings, and the multi-inverter communication arrangement with the manufacturers. A built-in battery BMS alone does not establish successful inverter communication. The specific installed inverter/battery combination must have the required ESS listing and local approval.

MidNite and other accessories

Allow for MidNite MNSPD-600 protection on high-voltage PV circuits, MNSPD-300-AC on 120/240V circuits, and MNSPD-115 on battery circuits where suitable. Quantities and placement depend on independent PV circuits and the manufacturer wiring diagrams; the budget uses a lump-sum allowance. Use listed DC disconnects/branch protection and busbars rated for the actual fault current. No separate MidNite Classic charge controller is needed because these hybrid inverters already include MPPT charging.

What the price covers

Listed prices are a public-retail snapshot checked October 2, 2026. The equipment budgets include roof mounting, rapid shutdown, protected battery wiring/BMS links, AC distribution/bypass, wire/conduit, and grounding. Every row labeled “Allowance” is an estimate, not a verified supplier quote. EG4 18kPV is budgeted at $5,000 each and eVault MAX at $6,500 each pending current written quotes. One dealer marks eVault MAX unavailable; confirm stock, warranty and authorized sourcing before marketing a fixed price.

Installed planning ranges add the stated labor, design/permitting, freight and contingency allowances. They exclude sales tax, structural repairs, service upgrades, long trenching, ground-mount structures/foundations, generator purchase, unusual utility work, and financing. Smart North America’s final sales price should also incorporate its chosen overhead, margin and warranty/service obligations.

Runtime estimates use 80% of rated battery energy and 94% conversion efficiency, before idle draw. Solar yield, whole-home coverage and off-grid autonomy require the home’s load data and a site-specific solar model; no performance guarantee is implied.

Manufacturer documents and price sources

  1. Mission 435 W electrical and dimensional specifications
  2. Sol-Ark 15K Rev. 7: 23.4 kW rated PV, 19.5 kW usable input, 12 kW continuous islanded output
  3. Sol-Ark 12K-2P-N specifications
  4. EG4 18kPV current specifications
  5. Pytes V16 manufacturer product page: 16-unit / 256 kWh no-hub expansion
  6. Pytes V16 current linked datasheet: 125 A recommended charge, 150 A recommended discharge
  7. Fortress inverter compatibility: EG4 is closed-loop capable with eVault MAX
  8. Fortress eVault MAX specifications
  9. MidNite surge protector selection
  10. Mission 435 W panel listed price: $260
  11. Pytes V16 with base/wall mount listed price: $3,799
  12. Sol-Ark 12K listed price: $4,395
  13. Sol-Ark 15K listed price: $5,592; confirm unit revision supports the new PV limit
  14. APsmart RSD module $39.80, transmitter $48, switch $55 listed with inverter