The “Off-Grid Prevost” Presented By AM Solar
Boondocking, or going off-grid, is not something normally associated with Prevost ownership. These motorhomes are designed for RV parks, and their factory power systems aren’t able to supply more than just a few basic systems without a shore power connection. But there are options. The AM Solar Modernization Package can give you energy independence and more freedom through solar panel system installation.
Performance Specifications: 10kW of inverter output with dual Victron Quattro 24/5000 inverter/chargers in split phase; 20kW with four Victron Amart Lithium 25.6/200 LiFePO4 batteries; 10kW of alternator charging with a Wakespeed 500.
CURRENT WEAKNESSES
The Trace/Heart Inverter/Chargers (SW4024MC2) are reaching (and in some cases exceeding) their operational lifespan. Finding replaement parts for these devices is becoming more challenging. On top of that, these systems are designed for a Lead-Acid 24V nominal battery bank. With all the benefits associated with LiFePO4 batteries, owners wanting to run more than lights and fans should not still be using Lead-acid technology. Another problem with the legacy system is the Vanner midpoint tap for 12V House DC loads and battery ombiner for charge equalization. Modern DC/DC converters make this an antequated and cumbersome means of supplying 12V DC loads.
AM SOLAR MODERNIZATION
AM Solar can integrate dual Victron Energy Quattro 24/5000 inverter/chargers wired in split-phase 240V, to supply up to 10kVA of power to the AC panel. This state-of-the-art system is monitored by a Victron Cerbo and Touch 70 GX display, showing real-time energy flows and system data that can be uploaded and accessed via the cloud. The battery bank uses multiple Victron Energy SmartLithium 25.6V/200Ah batteries controlled by a Lynx Smart BMS 500 for a combined 20kWh of energy storage. Victron Orion 24/12 70A converters draw from the battery bank to supply DC loads. This system can be charged with a shore power connection and a Wakespeed 500 integration for the secondary Almott alternator, delivering up to 10kW of power.
HOW IT COMPARES
The AM Solar modernization delivers:
– + 25% more power output in a splut-phase configuration.
– The ability to run 240V loads while boondocking.
– 120A DC lithium-compatible battery charging.
– Real-time local and remote monitoring of the entire energy system with the Cerbo GX.
– Roughly twice the usable battery capacity compared to the factory’s six GPL-4DL batteries.
– Integrated a 20 KW disel genset with Victron BMS/Controls system, for fully programmable AGS providing user-specific quiet time and SoC settings.
– Maintained emergency boost start functionality.
– The Aux panel can now be powered at any time.
– Upgraded factory inverter bay intake/exhaust system driven by the Victron inverters.
– Introduced an inverter bay heater system to ensure smooth operation in all-weather environments.
To learn more about this project and others from AM Solar, please visit AM Solar
