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I ©2019 Pentair plc.
Pentair Pentek Solar Drive Operation
Once the Pentair Pentek Solar Drive controller is wired to the solar source and a motor load,
and the DIP switches settings are configured to match the motor specification, then the
Pentair Pentek Solar Drive is ready for operation.
Startup:
When starting the Pentair Pentek Solar Drive for the first time:
1. While the Pentair Pentek Solar Drive is still de-energized, configure the DIP switches
per the AC motor load of the connected device (see DIP switch details on page 8).
2. After DIP switches are configured, turn ON the toggle switch, and replace the door.
Make sure to never touch toggle switch while connected to solar.
3. Power up the Pentair Pentek Solar Drive from solar PV by switching the solar DC
disconnect to the ON position. All LEDs will light up, and after a few seconds the
Pentair Pentek Solar Drive will try to start the pump, indicated by a blinking green
light, and upon starting the green LED will remain ON.
4. If there is not enough solar power available, the middle LED will blink yellow,
indicating insufficient solar power to start the motor load.
During start-up mode, the Pentair Pentek Solar Drive soft starts a 60Hz motor/pump from
a standstill to 45Hz operation in 1 second, and then the Maximum Power Point Tracking
(MPPT) algorithm takes over, increasing the motor to 60Hz operation during full sunlight.
This optimizes the motor/pump speed to match available power from the solar PV source.
For 50 Hz motors, the Pentair Pentek Solar Drive soft starts to 40Hz within one second, and
then switches to Max Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control.
Figure 12: Solar Water Pumping System Diagram
Grid Power
Pentair Pentek
Solar Drive PSD15
PV Solar Array
DC Disconnect
Water Tank
Level
Switch
AC Motor
Pump
