Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Systems: A Review

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques are essential for maximizing energy extraction from photovoltaic (PV) systems under diverse environmental conditions. This paper reviews three widely used MPPT methods Perturb and Observe (P&O), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) highlighting their effectiveness in addressing challenges such as temperature fluctuations, varying irradiance, and shading. The P&O method is noted for its simplicity and low computational requirements, but it suffers from oscillations around the maximum power point under rapidly changing conditions. FLC offers enhanced adaptability and robustness by mimicking human decision-making, performing well in dynamic environments with moderate complexity. ANN-based methods demonstrate superior tracking efficiency and fast convergence, particularly under complex and highly variable conditions, due to their ability to learn and generalize from data. These findings underscore the importance of continued development of MPPT techniques, especially intelligent and hybrid approaches, to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy. Thus, solar energy remains a highly viable solution for modern energy needs.