Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms are used to obtain maximum efficiency out of a photovoltaic system. The peak observed in a characteristic current-voltage (IV) curve is called maximum power point and having the photovoltaic array operate in or around this maximum power point at all times is most efficient.

However, the load of the photovoltaic array always varies, as does the sunlight intensity, so the problem of operating at maximum power point becomes even more complex. To achieve MPP operation under varying sunlight and loading conditions, we need a smart controller.

This video aims to provide an overview on the importance of using MPPT algorithms while showing examples in Simulink^®.