A comprehensive review on solar PV maximum power point tracking techniques

In recent years solar energy has received worldwide attention in the field of renewable energy systems. Among the various research thrusts in solar PV, the most proverbial area is extracting maximum power from solar PV system. Application dof Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for extracting maximum power is very much appreciated and holds the key in developing efficient solar PV system. In this paper, a state of the art review on various maximum power point techniques for solar PV systems covering timeworn conventional methods and latest soft computing algorithms is presented. To date critical analysis on each of the method in terms of (1) tracking speed, (2) algorithm complexity, (3) Dynamic tracking under partial shading and (4) hardware implementation is not been carried out. In this regard the authors have attempted to compile a comprehensive review on various solar PV MPPT techniques based on the above criteria. Further, it is envisaged that the information presented in this review paper will be a valuable gathering of information for practicing engineers as well as for new researchers.