Simulation and experimental validation of hill-climbing algorithm for maximum power point tracking of solar photovoltaic plant

Variation of solar irradiances plays an important role in changing the parameters of a photovoltaic (PV) module. This communication includes a mathematical model, system design, control algorithm and experimental set-up to obtain the maximum power point on P-V and I-V curves of an array. Discussions have been done on all the units of the system and a simulation model developed in MATLAB software using the proposed method. The resultant system is capable of tracking maximum power point without steady-state oscillations and errors in changing environmental conditions. The feasibility and improved functionality of the proposed system have been tested successfully in the laboratory.