Maximum Power Point Tracking in PV Systems and Partial Shading: A Review

Abstract

Abstract Sustainable energy, particularly solar power, is crucial in reducing emissions and addressing energy problems. Indeed, solar energy is a green energy source; however, it has weaknesses that stem from partial shading due to changes in temperature and weather. These have an impact on the efficiency of solar panels; thus, it has become imperative to employ sophisticated strategies to maintain the output at the highest level. Energy harvesting methods implementing MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) are at the center of this, as they allow for the monitoring and extraction of the greatest power when the environment keeps changing. On the other hand, there are a lot of different MPPT algorithms—characterized by various complexities, prices, speeds, and applicability—thus, deciding which one to use can be confusing. The research is the one that sheds light on this matter by identifying the MPPT methods, classical, intelligent, optimization-based, and hybrid, and providing a comparative analysis of the performance, benefits, and downsides of each of them. It continues by explaining the issue of partial shading and how to identify it, and at the end, it suggests potential avenues for future research to advance solar technology.