Cost Effective Maximum Power Point Tracking of Photovoltaic Cell

Abstract

With the world moving towards a more efficient future it is imperative that renewable energy sources be developed to replace the current energy systems. Solar energy is one of the best renewable energy available but current solar systems are low in efficiency. In order to maximize output from solar cells, we use the method MPPT which enables real-time tracking of maximum efficiency point. This can be achieved by implementing a microcontroller based system that continuously calculates the power generated by the PV panel and compares it to the pre-defined graphical values in order to estimate the maximum efficiency point. MPPT method has come in use globally during the past few years but it is still being employed on a relatively small-scale, however economical method as the one explained above can enable its implementation on much broader scale.