Modeling and simulation of Photovoltaic (PV) array and maximum power point tracker (MPPT) for grid-connected PV system

In this paper a validated, generic and user-friendly PV array and MPPT models are presented in the mathematical modeling and circuit-based approach. The PV array model accepts irradiance and temperature as variable parameters and outputs I-V and P-V characteristics. The Hill Climbing (HC) algorithm is implemented to track the maximum power point (MPP). The model is validated against data obtained from an installed PV system at Malaysia Green Technology Corporation (MGTC) in Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia with installed capacity of 47.28 kWp. From the comparison of the simulated results with that of the MGTC, it clearly shows that power produced in simulation is higher than the actual. This is due to some factors itemized in this work.