Abstract
This paper proposes, implements and incorporates a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for controlling photovoltaic systems (PV). The structure and characteristics of conventional hill-climbing based MPPT are analysed. Moreover, the simplicity of its implementation in the environment of the MATLAB software is dues to using the C-block in order to simulate the algorithm and the PV system. The proposed fuzzy logic controller (FLC) based on the variable step-size hill-climbing MPPT method provides a rapid and precise convergence to the maximum power point (MPP) under normal and varying weather conditions in comparison with the conventional hill-climbing method. The simulation results are provided in order to validate the performance and feasibility of the proposed controller, while taking into consideration different conditions for the solar irradiation operation.