Abstract: In the current energy scenario, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a key solution to sustainable power generation. However, the efficiency of these systems is highly influenced by environmental factors such as solar irradiance and temperature. This paper presents a detailed MATLAB/Simulink-based simulation of a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system using the Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm integrated with a buck converter. The PV array parameters were modeled considering variable irradiance levels from 1000 W/m² to 500 W/m² and a constant temperature of 25°C. The buck converter was designed to step down the voltage from the maximum power point value of 30.7V to a desired load voltage of 15V, with switching frequency set to 10 kHz and a maximum power output of 250 W. Inductor (L), capacitor (C), and load resistance (R) values were calculated using MATLAB code to optimize converter performance. The proposed system effectively tracks the maximum power point in varying environmental conditions and enhances the overall efficiency of the PV system. The results validate the accuracy and stability of the P&O algorithm, making this approach suitable for practical deployment in residential, industrial, and off-grid solar applications.

Keywords: MPPT, Perturb and Observe, Buck Converter, MATLAB Simulation, Solar PV System, Renewable Energy, Maximum Power Point, Irradiance Variation, Power Electronics, Photovoltaic Efficiency.

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2025.12342