International Journal of Research in Advanced Electronics Engineering
2026, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A
Performance Evaluation of Different MPPT Algorithms under Partial Shading Conditions for Rooftop Solar Systems
Author(s): Thabo J Mokoena, Naledi P Dlamini and Sibusiso M Nkosi
Abstract: Partial shading represents a significant challenge for photovoltaic system optimization, creating multiple local maxima in the power-voltage characteristic that conventional maximum power point tracking algorithms cannot distinguish from the global maximum. This research presents a comprehensive performance evaluation of six MPPT algorithms under controlled partial shading conditions representative of rooftop solar installations, comparing conventional hill-climbing techniques against advanced metaheuristic optimization approaches. The experimental platform comprised a 3.96 kWp photovoltaic array configured as three parallel strings of four series-connected monocrystalline panels, with programmable DC-DC converter enabling implementation of Perturb and Observe (P&O), Incremental Conductance (INC), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and a novel Hybrid P&O-PSO algorithm. Four standardized shading patterns representing 25-42% array coverage simulated typical rooftop conditions including chimney shadows, adjacent building obstruction, and cloud-induced partial shading. Testing conducted over 20 consecutive days at the University of Johannesburg rooftop installation revealed substantial performance differences under partial shading conditions. Conventional P&O and INC algorithms achieved only 78.2% and 80.1% average tracking efficiency respectively, consistently converging to local rather than global maximum power points. The metaheuristic algorithms demonstrated markedly superior performance, with PSO achieving 97.3%, GWO reaching 98.1%, and the Hybrid approach attaining 98.9% tracking efficiency through combination of fast local search with global exploration capabilities. Energy yield analysis quantified the practical impact of algorithm selection, with the Hybrid algorithm delivering 27.2% higher daily energy harvest compared to conventional P&O under mixed shading conditions. The improvement corresponds to approximately 1.8 kWh additional daily production for the test array, translating to significant economic benefit over system lifetime. Statistical analysis confirmed highly significant differences between algorithm categories (ANOVA F = 42.7, p < 0.001), validating the practical importance of advanced MPPT techniques for installations subject to partial shading. The research demonstrates that conventional MPPT algorithms remain adequate for unshaded installations but prove fundamentally unsuitable for rooftop systems where partial shading occurs regularly. The Hybrid P&O-PSO approach emerges as the recommended solution, combining rapid convergence during uniform irradiance conditions with reliable global maximum tracking when shading creates multiple power peaks. Implementation complexity remains manageable on contemporary microcontrollers, enabling practical deployment in residential and commercial rooftop installations throughout South Africa's growing solar market.
DOI: 10.22271/27084558.2026.v7.i1a.79
Pages: 64-70 | Views: 9 | Downloads: 5
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How to cite this article:
Thabo J Mokoena, Naledi P Dlamini, Sibusiso M Nkosi. Performance Evaluation of Different MPPT Algorithms under Partial Shading Conditions for Rooftop Solar Systems. Int J Res Adv Electron Eng 2026;7(1):64-70. DOI: 10.22271/27084558.2026.v7.i1a.79
