This paper presents a detailed optimization of the Perturb and Observe (P & O) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm applied to a 250 W photovoltaic module connected to a DC-DC Boost converter. The main contribution lies in a systematic sensitivity analysis of the perturbation step size (ΔD) under severe thermal constraints ranging from 25？C to 70？C. The PV module was modeled using the single-diode equivalent circuit, while the Boost converter was designed and simulated in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) using the averaged state-space approach in MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results demonstrate that the choice of ΔD is critical: a too-small step (ΔD < 0.002) leads to excessively slow convergence (>2.5 s), whereas a too-large step (ΔD > 0.015) causes significant steady-state oscillations and reduces tracking efficiency below 92%. The optimal perturbation step ΔD = 0.005 achieves an excellent compromise, providing an average tracking efficiency of 96.80% and a convergence time of 1.2 s. Compared to open-loop control with fixed duty cycle, the optimized P & O MPPT delivers an average power gain of +25.6%, reaching up to +39.3% at 25？C.
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