**6. Conclusions**

This paper presented comprehensive MPPT techniques capable of tracking the global peak during partial shading conditions. The partial shading mitigation technique has been classified as MPPT-based and circuit-based methods. The MPPT-based method is further categorized as modified conventional MPPT, soft computing, and hybrid methods. The modified conventional methods are based on modifying the operation of traditional MPPT methods, such as P&O and IC, so that they can track the global peak efficiently. The soft computing methods are based on optimization and are fast and efficient compared to the modified conventional techniques. Researchers have received PSO well among the optimization methods because of its robustness, simplicity, and easy implementation. FLC and ANN need a lot of training data, and their practical implementation is also complex. The hybrid methods combine soft computing with conventional techniques and are receiving more attention. Circuit-based partial shading mitigation techniques are also discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of different optimization techniques are also discussed to help readers choose a suitable MPPT under partial shading conditions. From the various methods discussed to mitigate partial shading conditions, it is very challenging to pick the best one. The current developed robust methods face high computational time and are complex for practical implementation. Cost of implementation, accuracy, number of sensors required, response time, and efficiency are some of the limitations associated with the currently available MPPT methods and should be addressed in future research. This comprehensive review of the MPPT methods is expected to provide utilities and researchers with a beneficial tool as a reference and guideline to select the best GMPPT method for partially shaded PV systems based on their effectiveness.

**Author Contributions:** M.Y.W., M.R.E. and M.A.H. contributed to identifying and classifying the MPPTs, manuscript writing, and conclusions; M.A.H., M.S., M.R.E. and L.S.M. contributed to reviewing the MPPTs, manuscript writing, and revisions; M.S., M.R.E., L.S.M. and M.I.H.; contributed to reviewing and classifying MPPTs, manuscript writing, and editing; and M.Y.W., M.I.H. and M.A.A. participated in revising the manuscript, editing, and conclusions. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** The authors acknowledge the support provided by the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (IRC-REPS), Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, through project #INRE2323.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Data Availability Statement:** Not applicable.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
