This paper details an maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approach based on artificial neural network (ANN) to track the maximum power produced by a PV panel. This approach is rapid and accurate for following the maximum power point (MPP) during changes in weather conditions such as solar irradiation and temperature. A PV system structure including an MPPT controller is studied, designed, and simulated in this work. The aim of this paper is to use the artificial neural network (ANN) technique to develop a MPPT controller for PV applications. To increase the performance of the ANN-MPPT controller, a proportional integral (PI) controller is also included. In addition, the performance of an ANN-based MPPT controller is also compared to the conventional perturb and observe (P&O) method. To analyze the results, simulations are performed by using MATLAB software.