A survey of the algorithms for seeking the maximum power point (MPP) is proposed. As has been shown, there are many ways of distinguishing and grouping methods that seek the MPP from a photovoltaic (PV) generator. However, in this article they are grouped as either direct or nondirect methods. The indirect methods ("quasi seeks") have the particular feature that the MPP is estimated from the measures of the PV generator's voltage and current PV, the irradiance, or using empiric data, by mathematical expressions of numerical approximations. Therefore, the estimation is carried out for a specific PV generator installed in the system. Thus, they do not obtain the maximum power for any irradiance or temperature and none of them are able to obtain the MPP exactly. Subsequently, they are known as "quasi seeks". Nevertheless, the direct methods ("true seeking methods") can also be distinguished. They offer the advantage that they obtain the actual maximum power from the measures of the PV generator's voltage and current PV. In that case, they are suitable for any irradiance and temperature. All algorithms, direct and indirect, can be included in some of the DC/DC converters, Maximum power point trackings (MPPTs), for the stand-alone systems. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.