The University of Johannesburg, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, and China University of Petroleum (East China) have collaboratively developed an Adapted Perturb and Observe–Model Predictive Control (APO-MPC)-based MPPT method for PV systems. The APO-MPC strategy is designed to improve power extraction under complex partial shading conditions by computing a reference current that minimizes a cost function. The algorithm was implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and tested on a setup with six series-connected PV modules, a boost converter, and a load. Validation was carried out through real-time hardware experiments and field data collected across seasonal atmospheric conditions. The APO-MPC method achieved a tracking efficiency of 99.46% and a convergence time of 0.17 seconds. Compared with conventional MPPT algorithms, the APO-MPC method eliminated steady-state oscillations and delivered improved tracking accuracy, stability, and response across various irradiance conditions.