This paper proposes a simplified design and hardware implementation of a digital maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for a photovoltaic (PV) panel using PIC microcontroller 16F877A embedded technology. The 3 most well-known algorithms, perturb & observe, hill-climbing, and incremental conductance, are considered and analyzed from a practical implementation point of view. The control board was developed using simple circuits and tested under resistive load conditions lower than the load of the maximum power point. The MPPT controller proved its effectiveness, providing maximum power to the load under changing weather conditions.