Artificial neural network (ANN) based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm makes use of the advantages of ANNs such as noise rejection capability and not requiring any prior knowledge of the physical parameters relating to PV system. This paper proposes a genetic algorithm (GA) optimized ANN-based MPPT algorithm implemented in a stand-alone PV system with direct-coupled induction motor drive. The major objective of this design is to eliminate dc-dc, converter and its accompanying losses. Implementing offline ANN in DSP needs optimization of ANN structure to obtain an ideal size. GA optimization was used in this study to determine neuron numbers in multi-layer perceptron neural network. Another objective of this work is to prevent the necessity of the trade-off between the tracking speed and the oscillations around the maximum power point. Hence, varying step size is used in MPPT algorithm and PI-controller is adopted for simple implementation. Simulation and experimental results have been used to demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.