In this paper, the idea of controlling the input resistance of a switching power converter is proposed to track the maximum power point of a photovoltaic (PV) module. To this end, an inversion-based control technique is presented based on the nonlinear input resistance model of a boost converter operating in the discontinuous conduction mode. A method is also presented to estimate the resistance of the PV module at the maximum power point by means of the Lambert W-Function. Furthermore, the resistance information is utilized to control the input resistance of the converter for achieving maximum power transfer. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the PV system, working under the proposed controller, can successfully track different maximum power points under rapidly changing irradiance and load conditions. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.