This paper presents a new method for maximum power point tracking of photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting system by using the Hopfield neural network (HNN) optimized fuzzy logic controller (FLC). In the proposed method, HNN is utilized to automatically tune the FLC membership functions instead of adopting the trial-and-error approach. A complete simulation model of a PV system using the MATLAB/Simulink software is developed to validate the HNN optimized FLC. A hardware prototype of the PV maximum power point tracking controller was also implemented using the dSPACE DS1104 controller. Simulation and experimental results show the performance and effectiveness of the HNN optimized FLC. It is proven that the proposed HNN optimized FLC can provide accurate tracking of the PV maximum power point and improve the efficiency of PV systems. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.