This paper proposes an adaptive perturbation and observation (P&O) algorithm for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control strategy of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system under varying atmospheric conditions. This strategy is important in order to extract maximum power output from a solar PV panel. The adaptive P&O algorithm is proposed to utilize a variable perturbation step size which depends on power changes. The obtained simulation results are compared with those using the conventional P&O algorithm, which show the convergence value and speed of the proposed MPPT algorithm are improved. The steady time is shortened by 25%, and the steady-state value is increased by more than 20%.So the proposed algorithm is effective and practical in the MPPT of a grid-connected solar PV system.