The constant voltage (CV) for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is considered one of the most commonly used techniques in the photovoltaic (PV) applications. This study is aimed at proposing an adaptive reference voltage-based MPPT technique (ARV) to improve the performance of the CV technique by making it adaptable to weather conditions. The RV for MPPT is adapted according to the measured radiation and temperature levels. The operating range of the radiation at a given temperature is divided into number of divisions and the corresponding RV is recorded off-line in a truth table. The difference between the reference and measured PV voltages is compensated using proportional–integral controller to generate suitable duty ratio to the boost converter. Performance assessment of the CV technique after being improved covers time response, MPPT efficiency, oscillation and stability. The results present performance improvement by fast time response to reach steady-state value, more stable operation with no oscillation and high MPPT efficiency as compared with the CV technique without the proposed improvement.