Aimed at the issue that the implementation of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) using group heuristic algorithms for photovoltaic arrays under shading conditions depends on algorithm-specific parameter settings, which leads to problems such as difficulty in the design of algorithms, a low tracking efficiency and large tracking errors, the tracking control of MPPT under shading conditions is implemented based on the Jaya algorithm. The proposed algorithm requires only general control parameters without any specific control parameters, and the solution of maximum power always moves towards the best solution during iterations. In addition, the worst solution is discarded to avoid local solutions, so that the system always tracks the maximum power accurately and maintains efficient operation. A simulation model of photovoltaic arrays under shading conditions is built in MATLAB/Simulink, and the Jaya algorithm is compared with traditional PSO and GA algorithms under the same model. Experimental results show that during the process of optimization, the use of the Jaya algorithm can track the maximum power in the shortest time while keeping the smallest tracking error and oscillation. At the same time, the global maximum power point can also be re-located accurately and quickly when the light intensity changes abruptly.