Disclosed examples relate to a power conversion system configured to provide a power output from an arrangement of direct current (DC) power sources. One example power conversion system includes multiple power sources PV(n), n=1 to x, connected in a series. For each power source PV(n) for n=1 to x−1, the power conversion system includes an intermediate bidirectional voltage converter VC(n) connected to a first terminal of the power source PV(n), a first terminal of power source PV(x), and a second terminal of power source PV(1). Each intermediate bidirectional voltage converter VC(n) includes a first switch operable in a pulsed mode to boost a power output by power source PV(n) and a second switch operable in a pulsed mode to reduce a power output by power source PV(n). The power conversion system also includes a balancer VC(x) connected to the first terminal of PV(x) and to a load.