A power converter and method of operating the same for use in a power conversion system capable of receiving power from various sources, including renewable sources, for application to a load. Power type detection circuitry is provided for identifying the type of power source at the input of each power detector, based on attributes of the time-varying power received. The power converter is constructed of a boost stage followed by a galvanically isolated DC-DC converter stage. If a renewable input power source is detected, the boost stage is controlled to operate at a maximum power point, and the DC-DC converter stage is operated in an open loop manner. If the AC grid is detected as the input power source, the boost stage is controlled to attain maximum power factor, and the DC-DC converter stage is placed under feedback control of the output voltage. Operating modes are also switched in response to low load demand.