NOVELTY - The converter (305a) has input terminals and output terminals, where the converter is operated to convert input power at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A controller controls the power conversion of the converter. A temperature sensor measures a temperature in an environment of the converter. The temperature sensor is operatively connected to an input of the controller. The controller inputs a temperature signal from the temperature sensor and adjusts the input power based on the temperature signal.    USE - Power converter i.e. direct current (DC) to DC power converter, for use in a distributed power system (all claimed) for management of distributed DC power sources in solar power installation and multiple-battery installation.    ADVANTAGE - The power conversion of the input power to the output power is controlled by adjusting the input power based on the temperature signal, thus maximizing the input power by setting the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. The adjustment of the input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current, thus lowering the temperature of the converter, and hence maintaining the reliability of the distributed power system with better efficiency and low cost and prolonging the service life of the component. The controller is used for monitoring, logging and communicating functions, thus allowing troubleshooting during installation and detecting problems during maintenance work quickly and easily, and hence significantly reducing installation time, and allowing easy location, repair, or replacement of failed solar panels.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a block diagram of a distributed power harvesting system using direct current power sources.    Distributed power harvesting system (30)    Solar panels (301a-301d)    String (303)    Inverter (304)    Power converters (305a-305d)    Control loop (320)