Power converters are devices that change electrical energy from one form to another. They can convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) or vice versa. This conversion is essential for powering various electronic devices, as different devices require specific types of electrical input to function properly. There are several types of power converters, including inverters, which convert DC to AC, and rectifiers, which do the opposite. These converters are commonly used in applications like solar energy systems, where solar panels generate DC electricity that needs to be converted for use in homes or fed into the electrical grid.