This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for multi-level inverters. A hybrid binary cascaded multilevel inverter (BCMLI) is discussed that includes a plurality of H-bridge cells connected in a cascaded formation. DC input voltages of some of the H-bridge cells are provided by DC voltage sources. But inputs of other H-bridge cells coupled with capacitors instead. The H-bridge cells are operated to provide an AC output voltage at the output terminals of the inverter. One or more floating capacitor voltage controllers are used to vary one or more switching instances of the H-bridge cells such that a desirable level or charge is maintained across the one or more capacitors coupled with the input terminals of the H-bridge cells.