This paper details the state space modeling of a small-scale wind-photovoltaic hybrid system. The obtained unified state space representation allows the efficient and accurate dynamic operation simulation of the entire hybrid system working under transient and steady state conditions. The hybrid system response is analyzed assuming a constant wind operation with different temperature and sun radiation levels, and under the presence of a three phase fault with rated temperature and sun radiation conditions. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.