In this paper, the power electronic interface between a DC hybrid power source with a photovoltaic main source and a Li-ion battery storage as the secondary power source is modelled based on the Euler -Lagrange framework. Subsequently, passivity-based controllers are synthesised using the energy shaping and damping injection techniques. Local asymptotic stability is ensured as well. In addition, the power management system is designed to manage power flow between components. Evaluation of the proposed system and simulation of the hybrid system are accomplished using MATLAB/Simulink. The results show that the outputs of the hybrid system have good tracking response, low overshoot, short settling time and zero steady-state error. Afterwards, linear PI controllers are provided to compare the results with those of passivity-based controller responses. This comparison demonstrates the robustness of the proposed controllers for reference DC voltage and load resistance changes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.