Built on California. Focused on clean energy.
Zenith Energy Advisors was founded by a team of California energy veterans who saw a gap in the market: developers and investors needed an advisor who could navigate both the technical complexity of project development and the institutional demands of project finance — in one firm.
Our story
Founded in 2008, Zenith Energy Advisors emerged from the conviction that California's clean energy transition would require a new kind of advisory firm — one with deep roots in the state's regulatory landscape and direct relationships with the institutional capital markets.
Over 18 years, we have advised on more than 150 projects totaling 2.4 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and over $1.2 billion in project finance transactions. Our clients range from independent power producers and C&I developers to municipalities and institutional landowners.
We remain a focused, senior-led firm. Every engagement is led by a principal with direct experience in the California market — not delegated to junior staff. That commitment to senior attention is the foundation of every client relationship we build.
Senior-led, every engagement
Michael Reyes
Founder & Managing Principal
Michael founded Zenith Energy Advisors after 12 years at leading California utilities and independent power producers. He has led project development and financing for over 80 renewable energy projects across California, with a particular focus on CAISO interconnection strategy and utility-scale solar.
- Former Director, Renewable Development, Pacific Gas & Electric
- B.S. Electrical Engineering, UC Berkeley
- M.B.A., Stanford Graduate School of Business
Sarah Kim
Principal, Project Finance
Sarah leads Zenith's project finance practice, bringing 15 years of experience structuring tax equity, construction debt, and term loan facilities for renewable energy projects. She has closed over $800 million in renewable energy financings with leading banks and tax equity investors.
- Former Vice President, Renewable Energy Finance, Wells Fargo
- B.S. Finance, USC Marshall School of Business
- CFA Charterholder
David Okonkwo
Principal, Permitting & Regulatory
David oversees Zenith's permitting and regulatory practice, with deep expertise in CPUC proceedings, CEQA review, and local land use entitlements. He has successfully permitted over 60 projects across California's most complex regulatory jurisdictions.
- Former Senior Advisor, California Public Utilities Commission
- J.D., UCLA School of Law
- B.A. Environmental Policy, UC Davis
California market expertise
Deep knowledge of the regulatory, policy, and capital market dynamics that shape California's clean energy landscape.
CAISO & IOU Interconnection
We have navigated hundreds of interconnection queue positions across CAISO, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E — including complex cluster study processes and transmission upgrade negotiations.
California Regulatory Policy
Our team includes former CPUC advisors and utility executives with direct experience in California's evolving clean energy policy framework, including NEM, SGIP, and IRP proceedings.
Tax Equity & Project Finance
We maintain active relationships with the leading tax equity investors and project lenders active in California — giving our clients direct access to institutional capital at competitive terms.
C&I & Community Solar
We specialize in the commercial and industrial segment, including community choice aggregation offtake, direct access, and behind-the-meter projects across California's major load centers.