Dirk Michels

Dirk Michels is one of the leading energy technology and renewable energy attorneys in California.

He represents energy technology and renewable energy companies, as well as investors, developers, lenders, and equipment vendors, in developing and financing solar, biomass, wind, thermal, transmission, storage, smart grid, and other energy projects in corporate, M&A, energy project development and financing, debt and equity financings, tax equity financings, joint ventures, and other strategic alliances within the United States and abroad.

During a 20-year career practicing law in California and Germany, he has advised publicly traded and privately held clients in venture funding, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and project financing transactions worth billions of dollars. A recognized leader in the domestic distributed solar energy industry, Dirk has been at the forefront of representing solar, wind, and energy storage projects involving collaboration between U.S., German, and Canadian companies.

Professional Activities

Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) DG Solar Contract Standardization Subcommittee

Solar Energy Finance Association, Founding General Counsel

American Bar Association, International Section

Council of the Bars and Law Societies of the European Community

German-American Business Association

Recognition & Accomplishments

Named Global Law Experts' Renewable Energy Sector Attorney of the Year (California), 2019

The Legal 500 US, Finance - Project Finance, 2019, Industry Focus - Energy: Renewable/Alternative, 2016-2017

Recognized as one of the "Top 25 Clean Technology Lawyers in California," Daily Journal, 2011

Speaking Engagements

Dirk is a frequent speaker on topics relating to project financing, corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, and international business transactions. His recent presentations include:

"Full Stack Lending–Pre-NTP, Back Leverage, Construction, Permanent, Securitization," Novogradac Financing Renewable Energy Tax Credits Conference 2019, San Francisco, CA

"The Cost of Capital Outlook," Greentech Media Solar Summit 2017, Phoenix, AZ 

"Cost of Installation-Where are Costs Going in the Future?" Infocast: Solar Power Finance & Investment Summit 2017," San Diego, CA

Board Memberships

Founding board member, German-American Business Association of California

Various corporate board memberships

University of San Diego School of Law (LL.M. 1996)

University of Hamburg School of Law (J.D. 1988)

University of Hamburg (B.S. 1986)

California

Germany