Visionary entrepreneur and global business leader Zaya Younan, Founder and Chairman of Younan Company, has announced a strategic expansion into large-scale renewable energy with the launch of a major utility-scale solar and battery storage project in California. This initiative, developed under Soleil Renewable Energy, LLC, marks Younan’s entry into advanced clean-energy infrastructure, adding to his global portfolio of ventures in commercial real estate, luxury hospitality, golf and leisure, fine wines and spirits, and premium tobacco and cigars.
The Soleil Renewable Energy project is set to become one of the five largest solar power-generating facilities in California, reflecting Younan’s long-term commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and next-generation infrastructure. Located in East Kern County, a prime solar corridor in North America, the development spans approximately 3,200 acres of owned land and combines high-capacity solar generation with large-scale battery energy storage. Upon completion, the facility is expected to deliver 880 MWdc (700 MWac) of solar power paired with a 460 MW battery system, allowing for clean energy delivery during both daytime and peak evening demand hours. This will make it one of the largest renewable energy plants in North America.
The project has already reached key development milestones, including land acquisition, third-party land appraisal, and significant progress on interconnection with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). In parallel, interconnection arrangements with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power are underway, creating a dual-grid strategy that enhances flexibility, reliability, and long-term commercial potential. Commercial operation is targeted for mid-2028, with the project expected to be shovel-ready within the next 18 months following completion of environmental review and permitting.
At full capacity, the Soleil facility is projected to generate between 1,900 and 2,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, corresponding to an estimated $100 million in gross revenue each year. With a combination of owned land, large scale, and low operating costs, the project is expected to achieve EBITDA margins of around 85%, placing it among the most efficient renewable energy assets of its size. Beyond financial performance, the development aligns closely with California’s carbon-free electricity targets and supports growing national demand for clean, dispatchable energy driven by electrification, data-center expansion, and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Zaya Younan is widely recognized for building global enterprises across multiple industries, including commercial real estate, luxury European resorts, championship golf courses, ultra-premium wines and spirits, and renowned premium cigars. His entry into utility-scale renewable energy represents a strategic move into sustainable infrastructure, demonstrating his vision to deliver long-term economic, environmental, and societal value. Speaking about the project, Younan said, “Innovation is not limited to one industry. Whether in luxury, technology, or energy, the objective is the same — to build world-class assets that endure, elevate standards, and contribute positively to society. Renewable energy represents both an economic opportunity and a responsibility for future generations.”
Key highlights of the Soleil Renewable Energy project include 880 MWdc of solar generation integrated with 460 MW of battery storage, 3,200 acres of owned land with independent appraisal, dual grid access with CAISO and LADWP, projected annual gross revenue of $100 million, expected EBITDA margins of approximately 85%, a clear development timeline with shovel-ready status within 18 months, and alignment with California’s long-term clean-energy and grid-reliability objectives.
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