Solar + storage in Arizona
Painted Desert solar + storage
AES’ Painted Desert project is a planned solar + battery storage facility in the Coalmine Canyon and Cameron Chapters on Navajo Nation, about two and half miles east of Cameron, Arizona. This project is being developed in partnership with Navajo Power and will help build a secure and sustainable energy future in Arizona.
750 MW solar + 750 MW battery energy storage planned capacity
Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of more than 130,000 homes annually
Located in
Coconino County, near Cameron, AZ, on the Navajo Nation
Our clean energy commitment
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
Economic and environmental benefits
The project is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for local communities and the region.
1,956,000 MWh
Carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
$310+ Million
Expected to be generated in lease and tax revenue for Navajo Nation and consideration payments for Chapters and grazing permit holders over the project lifetime
300+ jobs totaling over $100 million in direct salaries
Expected to be created during construction.
Project details
- Sited on approximately 4,500 acres of Navajo Nation trust lands
- AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
- At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to pre-project conditions and prior use consistent with land-use policies and existing agreements, including all Navajo Nation standards
Expected project timeline
2025 – 2027
Development, permitting, design
2027 – 2030
Construction
2030
Operations
How clean energy benefits local communities
Long-term tax revenue throughout project lifetime
Job creation during construction and operation
Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family
Local economic stimulus during construction
Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy
Partnering with communities for the future of clean energy
At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.
Local partnerships:
- Navajo Power Home has deployed over 400 off-grid systems on the Navajo Nation and is committed to 400 more installations with its DOE grant funding. AES also partners with local organizations, such as Fort Lewis College, to support their Navajo Nation Solar VAP program. This initiative aims to install residential solar systems for families living in rural communities like Navajo Mountain, Shonto, and Black Mesa, where access to electricity is limited or nonexistent. In 2025, AES provided additional funding for FLC's Undergraduate Clean Energy Research Fellows and Navajo Nation Solar Spring Break Initiative.
Additional information
Safety and sustainability best practices
At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle to build a more resilient future.
Environmental and technical studies
In compliance with all federal, state, and Navajo Nation requirements, we conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed, including but not limited to:
- Cultural & Historical Resources
- Geotechnical
- Topographical
- Wetlands
- Species and Habitat
- Floodplains
- Hydrological
Resources and FAQs
Meet your AES team
Holly Keifer
Latest news
Industry partnerships fuel solar energy work on the Navajo Nation
Contact us
We appreciate your interest in AES’ Painted Desert project. Please contact us using the information below.