Solar + Battery Energy Storage in Arizona

Desert Rainbow Solar + Storage

in development

The Desert Rainbow project is a planned solar and battery energy storage facility in Goodyear, Arizona. The project will help meet growing power demand in the region while providing benefits to the local community. As a company dedicated to developing and delivering innovative energy solutions with long-term impact, our projects help to build a secure and sustainable energy future.

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Approximately 550 MW solar + 550 MW battery energy storage capacity
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Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 165,000 homes annually
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Located in 
Goodyear, Arizona

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.

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Economic and environmental benefits

The project is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits for local communities and the region.

1.37 Million MWh

Carbon-free electricity generated each year

$212 million

Expected to be generated in tax revenue for the City of Goodyear, Maricopa County, Arizona, and local school districts over the life of the project

360+ Jobs

Expected to be created during peak construction, plus an estimated 20 long-term operations and maintenance jobs

Project details

 

  • Located on approximately 5,000 acres of privately owned, vacant land
  • Power generated by the solar panels can be stored in the battery energy storage system and deployed quickly to the electric grid, providing flexibility and resiliency
  • The project will use advanced safety features and adhere to all safety standards for battery energy storage systems
  • The project will preserve Waterman Wash and special flood hazard areas to support wildlife habitat protection and trail system development by the City of Goodyear Parks & Recreation Department
  • AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
  • At the end of the project's 40-year life, we will follow a decommissioning plan to decommission the project and then restore the land to the same general condition that existed prior to development.
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Map showing location of the Desert Rainbow project
Simplified map showing the footprint of the Desert Rainbow project

How clean energy benefits local communities

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Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns and school districts

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Job creation during construction

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Local economic stimulus during construction

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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:

  • University of Arizona
  • American Heart Association - CycleNation Phoenix

AES is a proud member and partner of:

 

  • West Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Greater Phoenix Economic Council
  • Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
  • Peoria Chamber of Commerce
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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

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

Contact us

We appreciate your interest in AES’ Desert Rainbow. 

Please contact us using the information below.