The AES Clean Energy division of AES Corporation is proposing a 5,011-acre solar power and battery energy storage system development in the Rainbow Valley area of southern Goodyear.
If built as proposed, the Desert Rainbow Solar Project would produce up to 550 megawatts of energy and store the same amount in BESS units.
Estrella South LLC is the property owner.
Desert Rainbow would be one of the state’s largest solar developments, by area, if completely developed as planned. The property is situated approximately two miles from the master-planned community Estrella.
Power from the facility would feed into Salt River Project’s Pinal West to Jojoba 500 kV Transmission Line for distribution.
The project will need to secure a special use permit from the City of Goodyear. It is currently under staff review and is expected to eventually go before Goodyear Planning and Zoning and City Council.
The project website says construction is expected to begin in 2029 and will start delivering power in 2032. It will be decommissioned after a projected 40-year operational lifespan. (Source)
