Two prominent players in the clean energy sector, Fluence Energy and Torch Clean Energy, are joining forces to deliver a massive solar-plus-storage project in Cochise County, Arizona. While Torch Clean Energy will spearhead the development of the Winchester facility, Fluence will provide its cutting-edge Gridstack Pro 5000™ energy storage solution, a move expected to fortify the local grid for years to come.
This significant development, announced today (10/15/2025), positions the new facility alongside two existing 80 MW solar arrays. The storage component adds a formidable 160 MW / 640 MWh of capacity. Once operational in early 2027, the system will serve a crucial function: storing excess solar power during peak generation and dispatching it when demand surges. Consequently, it will help balance the local electric grid and accommodate a growing energy load throughout the region.
Importantly, the project will rely on domestically manufactured components, including enclosures, inverters, and thermal management systems. This strategic choice enables the full solar-plus-storage facility to qualify for federal domestic content tax credits, a major financial incentive that ultimately benefits the project’s bottom line.
According to Fluence Americas President John Zahurancik, the new facility represents more than a technological upgrade. “This facility is a great step toward ensuring affordable, reliable, and secure power for the local community and will support regional economic activity and expected load growth for many years to come,” he said.
Similarly, Torch Clean Energy President Travis Haggard emphasized the system’s ability to maximize efficiency. “The Gridstack Pro 5000 will allow us to shift cost-effective solar generation to be dispatched when the grid needs it most,” he explained.
Fluence portfolio in the United States
The Winchester project adds to Fluence’s already extensive portfolio in the United States, where it has deployed or contracted over 22 GWh of battery energy storage capacity across 90+ projects. This deep experience suggests a smooth integration for the new facility, further enabling Fluence to support utilities, power producers, and developers in their transition toward a more reliable and cost-effective grid.
Beyond the U.S., Fluence is advancing major energy storage projects worldwide, including the 500 MW / 2,000 MWh Tomago BESS in Australia, developed with AGL and set to become the country’s largest grid-scale battery.
Project factsheet: Winchester solar-plus-storage facility
Developed by Torch Clean Energy and Fluence Energy, Inc.
Project overview
Location: Cochise County, Arizona
Project developer: Torch Clean Energy
Energy storage provider: Fluence Energy, Inc.
Energy storage solution: Fluence Gridstack Pro 5000™
Status: In development
Anticipated delivery: Early 2027
Key features and specifications
Energy storage capacity: 160 MW / 640 MWh, delivered across two identical systems
Solar arrays: The project will sit alongside two existing 80 MW solar arrays
Domestic manufacturing: Key components, including enclosures, inverters, and thermal management systems, will be manufactured in the U.S.
Domestic content tax credits: The use of domestically manufactured components allows the project to qualify for federal tax credits
Project goals and benefits
Grid balancing: The facility will provide energy storage to balance the electric grid by absorbing and dispatching power as needed.
Load growth: It will help meet forecasted electricity load growth in the region.
Economic development: The project is expected to support economic development and local infrastructure investment in Cochise County.
Renewable energy integration: It enables more effective integration of cost-effective solar generation into the grid.
