Shallow Basket Energy Solar + Storage Project Now Operational in New Mexico

National Renewable Solutions (NRS) has announced the commercial launch of the Shallow Basket Energy project, which integrates 140 MWac of solar capacity with 50 MW of battery storage in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. The project has adopted recent trends in solar projects that are now more often coupeld with battery storage. Older projects like the Escalante Solar plant which is also in New Mexico and was commissioned in 2024 lacks a battery storage facility.

The project is built on land owned by the Jicarilla Apache Nation, which will directly benefit from clean power through its wholesale supply agreement with Guzman Energy — the primary offtaker of the project’s generation.

Local Communities and Cooperatives to Benefit

According to Jeffrey M. Heit, Founding Managing Director at Guzman Energy, the new facility adds significant capacity to the company’s renewable portfolio. Customers including the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Kit Carson Electric Cooperative will have access to a reliable, local power source that supports long-term energy needs.

Financing and Strategic Partnerships

Following its initial project financing announcement in November 2024, NRS successfully refinanced the project debt with MUFG Bank, NORD/LB, Siemens Financial Services, and Zions Bancorporation on improved terms — a move set to strengthen the company’s growth trajectory.

The project uses Tesla’s grid-forming technology and Megapack 2XL battery units, manufactured in Lathrop, California, with construction handled by Albuquerque-based Gridworks.

Boosting Energy Reliability for 38,000 Homes

The Shallow Basket Energy facility is expected to power approximately 38,000 homes annually. Its battery storage system will store excess energy during peak solar generation and dispatch it during high-demand hours, improving grid stability and reliability in the region.

Shallow Basket Energy Project Factsheet