Located just 22 miles west of Austin, Texas, Shield Ranch is a place that offers a unique camp that connects people with the natural world by providing fun and inspiring nature-immersion experiences. Shield ranch is 6,400 acres of ecologically diverse wildlands, sustainably managed for the benefit of people and nature.

At Shield Ranch, stewarding and protecting Texas ecosystems is their solemn purpose. The Shield Ranch Foundation, a nonprofit, was created to share Shield Ranch with the public “in ways that educate, transform and inspire.” The campsite is the result of a meticulous and thoughtful collaboration between the ranch owners, a design team, consultants, and state and county officials.

There, campers, and staff live in screened shelters amongst the landscape of Rocky Creek. Shield Ranch operates 100% off-grid relying on rainwater collection and solar power; and serves as a learning laboratory for conservation.

The Backbone of the Microgrid Power System

Current Energy Storage was selected to provide the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which is the backbone of the microgrid power system for Shield Ranch.

The microgrid is made up of three main components:
MG 100 kW 276 kWh Battery Energy Storage System
46.4 kW AC Solar System
60 kW Propane Generator

With no grid power available the reliability of the BESS is critical for the daily operation of the campsite. The BESS provides power to the main facility which supports the camps dining hall and learning center. Site lighting, fire suppression, refrigeration as well as the site pumps for rainwater collection and sanitation are all powered by the BESS.

Because of the robust design of the microgrid system the generator’s annual run time is generally less than 75 hours per year! This meets Shield Ranch sustainable goals and greatly reduces their annual fuel cost for the generator.

Current Energy Storage is privileged to be a part of Shield Ranch, a place that will “educate, transform and inspire” campers allowing them to experience and create memorable experiences with the untouched, natural landscape of the Texas Hill Country.

OFF-GRID tech: This Texas Ranch has it figured out…