Key Takeaways

• The City of Dayton has committed to renewable energy by signing an agreement for the Gem City Solar Project, a major solar installation.
• The project, spanning 250 acres, will power approximately 14,000 homes and is expected to be operational by mid-2028.
• Dayton is also expanding its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by identifying eight potential charging sites across the city.

Dayton Advances Renewable Energy Initiatives

Dayton, Ohio, is making significant strides toward climate goals and local energy self-sufficiency. The city has signed an agreement to procure energy from the Gem City Solar Project, which boasts a capacity of 49.9 megawatts and aims to power around 14,000 homes. This solar initiative will be one of the largest community choice solar projects constructed within city limits in the U.S., establishing Dayton as a national leader in renewable energy efforts.

Meg Maloney, the city’s sustainability manager, emphasized the project’s groundbreaking nature, stating, “Nobody has had the opportunity to purchase a project this large within their city limits.” The installation will cover 250 acres in northwest Dayton, specifically on Little Richmond Road at State Route 49, and is set to become operational by mid-2028. The energy produced will align with Dayton’s electric aggregation program, which benefits residents through cooperative power purchasing.

The solar project is expected to supply about 30% of the residential energy needs for the aggregation program. Maloney indicated the potential for significant savings on energy costs for residents. “This opportunity would allow the City of Dayton aggregation program to procure renewable energy credits from the Gem Solar Project, which will help maintain competitive rates for our residents,” she noted.

Construction for the solar project is anticipated to commence in 2027. The aggregation program, managed by the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), has already effectively met its renewable energy goals since relaunching in 2021. By purchasing renewable energy credits, Dayton has ensured 100% renewable energy for residents while delivering an estimated $11.2 million in savings through November 2025 compared to standard service rates from AES Ohio.

In addition to the solar project, the city commission has also approved the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, identifying eight potential sites for new EV chargers. A grant application has been submitted by the Southeast Ohio Public Energy Council to support the installation of these chargers in both urban and rural areas. If any of the proposed locations are unsuitable, three alternative sites have been identified.

These initiatives underscore Dayton’s commitment to fostering sustainable practices and enhancing energy affordability for its residents while supporting the broader goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2040.

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