Project Overview

The Gem City Solar Project is a 49.9-megawatt solar energy project that will be located in northwest Dayton near Little Richmond Road and State Route 49. The project will span approximately 250 - 300 acres and is expected to generate enough electricity each year to power approximately 14,665 homes.

Once completed, Gem City Solar will become the largest solar project located within Dayton’s city limits and one of the largest community choice solar projects inside a U.S. city.

The project is being developed through a partnership between the City of Dayton, the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), AEP Energy Partners, and solar developer Zelestra. Electricity generated by the solar facility will be delivered to the regional grid and used to supply Dayton’s electric aggregation program.

Benefits for Dayton Residents

Lower and More Stable Energy Costs

The Gem City Solar Project will supply approximately 30% of the electricity used in Dayton’s residential electric aggregation program. Through a long-term power purchase agreement, this energy will be purchased at a fixed price for 25 years, helping protect residents from fluctuations in energy market prices.

Based on current market projections, the project is expected to generate up to $42 million in savings for residents and small businesses over the life of the agreement.

Because a portion of Dayton’s energy supply will be locked in long-term, the project provides important price stability at a time when many energy customers are experiencing rising and unpredictable energy costs.

Text Version of the Gem City Solar Project infographic

Local Renewable Energy

Gem City Solar will generate clean electricity locally and feed it into the regional power grid. The project supports Dayton’s commitment to expanding renewable energy while strengthening the local energy supply.

The solar facility will produce enough electricity annually to power approximately 14,665 homes.

The City may also have the option to sell renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the project in the future, depending on market conditions. Any REC sales would be publicly disclosed here.

Environmental Stewardship

The project has been designed with environmental protections and ecological benefits, including:

• Native vegetation and pollinator-friendly plants beneath and around the solar panels
• Wetland protection on and near the project site
• Land management practices that support long-term environmental health

These features help maintain habitat and improve soil and water quality while producing renewable energy.

Economic and Community Benefits

In addition to providing renewable energy, the project will generate local economic benefits, including:

• Workforce development opportunities tied to project construction and operations

Project Timeline

January 14, 2026

Dayton City Commission approves the renewable energy purchase agreement supporting the Gem City Solar Project.

2026 - 2027

Final development planning, permitting, and site preparation.

2027

Construction of the solar facility is expected to begin.

First Half of 2028

The project is scheduled to come online and begin delivering solar electricity to the regional grid.

Project Partners

Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC)

SOPEC manages Dayton’s electric aggregation program and helps communities procure renewable energy and develop sustainability programs.

AEP Energy Partners

AEP Energy Partners is providing the renewable energy purchase agreement that allows the City to procure energy from the solar facility.

Zelestra

Zelestra is the project developer responsible for building and operating the solar facility. This will be the company’s first solar project in Ohio.

Media Contact

City of Dayton
Meg Maloney
Sustainability Manager
meg.maloney@daytonohio.gov
937-333-3623