Dayton Moves Forward with 600-Acre Solar Farm, Expects $40M in Savings

The city's electric aggregation provider AEP will purchase power from the new solar farm, potentially lowering energy bills for thousands of homes.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The city of Dayton, Ohio, is moving forward with plans to build a 600-acre solar farm near Little Richmond Road and State Route 49. The power generated from the solar farm will be purchased by the city's electric aggregation provider, AEP, and could power more than 14,000 homes. City officials estimate the project will save residents $42 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.

Why it matters

The solar farm project is seen as a way for the city to provide more affordable and sustainable energy options for its residents, especially those enrolled in the city's electric aggregation program. The project also aligns with Dayton's broader sustainability goals and could attract new businesses and data centers that are seeking renewable energy sources.

The details

The solar farm will be constructed on land that was previously zoned for manufacturing, but city leaders believe the solar project is a better use of the land. The 12-15 month construction process is expected to begin in early 2027, after some initial site work is completed this year. The solar farm will not provide power for all of Dayton's homes, but rather for the 30% of customers who opt into the city's electric aggregation program.

  • The project was first announced in July 2023.
  • Site work is expected to begin later this year.
  • The 12-15 month construction process will start in early 2027.

The players

Meg Maloney

An official in the city's sustainability office.

AEP

The city's electric aggregation provider that will purchase power from the new solar farm.

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What they’re saying

“Essentially this agreement allows us to make energy off the site and give it to our residents, which is really great.”

— Meg Maloney, City Sustainability Official

“Corporations can buy it, manufacturers can buy it, data centers can buy it.”

— Meg Maloney, City Sustainability Official

What’s next

The city believes there will be site work done by the developer this year, but the 12-15 month construction process will start in early 2027.

The takeaway

This solar farm project represents Dayton's commitment to providing more affordable and sustainable energy options for its residents, particularly those enrolled in the city's electric aggregation program. The project could also help attract new businesses and data centers seeking renewable energy sources, further bolstering the city's economic development efforts.