News > Ohio homeowner gains financial security through solar

Ohio homeowner gains financial security through solar

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April 4, 2025

• Gabe Hutchison

As a self-professed aficionado of all things mechanical, Jeff Clawson’s path to becoming a solar homeowner started with an interest in electric vehicles (EVs). An exploration into how an EV could provide backup power to his home helped him realize solar was the logical first step toward his future goals of electrification. 

Self-sufficiency was at the heart of Jeff’s decision to go solar. He lives in rural Geauga County, Ohio, where blackouts are common and utility rates keep rising. Jeff hoped to reshape his energy use and consumption through solar. In 2022, he installed a 10-kilowatt system designed to meet all his electricity demand — plus extra capacity for future upgrades he hopes to make.

Jeff’s solar system cost about $32,000, but he reduced his upfront investment using the residential solar tax credit (Section 25D of the Investment Tax Credit, or ITC). The ITC enables homeowners to deduct up to 30% of their solar system’s cost from their federal income taxes. It saved Jeff $8,200. “That allowed me to get the size system that I wanted, and that allowed me to offset 100% of my needs.”

By tying his tax credit savings into his financing package, Jeff was able to lock in his cost of power for the next 20 years. “The way I was looking at it is I could pay the electric company forever, and even if it was a little less than what I paid in a loan payment, this system is mine and it is hooked to my home, which causes my home to be worth more,” he explained. “I have more equity in my home as a result.”

When Jeff eventually sells his home, he will be able to realize those gains. In the meantime, as he plans for retirement, solar will provide financial security. “When I get to the point in my life where my income is fixed, there is one less thing that I have to worry about … I will be in a position where I will not have to pay for electricity, and that is going to be an economic benefit to me in the future.”

To maximize the potential of his solar system, Jeff hopes to add battery storage to keep his home running during blackouts and upgrade to electric appliances. The battery system, like his panels, would be eligible for a 30% tax credit, and future upgrades to electric heat pumps would qualify for efficiency rebates. However, the law that provides these cost-saving measures is currently on the chopping block, despite the demonstrable benefit to homeowners.

Jeff’s plans for increased resilience and efficiency will be stymied if the credits are eliminated, as will the opportunity for other Ohioans to participate in the benefits of distributed renewable energy. “The big swath in the middle of us who can’t [pay cash], who have kids in college, and are driving a 10-year-old car … but still want to take advantage of [solar] — this is a way that we get back our investment in the country.”

With widespread support from majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, Jeff hopes his elected officials will continue backing the legislation that has been essential to establishing his energy independence. 

Act Now: Urge Congress to protect solar energy tax credits for all Americans

Solar energy is garnering support from both sides of the aisle. You can help keep up the momentum by making it loud and clear to your Senators and Representatives that Americans support federal solar investments. 

Some members in Congress want to repeal successful policies that have made going solar more affordable for American families and businesses. Please use the form on this page to tell your federal representatives that you support smart investments, like the 30% solar tax credit.

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If you have solar, explain how it is lowering and controlling your household’s energy costs. If you don’t yet have solar, tell them how these investments will make solar accessible for people like you.