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Paula Mackovjak – OH

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January 28, 2025

Ohio homeowner proudly produces her own renewable energy

By: Gabe Hutchison  

Paula Mackovjak’s journey to becoming a solar homeowner began at the source—when she took a job with a solar installer. Her interest in solar was prompted by summertime energy bills that topped $500. A desire to better understand the technology and find a new line of work led her to the industry.

Soon after beginning her new career, Paula started planning an installation of her own. “Immediately when I saw the benefit—the price, the tax credit. I said: Oh my gosh, sign me up. This is incredible. This is the solution.”

In February 2024, Paula and her husband installed a 13-kilowatt roof-mounted array on their home in Brunswick, Ohio. The couple benefited from the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will earn them a 30 percent credit on their 2024 taxes. This represents $17,000 in savings off the cost of their system. These savings were made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which increased and extended the ITC. “The 30 percent [tax credit] is a beautiful thing,” said Paula. 

The system is producing enough power to cover nearly all of Paula’s energy demand. “Now our bill is like a dollar.” These savings mean she is no longer concerned about the arrival of her monthly electric bill.

Paula is proud to have established her energy independence. “My mindset is 100 percent we should be able to own our own power.” By doing so, she is saving money and insulating herself from the rising cost of electricity. “We’re constantly at the mercy of these [utility] companies. And you’re chasing your rates every six months to 12 months. And those rates are going to continue to go up.”

Having experienced the benefits of distributed renewable energy herself, Paula now hopes to help others go solar too.