About Ben Zientara

Ben Zientara - Author of Solar Reviews

Ben Zientara

Solar Policy Analyst and Researcher

Ben Zientara is a writer, researcher, and solar policy analyst who has written about the residential solar industry, the electric grid, and state utility policy since 2013.

His early work included leading the team that produced the annual State Solar Power Rankings Report for the Solar Power Rocks website from 2015 to 2020. The rankings were utilized and referenced by a diverse mix of policymakers, advocacy groups, and media including The Center for American Progress, The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, the Solar Institute at George Washington University, PolitiFact, and The Guardian.

In 2020, Ben joined SolarReviews, and now lends his expertise to the annual Solar Industry Survey, Top Solar Manufacturers list, Top 10 Solar States list, and throughout articles and pages across the site.

Ben holds a B.S. in Scientific & Technical Communication from the University of Minnesota, with special coursework in Environmental Science and a minor in Sustainability Studies. He spends his time away from the solar power world cooking and eating delicious food or spending quality time with his wife, kids, and big brown dog in the mountains, woods, parks, and playgrounds of the Portland, Oregon area.

Recent articles by Ben Zientara

Tested: The top 5 solar generators of 2023

Ben Zientara

September 12, 2023

Tested: The top 5 solar generators of 2023

We tested a dozen of the top portable solar generators on the market and uncovered the 5 best options for the varying needs of different kinds of people.

Solar panel scams: 7 solar red flags and how to avoid them

Ben Zientara

September 18, 2023

Solar panel scams: 7 solar red flags and how to avoid them

Going solar can be a great way to save money and improve your home, but choosing the wrong company can lead to disaster. Here’s how to avoid solar panel scams.

The 10 best states for home solar in 2023

Ben Zientara

September 14, 2023

The 10 best states for home solar in 2023

Have you ever wondered what states are best for home solar? We crunched the numbers and found out.

How to compare solar quotes and choose the right one for you

Ben Zientara

August 28, 2023

How to compare solar quotes and choose the right one for you

Solar quotes are full of numbers and can sometimes be overwhelming. Here’s what to look for and how to compare companies to find the best one for you.

Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it

Ben Zientara

March 20, 2023

Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it

In 2023, the average monthly residential electricity bill in California is $164, which is over 20% higher than the average bill in the USA.

Is net metering still necessary in 2023?

Ben Zientara

August 21, 2023

Is net metering still necessary in 2023?

High electricity costs and smart appliances have made saving money and maximizing solar self-consumption easier than ever. Does net metering still matter?

The best solar panels for homes in 2023

Ben Zientara

May 12, 2023

The best solar panels for homes in 2023

Are you interested in solar panels for your home? Are you the kind of person that demands the best of everything and accepts no substitutes for the best in life? This article is for you.

Virtual power plants: how they work and how homeowners can benefit

Ben Zientara

July 25, 2023

Virtual power plants: how they work and how homeowners can benefit

Virtual power plants are networks of connected devices that can be selectively activated and deactivated to respond to changes in power demand on the grid.

How and why to use solar panels to charge an electric car

Ben Zientara

December 11, 2018

How and why to use solar panels to charge an electric car

Electric cars and home solar panels are a match made in heaven. Just a few panels on your roof can make all the “fuel” your electric vehicle needs - for life.