About Ben Zientara
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.
Articles by Ben Zientara
Everything you need to know about solar charge controllers, including what they are and the best ones on the market.
Written by Ben Zientara
Our expert review of Seraphim solar panels, a Tier 1 Chinese solar panel manufacturer that offers good products at decent prices.
Written by Ben Zientara
Pennsylvania's net metering program is one of the best perks of installing solar panels. But how does it work, how do you get paid, and who is eligible?
Written by Ben Zientara
This CA solar incentives calculator shows the solar incentives, rebates, or tax credits that apply in your part of California and how much they will save you.
Written by Ben Zientara
There are multiple solar incentive programs to help offset the cost of solar panels. Federal and state tax credits, rebates, and performance payment programs can help you save 30-60% or more off the initial costs to go solar.
Written by Ben Zientara
Our experts tested a dozen of the top portable solar generators on the market to find the 5 best solar generators, pros and cons, and what specs to look for.
Written by Ben Zientara