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

National Grid ConnectedSolutions program - save money with a solar battery

Ben Zientara

November 29, 2022

National Grid ConnectedSolutions program - save money with a solar battery

Guide to ConnectSolutions for National Grid customers. Save money every year by enrolling smart thermostats, electric cars, and solar batteries in the program.

Nevada Net Metering: how to sell electricity back to the grid

Ben Zientara

November 22, 2022

Nevada Net Metering: how to sell electricity back to the grid

Under Nevada net metering, NV Energy customers can connect solar panels to the grid to earn credit for the energy they make and save a lot of money.

NEM 3.0 in California: What homeowners need to know about net metering

Ben Zientara

August 11, 2021

NEM 3.0 in California: What homeowners need to know about net metering

The California Public Utilities Commission is nearing a final decision on NEM 3.0 that would reduce compensation for excess solar energy. Read about it here.

Xcel Energy customers in Colorado can take advantage of new and revamped incentives for solar and storage

Ben Zientara

November 8, 2022

Xcel Energy customers in Colorado can take advantage of new and revamped incentives for solar and storage

Xcel Energy Colorado will provide new incentives that will help spread the benefits of clean energy to a wide range of Colorado residents. Learn more here.

Going solar with SMUD: what you need to know

Ben Zientara

November 3, 2022

Going solar with SMUD: what you need to know

Is it a good financial decision to go solar as a SMUD customer? Learn about SMUD solar programs and find out if solar panels are right for you!

How PPL Electric Utilities customers can save money with solar

Ben Zientara

October 27, 2022

How PPL Electric Utilities customers can save money with solar

If you’re like most PPL customers, you pay a lot every month for electricity. Pay yourself instead by adding solar panels to your home.

Key takeaways from RE+ 2022

Ben Zientara

September 29, 2022

Key takeaways from RE+ 2022

RE+ 2022 took place in Anaheim, CA from September 19th to the 22nd. Here’s the most important news for the solar industry from the show!

Are LG solar panels the best brand of residential solar panels?

Ben Zientara

June 18, 2018

Are LG solar panels the best brand of residential solar panels?

Although the LG solar panels have very attractive features, in the premium range of panels available on the US solar market I would suggest to stick with the soon to be US manufactured SunPower panels (currently Philippines, Mexico or China) or slightly c

Wisconsin net metering: selling electricity back to the grid

Ben Zientara

September 21, 2022

Wisconsin net metering: selling electricity back to the grid

Wisconsin’s solar net metering allows homeowners to send power back to the grid and earn credit on their electricity bills. Here’s how it works.