Ben Zientara

Solar Policy Analyst

Expertise:

Solar policy | Industry trends | Solar generators

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

The Best 100-watt Solar Panels: Guide to Usage and What You Can Run

SolarReviews' guide to the best 100-watt solar panels for generating enough solar power to run small appliances or recharge solar batteries.

Written by Ben Zientara

The Best 100-watt Solar Panels: Guide to Usage and What You Can Run
Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it

In 2025, the average monthly residential electricity bill in California is $186, which is over 20% higher than the average bill in the USA.

Written by Ben Zientara

Why California electricity bills are so high and what you can do about it
Enphase vs. SolarEdge: which is the best choice for your home solar system?

Learn more about Enphase and SolarEdge and which choice is best for your home solar system.

Written by Ben Zientara

Enphase vs. SolarEdge: which is the best choice for your home solar system?
How many solar batteries do you need in California?

There are many reasons you might want a solar battery in California. Choose the right one for you with this handy guide!

Written by Ben Zientara

How many solar batteries do you need in California?
S-Energy solar panels review - are they worth buying?

S-Energy is a brand known for its low-cost, high-quality solar panels. Are they the right choice for your home solar project? Find out here.

Written by Ben Zientara

S-Energy solar panels review - are they worth buying?
Enphase battery review: Cost, specifications, and availability

The Enphase IQ solar battery system can help you save money on energy and keep your home powered in an outage. Here's our word on whether it's the best solar battery available.

Written by Ben Zientara

Enphase battery review: Cost, specifications, and availability