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

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.

Written by Ben Zientara

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

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.

Written by Ben Zientara

Tested: The best solar generators of 2024

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.

Written by Ben Zientara

Bluetti solar generators expert review: choose the right one for you

Bluetti primarily makes portable solar generators, battery backup systems, and foldable solar panels. Check out our expert review today.

Written by Ben Zientara

Should you choose a lead acid battery for solar storage?

Are lead acid batteries right for you? They may be an old technology, but the design still works well. Deep cycle lead acid batteries are a great way to store solar energy.

Written by Ben Zientara