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
Across the U.S., several states have programs that provide free solar panels for low-income households. Here's a list of what's available and who qualifies.
Written by Ben Zientara
With gas prices rising, many people wonder: Is making the switch to an expensive electric vehicle the best way to avoid pain at the pump?
Written by Ben Zientara
Waaree solar panels are now available in the United States. Are they a good choice for your home? Learn more about cost, availability, and specifications here!
Written by Ben Zientara
Michigan homeowners can now sign up for the Distributed Generation Program, in place of net metering. How do the savings compare, and is solar still worth it?
Written by Ben Zientara
Have you ever wondered what states are best for home solar? We crunched the numbers and found out.
Written by Ben Zientara
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