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

Virtual power plants: How they work and how homeowners can benefit

Virtual power plants are networks of connected devices that can be selectively activated and deactivated to respond to changes in power demand on the grid.

Written by Ben Zientara

Are solar leases and PPAs making a comeback in 2023?

In this article, we discuss solar panel financing and whether solar leases and PPAs are making a comeback in 2023.

Written by Ben Zientara

Illinois renews its best solar incentive under Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

The Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program was renewed as part of Illinois' new Climate And Equitable Jobs Act. Find out what this means for solar system owners in the state

Written by Ben Zientara

Pink Energy files lawsuit against Generac, says faulty equipment led to millions in damages

In August 2022, Pink Energy (aka Power Home Solar) filed suit against Generac Power Systems. Here's a rundown of the claims and evidence.

Written by Ben Zientara

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.

Written by Ben Zientara